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Client Advisory: FCC Implements New Processes for Collecting Broadband Deployment Data; Overhauls Form 477
6 Aug, 2019
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Thursday adopted a Report and Order and Second Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“Order & NPRM”) aimed at improving the accuracy of broadband data it currently collects biannually via the Form 477. The actions summarized herein are the results of a voluminous rulemaking proceeding that the FCC commenced after determining that its current broadband data collection methodology is outdated. The crux of the Order is threefold: (1) establishment of the Digital Opportunity Data Collection (“DODC”) requiring fixed service suppliers to provide geospatial broadband coverage maps pinpointing exactly where they provide service; (2) allowing public input on the accuracy of the providers’ geospatial maps; and (3) revising the FCC Form 477 to eliminate certain reporting requirements the FCC has deemed outdated, as well as adding new reporting requirements. In the NPRM, the FCC seeks comment on: (1) additional technical standards to which fixed service suppliers must adhere in submitting DODC information; (2) collection of more coverage data from mobile wireless voice and broadband suppliers for their transition to DODC; and (3) discontinuation of the Form 477 following full implementation of the DODC. A copy of the draft Order & NPRM is
here. The official document will be released shortly. We will provide an update when that occurs, as well as listing the corresponding effective dates and deadlines for compliance and comments on the NPRM when available.
Digital Opportunity Data Collection The FCC’s most substantial data reporting change is the creation of the DODC, which will require all fixed service providers to submit broadband coverage polygon-based maps showing the specific areas where their broadband-capable networks actually exist and make fixed broadband service available to end-user locations. For DODC purposes, the term “fixed service providers” refers to facilities-based wireline providers (including ILECS, CLECS and cable TV system operators), fixed terrestrial wireless providers, and satellite carriers providing fixed broadband connections to end-users. The DODC filings will be accomplished
via a special portal that will be developed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”), which will oversee the new filing processes. Until this portal is developed, and other filing processes are accomplished, the current Form 477 (amended as discussed below) will remain in effect. The FCC will require the following information to be included in DODC filings:
- Maximum download and upload speeds actually made available in each area, the technology used to provide the service, and differentiation between residential-only, business-only, and combination broadband services.
- Broadband coverage polygon map for each combination of download and upload speeds, and technology. Separate polygon maps must be filed where providers offer different maximum speeds, even if using the same network.
- The FCC defines “available service” in areas wherein the provider has a current broadband connection or could provide same within ten days of customer request “without an extraordinary commitment of resources or construction costs exceeding an ordinary service activation fee.” This extends to every end-user location contained in the filed polygon maps. This definition must be followed closely by all filers.
- Providers’ minimum advertised or expected speed data for mobile broadband services will no longer be eligible for confidentiality.
- Provider-specific coverage data will be made publically available; filers will no longer be permitted to submit request for confidentiality regarding this data. The FCC will publish nationwide, provider-specific coverage maps, including minimum advertised or public speed data.
- Mobile facilities-based providers will no longer be required to submit separate coverage maps depicting their broadband coverage areas for each transmission technology and each frequency band.
- Providers must report 5G technology deployments as part of their Form 477 filings. This means that filers will need to become familiar with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project’s (“3GPP”) Release 15 and be prepared to submit 5G deployment data that meets the specifications of same, and any subsequent reports adopted by the FCC for this purpose.
- The nine mobile broadband technology codes are eliminated, and replaced with four more comprehensive codes: (1) 5G-NR (New Radio); (2) LTE; (3) CDMA-based; and (4) GSM-based.
- The requirement that mobile voice data be submitted by spectrum band is eliminated.
- Providers are required to submit broadband and voice subscriber data at the census-tract level, based on the subscriber’s place of primary uses.
- Census-tract level mobile retail availability data will no longer be collected. This affects facilities-based mobile broadband providers which had to submit a list of census tracts in which they advertise their services and in which the services are available to actual and potential subscribers.
- Fixed service providers offering business/enterprise/government services are no longer required to report the maximum downstream and upstream contractual of guaranteed data throughput rate available in each reported census block.
