FCC Proposes To Release 4G LTE Mobile Speed Data To Facilitate Implementation Of Mobility Fund II Support

Previously, the Federal Communications Commission affirmed that it sought to promote the deployment of 4G LTE in all areas where it would not be offered by the private sector in the absence of universal service support. To identify those geographical areas potentially eligible for such support, the FCC decided to use 4G LTE deployment at a minimum advertised download speed benchmark of at least 5 Mbps, based on service providers’ Form 477 filings. The FCC concluded that any census block not fully covered by unsubsidized 4G LTE of at least 5 Mbps advertised download speed will encompass areas that are eligible for support in the Mobility Fund II auction. While the FCC directed its Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) to make an initial determination of eligible areas by census block based on the Form 477 filings, it also stated its intention to “provide a robust process for interested parties to challenge our list of presumptively eligible areas for MF-II support.”

To aid interested parties, and to provide additional information about the geographical areas eligible for Mobility Fund II support, the WCB and WTB propose to release minimum advertised or expected 4G LTE speed data included in the December 31, 2015, and June 30, 2016 Form 477 filings (and any subsequent Form 477 filings) to facilitate Mobility Fund II analysis. Disclosure of the minimum advertised or expected speeds associated with service providers’ 4G LTE coverage submitted in their Form 477 filings will enable a transparent process for challenges, and final determinations of areas eligible for Mobility Fund II support. Strong public interest benefits support disclosing the minimum advertised or expected 4G LTE speeds.