Aide Says Rosenworcel Seeks New Broadband Data Map
Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is "anxious" to develop new broadband data maps, said Jean Kiddoo, who will head the commission's new broadband data task force (see 2102170052), during an FCBA event Thursday. The agency has identified a vendor to…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
assist in the data collection and database for serviceable location fabric, and "it will be an FCC system," Kiddoo said. The fabric will combine all locations where fixed broadband is available and where it can be installed. "That is beneficial for everybody," said Lynn Follansbee, USTelecom vice president-policy and advocacy, because it will be a "living, breathing database" that providers and consumers can access. "This can be transformative in ways that you can't imagine," said AT&T Assistant Vice President-Federal Regulatory Mary Henze. Questions on how to file data can be sent to broadbanddatainquiries@fcc.gov. The Office of Economics and Analytics will issue a public notice announcing the initial filing deadline at least six months in advance, said Chelsea Fallon, broadband data task force chief implementation officer. Providers must have a corporate officer and qualified engineer certify accuracy. If one person is designated as both roles, one certification is needed, Fallon said. Fixed wired and satellite providers must submit polygons or lists of locations where they have service and where they could provide service within 10 business days of a request, with no charges or delays resulting from extending their network. Wireless providers must submit coverage maps for 3G, 4G LTE and 5G-NR data and voice coverage. The task force will accept third-party submissions. Those challenging a provider's availability data must include a certified submission of key information about locations and a basis for the challenge. Providers have 60 days to respond, either by agreeing within 30 days to remove a location or by resolving with the challenger. Providers responding to challenges must show availability by a preponderance of evidence. Nonconsumer challenges must show lack of availability by clear and convincing evidence. The goal is to resolve any challenges within 60 days, said Rural Broadband Auctions Task Force Deputy Chief Kirk Burgee.