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 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
FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Preparedness Guide Preparing for program launch. Summary The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) will launch enrollment on May 12, 2021. Get ready to educate and enroll subscribers in the time limited program. To participate in the program and receive reimbursement for an EBB customer credit, a … Read more
STIR/SHAKEN – Originating Robocall Mitigation Database Announced Action required for all voice service providers. Summary The FCC released a Public Notice on April 20, 2021, announcing the opening of the Robocall Mitigation Database and providing filing instructions along with confirmation of the Robocall Mitigation Program filing deadline of June 30, 2021. Note that action is … Read more
Next Step for Transition of 8YY End Office Access Charges Cap on Joint Tandem Switched Transport and Transition Database Query Charges. Summary On October 9, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Report and Order relating to 8YY Access Charge Reform. The Report and Order announced a transition of 8YY originating end office access … Read more
Bureau Announces CAF II Eligible Locations Adjustment Process (ELAP) Filing Window Public Notice released March 16, 2021. Summary On March 16, 2021, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) released the Public Notice, DA 21-319, announcing the opening of the CAF Phase II Auction Eligible Locations Adjustment Process (ELAP) filing window for CAF Phase II auction recipients. … Read more
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Update Public Notice released March 4, 2021. Summary The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously adopted an Order on February 25th establishing the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB). The $3.2 Billion appropriated by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 will lower high-speed Internet costs for eligible households during the COVID-19 … Read more
FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Overview of FCC Report and Order. Summary The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously adopted an Order on February 25th establishing the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB). The $3.2 Billion appropriated by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 will lower high-speed Internet costs for eligible households during the COVID-19 … Read more
FCC Seeks Outreach Partners for Emergency Broadband Benefit Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the FCC is seeking outreach partners to help share information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit – an FCC program developed to provide relief to households that are struggling to pay for Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FCC … Read more
STIR/SHAKEN – Originating Robocall Mitigation Plan Services Summary STIR/SHAKEN requirements were initially slated to go into effect June 30, 2021. However, voice providers with fewer than 100,000 access lines were granted an automatic extension until June 30, 2023, to implement STIR/SHAKEN on the IP portions of their network. Note that action is still required to … Read more
Reassigned Numbers Database FCC Public Notice released on February 8, 2021. 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. Beginning April 15, 2021, and on the 15th of each month thereafter, service providers must report permanently disconnected … Read more
Reassigned Numbers Database Update Summary The FCC released a Public Notice on January 15, 2021. The Reassigned Numbers Database administrator, SomosGov, Inc., has been selected and reporting processes have been outlined for all carriers that receive numbering resources directly from the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). If you recall, the FCC released an Order on … Read more
HUBB Filing Carriers must file by March 1, 2021. Summary A reminder that all carriers participating in modernized Connect America Fund (CAF) programs must file High-Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) deployment data via USAC’s HUBB portal by March 1, 2021. Below are the programs and the reporting timeframes: Download the full memo for additional detail. VPS … Read more
Caller ID Authentication Second Report & Order Also known as STIR/SHAKEN. Summary The FCC released its Second Report and Order on caller ID authentication requirements also known as STIR/SHAKEN on October 1, 2020. A few of the Order highlights are the extension of the STIR/SHAKEN implementation deadline from June 30, 2021, to June 30, 2023, … Read more
8YY Access Charge Reform Transition of 8YY Access Charges & Caps on Tandem Switched Transport & Database Query Charges. Summary On October 9, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) released a Report and Order relating to 8YY Access Charge Reform. The Report and Order announced a transition of 8YY originating end office access charges to … Read more
