The FCC is gearing up to improve its broadband data collection for both fixed and wireless services.
In a move Chairman Ajit Pai said will aid future decision-making, the Commission is planning to take up a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking at its August meeting that seeks comment on revising how – and how often – data is collected.
Specifically, the FCC is looking for feedback on proposed changes that include changing to mobile broadband and voice deployment data collection so the data more closely aligns with customer experience; collecting voice subscription data at the census tract level; and eliminating the requirement that mobile providers must submit their deployment data by spectrum band and for each technology.
The Commission is also looking for comments on revising how often providers are required to file Form 477 data.
Pai indicated improved data is needed for the Commission to make critical decisions, such as what areas to include in the Mobility Fund Phase II reverse auction.
“Many have complained to the FCC that the data that we currently collect through our Form 477 isn’t good enough to serve as the basis for that decision. I agree,” Pai wrote in a blog post. “Therefore, I am proposing to collect new and more granular data that will serve as the starting point in deciding which areas will be included in the Mobility Fund Phase II auction.”
Pai added “you can’t manage what you can’t measure,” and noted the proposed changes are meant to “improve the value of the data we collect, while also identifying and eliminating unnecessary or overly-burdensome filing requirements.”
The news is likely to be celebrated by the likes of the Competitive Carriers Association, which has pressed the FCC to revise its data collection methods.
Back in May, CCA CEO Steven Berry called on the Commission to adopt a “reliable, standardized data” collection system before it distributes the Phase II funds.
“The fastest, most effective way to close the digital divide is to ensure critical Mobility Fund II support is targeted to rural areas that need it most,” Berry commented. “It is imperative that the Commission identify these locations accurately through a robust, reliable and standardized data collection and challenge process … Regardless of the challenge process adopted, this updated data must replace the current data, and should be consistently updated, so the Commission has accurate data going forward on which to rely for all policy decisions, including those affecting distribution of MF II funds.”
The NPRM also extends to fixed services. On that front, the Commission will weigh revisions that include collecting fixed service data that specifically identifies where new customers can readily obtain service; increasing the level of granularity of Form 477 data; simplifying or cutting the collection of business, government, and enterprise data; and modifying the Form 477 to address issues unique to satellite broadband service.
The proceeding is listed under WC Docket No. 11-10.
Filed Under: Industry regulations