The FCC’s Broadband Data Collection (BDC) filing is due on September 1st.
The BDC program is the FCC’s primary method for collecting broadband availability data used to create the National Broadband Map and support broadband policy, funding, and deployment initiatives.
Because the FCC relies heavily on this information, providers should expect continued scrutiny of the accuracy and completeness of all BDC filings.
Providers should be mindful that preparing a Broadband Data Collection filing can be labor-intensive. Voice subscription data, broadband availability data, supporting location information, and technology-specific deployment data should be carefully reviewed prior to submission. To ensure timely filing and allow adequate time for validation, we recommend submitting all required information to our firm at least one week before the FCC filing deadline.
Providers Required to File
The FCC’s Broadband Data Collection (BDC) program requires certain communications providers to submit broadband availability and voice subscription data twice each year. Depending on the services offered, a provider may be required to file broadband data, voice subscription data, or both.
Providers should carefully review the FCC’s reporting requirements to determine which portions of the BDC filing apply to their operations.
Voice Providers
Certain voice service providers are required to submit voice subscription data through the Broadband Data Collection system. This includes providers of interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, providers of local exchange telephone service, and facilities-based providers of mobile voice service. These providers must report subscriber information and other voice service data as required by the FCC. Providers offering both broadband and voice services may have reporting obligations under both sections of the Broadband Data Collection program.
Providers that offer services through resale arrangements generally should evaluate their reporting obligations carefully. While pure resellers of broadband service typically are not responsible for reporting broadband availability, they may still have voice reporting obligations depending on the services they provide.
Broadband Providers
Facilities-based providers of broadband Internet access service are required to report broadband availability through the Broadband Data Collection program.
This includes providers offering fixed broadband services, such as fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite, as well as facilities-based mobile broadband providers. Broadband providers must report where service is available, the technology used to provide service, advertised speeds, and other information required by the FCC. Because the Broadband Data Collection is location-based rather than subscriber-based, providers must identify all Broadband Serviceable Locations where qualifying broadband service is available, regardless of whether those locations currently subscribe to service.
Data Accuracy and Recordkeeping
Providers are expected to certify that their filings are complete and accurate and should maintain documentation supporting the information submitted.
The FCC places significant emphasis on the accuracy of Broadband Data Collection filings. Providers should carefully validate network deployment information, coverage boundaries, broadband technologies, advertised speeds, and supporting engineering documentation before submission.
Broadband Data Collection filings are subject to FCC review, public availability through the National Broadband Map, and challenge processes that may require providers to respond to questions regarding reported service availability. Providers should retain appropriate records supporting each filing consistent with FCC requirements.
The Broadband Data Collection does not replace all FCC reporting obligations. Providers may continue to have separate obligations under other FCC reporting programs.
Filers who require assistance with the preparation and filing of the BDC submission may contact Chris Canter, President and Director of Consulting Services at cac@commpliancegoup.com.
