When will we know more regarding BEAD funds? How long until applications will open? What can providers DO right now? Nathan Weber, PE, answers these questions and more. To paraphrase: BEAD isn’t a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity – It’s more like a “ONCE” opportunity. Here’s his guidance on making the most of it. The Countdown Begins: Six … Read more
The FCC released an Order on March 17, 2023 designed to bolster the existing STIR/SHAKEN and Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) and Robocall Mitigation Program requirements. The new requirements will affect ALL voice providers. If VPS assisted with your initial Robocall Mitigation Database/Program filing, we will reach out to you directly via email as things progress … Read more
Vantage Point has recently fielded a number of questions from RDOF winners about what needs to be filed and when. For more detailed information, or guidance specific to your situation, please reach out to the Vantage Point staff members listed below. Troy Eilts – email Courtney Spears – email Tammie Herrlein – email
Can unlicensed wireless solve the digital divide? A recent White Paper for the Fiber Broadband Association finds the answer is a resounding “No.” Written by Larry Thompson, PE, CEO of Vantage Point Solutions, the paper discusses the capabilities needed to meet broadband needs today and in the future and both the physics and economics of … Read more
Application window opened March 20, 2023 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released the highly anticipated details for the Community Connect Grant Program. The Community Connect Program will provide up to $79M in grant funding to construct broadband networks that provide service on a community-oriented connectivity basis in rural areas. This program was … Read more
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 threat to national security interests. All providers of Advanced … Read more
With the small provider two-year extension coming to an end June 30, 2023, it is important that you analyze your network as soon as possible to identify and implement STIR/SHAKEN on all IP portions of your network. STIR/SHAKEN implementation can take a minimum of 90+ days. Depending on your STIR/SHAKEN solution, a TOKEN may be … Read more
On March 6, 2023, the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) published a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for an initial round of grants for Broadband Infrastructure Projects in Texas. The funding is being made available through the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) program. This first round of funding will provide up to $120 million … Read more
Carriers receiving modernized Connect America Fund (CAF) support must file High-Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) deployment data via USAC’s HUBB portal by March 1, 2023. Failure to report deployment locations may result in funding being withheld. Here are the steps your company needs to complete to remain in compliance: Download the full memo for additional information … Read more
Public Notice released on January 25, 2023. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Fabric challenges submitted before March 15, 2023, should be included in the June 2023 Fabric. Additional information is available in the Public Notice. The Broadband Data Task Force recommends all new Fabric challenges to be submitted are derived from version 2 of … Read more
The FCC Form 477 Sunset Order was published in the Federal Register on December 16, 2022. No further FCC Form 477 filings will be required. The Commission will continue to collect broadband and voice subscription data, but filers will submit the data through the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) portal. On December 9, 2022, the Federal … Read more
Carriers participating in the listing of programs below are required to log into the USAC Performance Measures Module (PMM) via the USAC E-File site at Universal Service Administrative Company and obtain new random samples for speed and latency testing. New sample locations MUST be obtained and used beginning first quarter 2023 and continuing for the … Read more
FCC seeks further comments; Upcoming OMB approval will start compliance countdown. With Friday’s publication in the Federal Register of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (the Order), the cycle for further comments on additional information to be included on the broadband label begins. Importantly, Internet service … Read more
FCC Order released December 9, 2023. On December 9, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order announcing the sunset of the FCC Form 477 effective immediately upon publication of the Order in the Federal Register. The FCC will continue to collect broadband and voice subscription data, but it will be collected via the … Read more
Data Collection requirements identified by FCC. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) released the Fourth Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making identifying the ACP Transparency Data Collection rules as required by Congress. All service providers participating in the ACP with enrolled subscribers will be required to participate. The information collected will be … Read more
Recent updates and reminders for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) transitioned to the ACP in January 2022. Since inception, the program has enrolled over 14.9 million households. Unfortunately, there is still a digital divide and gap between those who are eligible and those receiving the benefit. To ensure those eligible … Read more
ISPs Required to Display Broadband “Nutrition” Labels. In the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Report and Order dated November 17, 2022, the FCC adopts rules requiring broadband Internet service providers (“ISPs”) to display certain information regarding their Internet access service plans. In 2021, President Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (the “Act”) … Read more
The pre-production draft of the new broadband map will be available on November 18, 2022. On November 18th, the FCC will be making available the pre-production draft broadband map (Broadband Map) depicting Broadband Serviceable Location (BSL) availability as of June 30, 2022. The availability information will reflect the maximum advertised download and upload speeds available … Read more
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started to release Public Notice Filings (PNFs) on the recently submitted ReConnect Round 4 applications. As in previous ReConnect Funding Rounds, once a PNF is released, there is a 45-day response window allowing broadband providers the opportunity to challenge Proposed Funded Service Areas (PFSA) of an individual … Read more
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the pre-production draft of the new broadband map will be available on November 18, 2022. Additional information is available in the News Release. The pre-production map is the first release of the map required by the Broadband DATA Act. The broadband availability will be based on data submitted by … Read more
