The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) directed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to “adopt final rules to facilitate equal access to broadband Internet access service, taking into account the issues of technical and economic feasibility presented by that objective, including – (1) preventing digital discrimination of access based on income level, race, ethnicity, … Read more
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the state funding allocations for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program yesterday. Additional information is available in the Press Release. The funding is being distributed based on BEAD requirements and the number of unserved and underserved locations as determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) … Read more
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is to eliminate Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost support to Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) in areas where an unsubsidized competitor is currently providing service. This applies to programs such as A-CAM, CAF-BLS, and The Alaska Plan-Phase 1. The current definition of unsubsidized competitor is “a facilities-based provider of residential fixed … Read more
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) performance testing start date is January 1, 2025. Additional information is available in the Public Notice. The FCC adopted a uniform framework of performance measures requirements in the Performance Measures Orders, back in December 2020. This requires recipients of high-cost universal service support … Read more
The FCC released a 7th Report & Order on May 19, 2023 in an effort to continue combatting illegal and unwanted robocalls. The FCC begins this phase of the effort by extending to other voice service providers several requirements currently in place for Gateway providers. Download the full memo for additional information on 24-Hour Traceback, … Read more
On May 16, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released DA 23-416, a Public Notice announcing that the biennial recertifications of Study Area Boundary (SAB) data are due no later than June 30, 2023. According to the FCC’s Study Area Boundary Order, incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) and state commissions that have voluntarily agreed to … 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
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
