Federal Communications Commission
Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric is Available
The Federal Communications Commission's Broadband Data Task Force (Task Force), Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB), and Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA) announce that the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric (Fabric) that will be used for the inaugural Broadband Data Collection (BDC) is now available for broadband service providers and governmental entities to access. Broadband availability data as of June 30, 2022 can be submitted in the BDC beginning on June 30, 2022, and initial filings are due no later than September 1, 2022.
FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for July 14 Open Meeting
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the July Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 14, 2022:
Comment Period Set as FCC Seeks Comment on National Lifeline Association Petition
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on a petition filed by the National Lifeline Association (NaLA) seeking clarification of the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) and Enforcement Bureau (EB) Chiefs’ authority to suspend a participating provider’s Affordable Connectivity Program enrollments and hold a participating provider’s funding based on the “adequate evidence” standard , or in the alternative, reconsideration of the removal rule (47 C.F.R. § 54.1801(e)(2)).
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Provides an Update on the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act
On June 15, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel sent Sen Maria Cantwell (D-WA) a letter providing an update on the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. "Congress charged the Federal Communications Commission with developing a Reimbursement Program to assist with the removal, replacement, and disposal of equipment that could pose a risk to the security of our nation’s communications networks," said Rosenworcel.
All Facilities-Based Broadband Internet Access Service Providers Must Timely File Complete and Accurate Data in the Broadband Data Collection by Sept 1
The Federal Communications Commission reminds all facilities-based providers of fixed or mobile broadband internet access service of their duty to timely file complete and accurate data in the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) on a biannual basis. Providers may begin submitting their data on June 30, 2022, and must complete their submissions no later than September 1, 2022.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel Proposes Improvements To Wireless Communications During Disasters
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared with her colleagues new draft rules to improve the reliability and resiliency of wireless networks during emergencies. If adopted by a vote of the full FCC, the rules would help reduce wireless phone outages for the public and support faster service restoration after hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters. In September 2021, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to improve communications during disasters.
Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Support Authorized for 513 Winning Bids
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB), in conjunction with the Rural Broadband Auctions Task Force (RBATF) and the Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA), authorizes Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (Auction 904) support for 513 winning bids in Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, Idaho, Louisiana, Colorado, New Hampshire, Vermont, Missouri, Minnesota, California, Oregon, Indiana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Wyoming, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Northern Mariana Islands.
FCC Addresses Petitions for Waiver of Affordable Connectivity Program Non-Usage Rules
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) addresses the petitions of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) and AT&T Services Inc. (AT&T) for limited waivers of the FCC’s non-usage rules applicable to Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) subscribers who receive free-to-the-end-user service.
FCC announces that the proposed universal service contribution factor for the third quarter of 2022 will be 33.0 percent
The Federal Communications Commission's Office of Managing Director (OMD) announced that the proposed universal service contribution factor for the third quarter of 2022 will be 0.330 or 33.0 percent. Total revenues required for the quarter are estimated to be $2.03631 billion. The industry's projected revenues are expected to be $8.285056 billion.