Shelbi Lien The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Declaratory Ruling and Limited Waiver regarding the requirement for a Certified Professional Engineer to certify Broadband Data Collection (BDC) Maps in DA 22-733. In January 2021, the FCC released the Third Report and Order providing that in addition to the corporate officer certification, each mobile and fixed service … Read more
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the BDC Production Fabric (Fabric) is available in DA 22-668. Service providers are encouraged to access their fabric and start the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) filing early. Accessing the Fabric will be different depending on your activity with the preliminary Fabric data. Download the full memo for additional information. … Read more
Affordable Connectivity Program Rules are in Effect. The ACP has significant service provider and subscriber requirements. To participate, service providers must have an accepted USAC election and subscribers must have an approved application. Approved ACP providers and subscribers must follow all program rules. Download the checklist for reminders regarding ACP Service Provider Compliance Activities and … Read more
As a follow up to the VPS April 20, 2022 Memo, the FCC has the initial production version of the Serviceable Location Fabric available and each FCC Form 477 Certifying Officer (as identified on the June 30, 2021 477 filing) should have received an email from nbfsupport@costquest.com or support@costquest.zendesk.com with instructions on how to register … Read more
Public Notice released April 14, 2022. Vantage Point released a Memo on March 15, 2022, providing information on the new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Broadband Data Collection (BDC) that will be due semi-annually September 1 and March 1. All facilities-based providers of fixed and mobile broadband internet access service must submit their first BDC filing … Read more
Effective April 4, 2022, the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is no longer being used to identify entities registered in the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) System for Award Management (SAM). Instead, entities will be assigned a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) that is generated directly in SAM.gov. All Federal Communications Commission (FCC) programs that … Read more
All broadband providers must file by May 5, 2022. The Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 established the requirement for providers of Advanced Communications Services to report and certify annually information regarding purchasing, renting or leasing any equipment from the FCC’s covered list of equipment or services that are deemed to pose a … Read more
Data Specifications for Biannual Submission. On March 4, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a guide for the Data Specifications for the Biannual Submission of Subscription, Availability, and Supporting Data for the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) Filing. All facilities-based providers of fixed and mobile broadband internet access service must submit a biannual Broadband Data … Read more
Note from Tammie Herrlein, Vantage Point’s ACP Leader: There is a new field being required for service providers in NLAD. For all historical clients, service providers will be required to manually update each subscriber by using the batch template or by editing each subscriber individually. Download the notice for additional detail. ACP NLAD System Update … Read more
Unassigned 2.5GHz Spectrum On March 21, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an updated Public Notice, FCC 22-24, in which the FCC announced the procedures, deadlines, minimum opening bid amounts and the adopted inventory for the upcoming unassigned 2.5GHz spectrum auction, Auction 108, which is scheduled to begin on July 29, 2022. Important Dates … Read more
Including date for inaugural Broadband Data Collection Filing. On February 22, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice announcing the inaugural Broadband Data Collection (BDC) Filing dates for the long-awaited Digital Opportunity Data Collection that the FCC will use to establish a nationwide broadband map. All fixed and mobile broadband providers of … Read more
Extended Relief for Performance Testing Granted On January 3, 2022, the FCC released an Order granting extended relief to carriers subject to the FCC’s performance testing requirements. The relief applies to all carriers, both those in testing and pre-testing environments, and allows for them to test to 70% of their required USAC selected random locations … Read more
FCC Provides Guidance Regarding Transition to the Affordable Connectivity Program. On December 8, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued Order DA 21-1524 regarding the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) transition to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Order waived some provisions in sections of the Consolidated Appropriations Act rules regarding the EBB and further clarified … Read more
FCC Transitioning EBB Program to Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) The Infrastructure and Jobs Act (Infrastructure Act), signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021, established the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP’s funding of $14.2 Billion will modify and extend the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) effective December 31, 2021. This funding will help struggling … Read more
$65 Billion Dollars for Broadband Deployment to Unserved and Underserved Areas On November 15, 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (” IIJA” or “Infrastructure Bill”) was signed into law. The majority of the $65 Billion appropriated for broadband deployment will be administered through the newly formed Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (“BEAD”), which … Read more
FCC Form 477 Census Data Update. The FCC has announced that upcoming FCC Form 477 reporting will soon be based off 2020 Census Geography Codes. All FCC Form 477 reporting that includes data as of December 31, 2021, (Form due March 1, 2022) will be based off the updated 2020 Census Geography Codes. Any revisions … Read more
Reassigned Numbers Database Reminder Due October 15, 2021, for Small Business Providers. Summary The FCC released a Public Notice on February 8, 2021, announcing the compliance date for service providers to report information to the Reassigned Numbers Database. As of April 15, 2021, and on the 15th each month thereafter, service providers must report permanently … Read more
FCC Announces Updated Lifeline Minimum Standards Recent updates and clarifications regarding Tribal Lifeline have been added. Summary The FCC released a Public Notice on July 30, 2021, announcing the new Lifeline Minimum Standards that will take effective on December 1, 2021. If the subscriber is receiving a bundled service, the Lifeline benefit must be applied … Read more
Vantage Point congratulates Russell Elliott for his new role at Siskiyou Telephone, where he will succeed Jim Lowers as CEO. We are pleased to have assisted Siskiyou with their search for this top executive and proudly share the full announcement below. For more information about Vantage Point’s Executive Placement services, click here. Siskiyou Telephone Announces … Read more
FCC Announces Census Blocks Eligible for Continued Voice-Only Lifeline Support Summary In the 2016 Lifeline Reform Order, the FCC began the transition to phase out the Lifeline support for voice-only services in an attempt to shift the focus of Lifeline benefits toward broadband services. The transition for voice-only supported services are: The FCC provided an … Read more
