FCC announces broadband data collection filing dates

Key Takeaways

On February 22, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) Program’s filing windows for broadband availability data is now open, with submission due by June 30, 2022. At that time, all facilities-based providers of fixed and mobile broadband internet access service can begin to submit broadband availability data, with the reporting due no later than September 1, 2022. Ultimately, the BDC program will help inform the distribution of funds under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) broadband programs, including the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

The BDC program, initiated by the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act,  represents the overhaul of broadband availability data collection processes that is currently being undertaken by the FCC. The BDC program will be required to collect and disseminate granular data on the availability and quality of broadband internet access service on a biannual basis. The FCC will display this data on their Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric, which is the common dataset that the FCC will use to replace their existing broadband availability maps.

In addition to the BDC program, broadband service providers will be required to continue reporting the semiannual Form 477 filing. In the coming weeks, the FCC will announce additional guidance on how they plan to authenticate local government governments that are primarily responsible for submitting broadband availability data. The FCC will also release an order establishing the technical requirements for the mobile challenge, verification and crowdsourcing processes for any mapping discrepancies that counties would like to address.

NACo will continue to closely monitor updates from the FCC in regard to the rollout of the BDC program and other pertinent updates.