FCC Adds More Than 20 Questions to Broadband Data FNPRM
The FCC added more than 20 questions to a further NPRM on its broadband data collection (BDC), approved 3-0 last week as part of a broader BDC item (see 2605200047). The agency posted the order and FNPRM Thursday, including two new paragraphs examining mobile wireless issues.
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The final FNPRM now seeks to refresh the record “on whether a mobile provider can demonstrate coverage availability in a Removed Location or Area using on-the-ground speed tests.” It asks if there are “other types of data specific to the provision of mobile broadband that should be accepted as evidence demonstrating service availability in the restoration process.”
The FNPRM also now asks, “Would any of these data be useful in the restoration process? How should the Commission ensure that any other data submitted to restore mobile areas are standardized to allow for an apples-to-apples comparison with BDC availability data?”
In addition, the FCC added paragraphs addressing the process for challenging the data it collects. “Are the fixed challenge processes themselves sufficiently well-known and clear, including in the case of consumer challenges?” the final version asks. “Is there more that could be done to encourage awareness of these processes, particularly for consumers?”
Other questions seek input on how the FCC can improve the process for challenging its broadband serviceable location fabric, which is a dataset of all locations in the U.S. and its territories where fixed broadband access service is or could be installed. The FCC allows bulk challenges to the fabric to identify missing and incorrect locations.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Olivia Trusty filed statements as well, which were attached to the item.