The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) extended the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) Professional Engineer (PE) certification waiver, with conditions. In 2020, Congress passed the Broadband DATA Act, which required the FCC to adopt rules for a biannual data collection relating to the availability and quality of broadband Internet access service. This data collection effort and resulting…
Continue ReadingOn November 29, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice providing guidance to High-Cost support recipients regarding their obligations to collaborate with states and Tribal governments to avoid duplication with Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding. High-Cost support includes Enhanced A-CAM, RDOF, CAF Phase II Auction, Bringing Puerto Rico Together…
Continue ReadingCompliance dates for rules implementing Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act announced. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) announced compliance dates for the Broadband Label Order. The rules require Broadband Internet Access Service (BIAS) providers to display, at the point of sale, labels that disclose certain information about broadband prices, introductory rates, data allowances, broadband…
Continue Reading50% threshold met. Program going forward. On October 4, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice announcing the carriers that accepted Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) support. Contained in the Public Notice was a link to a list of those carriers. The FCC also noted that based on the election…
Continue ReadingOn July 24, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its Enhanced A-CAM Order giving legacy high-cost support recipients and current A-CAM I & II recipients the ability to accept the 15-year Enhanced A-CAM offer to provide 100/20 Mbps broadband service to unserved and underserved locations. Carriers must elect whether to accept the Enhanced A-CAM…
Continue ReadingThe FCC released a Public Notice on July 21, 2023 announcing the new Lifeline Minimum Standards that will take effect on December 1, 2024. Fixed Broadband – 25M/3M with 1280 GB of usage per month (speed remained unchanged, data usage increased) Exception Reminder – If 25M/3M is unavailable at the subscriber’s location, the Lifeline benefit…
Continue ReadingYesterday the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its Report and Order, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Notice of Inquiry (Order) extending the Alternative Connect America Model (A-CAM) program support for fifteen (15) years in exchange for the provision of broadband service to 100% of the eligible locations at speeds of 100/20 Mbps. It is a…
Continue ReadingThe FCC released an Order on July 7, 2023, hitting the pause button on, (1) the support phase-out of Lifeline voice services, and (2) the data capacity increase for mobile broadband, for an additional year. As a result of the pause, the basic lifeline benefit will remain at $5.25 for eligible voice-only service and the…
Continue ReadingThe National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the state funding allocations for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program yesterday. Additional information is available in the Press Release. The funding is being distributed based on BEAD requirements and the number of unserved and underserved locations as determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)…
Continue ReadingThe Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is to eliminate Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost support to Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) in areas where an unsubsidized competitor is currently providing service. This applies to programs such as A-CAM, CAF-BLS, and The Alaska Plan-Phase 1. The current definition of unsubsidized competitor is “a facilities-based provider of residential fixed…
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