New High-Speed Internet Oversight Tool to Ensure Transparency for the American Taxpayer and Consumer

Posted October 6, 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has partnered with the Department of Commerce OIG and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) OIG on an enhanced version of the interactive Broadband Data Stroll, making it easier for the general public to navigate through the continually evolving national broadband landscape and related federally funded programs.

“USDA OIG is excited to collaborate with our OIG partners on this third iteration of our broadband funding oversight tool,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “Through this latest version of the ‘Broadband Data Stroll,’ we continue our oversight work using data analytics and mapping tools. With the rapid shifts in technology and the increase of broadband infrastructure throughout the nation, it is important to analyze and assess federal funding and support of these programs to ensure accountability and transparency for the American taxpayer and consumer.”

Access to high-speed internet is critical to our nation’s economic growth, technological innovation, and workforce advancement, especially for those in rural areas.

FCC Inspector General Fara Damelin said, “I am proud of our data analytics teams for their partnership in developing this enhanced version of the Broadband Data Stroll. I am particularly excited that this new version offers an unprecedented level of transparency into federal broadband funding efforts for our stakeholders.  The public can use the product to track broadband availability progress in their local communities.  We look forward to using this tool to identify opportunities for joint OIG oversight.”

“The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has made progress with its broadband grant programs,” said Duane Townsend, Performing the Duties of Commerce Inspector General. “The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program (BEAD) is now underway, disbursing tens of billions of federal dollars to improve access to high-speed internet. The Broadband Data Stroll, along with the analytics behind it, empowers OIGs to conduct data-driven oversight that detects, and potentially prevents, the misuse of funds and ensures NTIA’s grants provide the best value to the American taxpayer.”

The third version of the Broadband Data Stroll, which also includes data from the Department of the Treasury, features a variety of advancements, including:

  • Improved user experience: Browse a streamlined layout for easier access to maps and data
  • Updated awards data: Stroll through hundreds of millions of data points reflecting more than $111 billion in federal investments
  • New map views and tools: Review changes in broadband availability over time and compare awards across agencies in the same geographic area
  • Explore by location: Zero in on broadband serviceable locations across the country as well as areas lacking adequate terrestrial-based service

The easy-to-navigate tools in the updated data stroll also enhance transparency into federal funding associated with broadband programs.

The Broadband Data Stroll, Version 3, including a tutorial video, is available on the USDA OIG website.

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