FCC Releases Revised Broadband Data Form

On Monday, the Federal Communications Commission released its revised form for collecting data about broadband connections and phone service, and extended its deadline for filing the forms from March 2 to March 16. The data will help the FCC map broadband deployment. It is has been under pressure both in-house and from Congress to collect better data on broadband deployment and speeds. That pressure will likely be ramped up due to the economic stimulus package, which requires the FCC within a year to come up with a master plan for connecting everyone in the country to the Internet. The American Cable Association, which had asked for an extension, was pleased with the additional time. ACA, which represents mid-sized and smaller operators, had wanted a 120-day extension, but the FCC said it did not think the revised form represented a hardship for smaller files, or that they needed several weeks after they saw the form to file accurate data (though it has given them three-and-a-half weeks.) The FCC also invoked the need for speed on gauging broadband buildouts, saying, "the public interest is better served by adhering as closely as possible to the March 2 deadline. Data collected by this agency will enable policymakers and industry to better understand where broadband is deployed so that they may make timely decisions as to how to promote further deployment," the FCC said.