Approved Data Collection NPRM Adds Multiple Questions
Beyond just new deployments, fixed broadband providers also have to report upgrades or discontinuances of existing offerings or the sale of existing broadband-capable network facilities within six months, said the final broadband mapping order adopted last week by the FCC…
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(see 1908010007) and released Tuesday. But that language wasn't in the draft, according to our analysis. The draft order said the agency would leave Form 477 in place, subject to some modifications, but the final order elaborates on that, with the agency saying its deployment data will still be "a useful reference point." The Second Further NPRM adopted with the Digital Opportunity Data Collection order also elaborates on questions to be asked about fixed wired deployment reporting. The final order adds a question about measures and methods for ensuring data interoperability and needing the least amount of post processing. It also asks whether providers should be sanctioned for submitting inaccurate data without clear evidence the provider intentionally did so, and how to handle situations in which the filer is unintentionally negligent in submitting inaccurate data. The adopted NPRM adds questions about digital opportunity maps and datasets being used for other universal service programs such as E-rate and Rural Health Care. On crowdsourced data, the NPRM now asks about the appropriate time period "if any" for fixed providers to respond to a complaint. The adopted NPRM also raises the idea of the FCC establishing standards and processes for resolving disputes between providers and stakeholders about whether service actually is available at a given location. The notice also suggests possible enforcement actions for pervasive reporting errors, bad faith or refusal to refile a coverage polygon found to contain inaccurate information. It adds questions about whether creating a location-based database should be done in parallel with establishing an online portal for the FCC's polygon-based approach, and whether fixed providers not accepting universal service support shouldn't have to disclose individual location information since that could be considered competitively sensitive. It also asks about how best to assign prepaid and reseller subscribers to a particular census tract.