FCC Sunsets Form 477 Broadband Data Collection

In this Order, the Federal Communications Commission takes another step in its efforts to implement the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) and modernize the FCC Form 477 data program. Consistent with the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act (the Broadband DATA Act or the Act) and the Third Report and Order, the FCC sunsets the collection of broadband deployment data through FCC Form 477 effective upon publication of this Order in the Federal Register. The FCC will continue to collect broadband and voice subscription data using the FCC Form 477, but filers will submit their data through the BDC system. The FCC also delegates authority to various staff to take other actions related to the collection and use of FCC Form 477 data: 

• The FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and the Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA) will provide instructions to mobile providers that participate in the Alaska Plan on how to submit coverage data after the sunsetting of the Form 477 broadband deployment data collection, including whether to use the BDC filing system for submission of data currently submitted using the Form 477 filing system that are specific to Alaska.
• The Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) will provide instructions to providers that participate in either the Bringing Puerto Rico Together Fund or the Connect USVI Fund on how to submit coverage data that are specific to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to comply with the requirements of those funding mechanisms. 
• For Business Data Services (BDS, also formerly known as Special Access services), the WCB and OEA now have the authority to conduct a rulemaking to determine the best way to implement the required competitive market tests using BDC instead of Form 477 data.
• The WCB has authority to develop broadband deployment obligations for Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support recipients. 
• The FCC also delegates additional responsibilities to WCB, WTB, the International Bureau (IB), and OEA as may be necessary related to the collection and use of Form 477 deployment data for other similar such uses and purposes within the FCC.