1. Monthly archive
  2. September 2016

September 2016

Tech groups file court brief opposing internet transition suit

Fourteen organizations filed a court brief voicing opposition to a lawsuit intended to block the transition of internet domain oversight from the US to an international governing body. The Internet Association — an advocacy group backed by Google and Facebook — and Mozilla were among the groups that filed the brief.

They are opposing a lawsuit from four Republican state attorneys general who want to keep the U.S. from turning over functions of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to a group representing 162 countries. “The case before the Court is without merit and we request that the Court deny any motions seeking a delay of the IANA transition,” said Michael Beckerman, president and CEO of the Internet Association. “We are confident the transition will keep the internet safe, secure, reliable, and resilient.” A source familiar with the matter expects a decision before midnight Sept 30. Unless US District Judge George Hanks Jr. rules to grant a restraining order before then, the transition is set to start Oct 1.

Mobility Fund II: Improving the Data We Use to Identify & Close Mobile Coverage Gaps

The Universal Service Fund/ Intercarrier Compensation Transformation Order set the course for the comprehensive modernization of universal service for the 21st century. In so doing, the Federal Communications Commission set an ambitious goal of universal broadband and advanced mobile coverage. As part of the Connect America Fund, the FCC created the Mobility Fund, a universal service support mechanism dedicated exclusively to mobile services.

Phase I of the Mobility Fund provided one-time support to accelerate our nation's ongoing efforts to close gaps in mobile wireless service. In order for the Mobility Fund to improve coverage in these areas for current-generation or better mobile voice and broadband services, the FCC needs detailed coverage data both to identify areas that lack mobile voice and broadband service and to avoid spending limited resources on support in areas where an unsubsidized provider is already offering service. Today, we are excited to announce improved analysis of coverage data, giving the FCC the ability to take the next steps toward closing the coverage gap in rural America through Mobility Fund Phase II. This is due, in large part, to our access to more reliable data from provider-filed Forms 477. Twice a year, mobile broadband and voice providers must submit shapefiles showing their network coverage areas and certify the accuracy of their submissions. These shapefiles depict the areas where providers have reported that consumers should expect the minimum speeds associated with 4G LTE or other network technologies. There is no better mobile coverage data available today.

This new and improved data is a major step forward over the data analyzed in the Mobility Fund Phase I auction, called the “centroid method.”

FCC Provides Guidance Regarding Designation as a Lifeline Broadband Provider and Lifeline Broadband Minimum Service Standards

In this Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau provides guidance to entities seeking designation as Lifeline Broadband Providers for the purpose of receiving reimbursement through the Lifeline program for qualifying broadband Internet access service (BIAS) provided to eligible low-income consumers.

The Bureau also provides additional guidance regarding the implementation of the FCC’s minimum service standards for Lifeline-supported BIAS, which is applicable to Lifeline Broadband Providers (LBPs) and also other eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) seeking Lifeline reimbursement for BIAS provided to qualifying low-income consumers. LBPs will be designated by the Wireline Competition Bureau, and may qualify for a streamlined designation process, designed to encourage broader provider participation and competition in the program while protecting consumers and the integrity of the Universal Service Fund (Fund). All petitions for LBP designation must be sent to the Bureau.

FCC Releases Data on Mobile Broadband Deployment as of December 31, 2015 Collected Through FCC Form 477

The Federal Communications Commission released data on mobile broadband deployment as of December 31, 2015. These data were collected through FCC Form 477 and are available on the FCC’s Broadband Deployment Data – FCC Form 477. This marks the FCC’s second release of mobile broadband deployment data collected through Form 477. On November 10, 2015, the FCC released mobile broadband deployment data as of December 31, 2014. Coverage area maps showing mobile broadband network deployment for each combination of provider and network technology are also available for download. These data are available in shapefiles, a file format used to store, depict, and analyze geospatial data.

© 1994-2024 Benton Institute for Broadband & Society. All Rights Reserved.