Federal Register #2026-12767

FCC Proposed Rule to Modernize Broadband Data Collection and FCC Form 477 Reporting

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to its Broadband Data Collection (BDC) program and FCC Form 477 reporting requirements. - Government Buyer: - Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - Scope of Proposed Rulemaking: - Modernizes and streamlines broadband data reporting for all broadband service providers - Proposes to eliminate outdated reporting requirements and legacy data collections (e.g., for 3G broadband and mobile voice) - Simplifies biannual submissions for fixed and fixed wireless broadband providers - Allows providers to mark certain broadband data as 'grandfathered' or eliminate these data - Removes reporting requirements for broadband speeds below 25/3 Mbps - Relaxes antenna height requirements for fixed wireless coverage modeling - Improves challenge, verification, and audit processes, including use of drone and crowdsourced data for mobile verification - Addresses confidentiality of infrastructure and subscription data, and potential changes to data retention practices - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; the rulemaking applies to all broadband service providers subject to FCC reporting - Products/Services Requested: - No procurement of products or services; the proposal concerns regulatory compliance and data submission - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Focus on enhancing data accuracy, reducing provider burden, and protecting confidential information - Seeks public input on all proposed changes

Description

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) aimed at modernizing and streamlining the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) program. The proposal seeks to eliminate outdated requirements, simplify data submissions, and improve the accuracy and confidentiality of broadband data. Key changes include allowing providers to mark certain broadband data as grandfathered, removing low-speed fixed broadband reporting requirements, ending legacy mobile data collections, and enhancing challenge and verification processes. The goal is to reduce burdens on providers while ensuring granular and reliable broadband availability data.

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