Although the FCC did not name the carrier found guilty, its testing was sparked by a complaint filed against Verizon, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the US.
In August, the Rural Wireless Association (RWA) – which represents small rural wireless carriers – filed a complaint against Verizon, claiming that the telecommunications company had “grossly overstated” its 4G coverage in government filings. Verizon and other companies had been requested to file maps and data laying out their 4G coverage in 2017. According to the RWA, Verizon’s filings were inaccurate and could block smaller companies from gaining support from the $4.5bn (£3.6bn) public Mobility Fund to subsidise the expansion of rural wireless coverage over the next decade.
The RWA had submitted speed test results to the FCC, which demonstrated that Verizon had not provided 4G in the areas that the company had claimed to cover. The RWA alleges that while Verizon claims to cover...