In its’ prior CAF II proceeding, the Commission relied on National Broadband Map data obtained through voluntary State Broadband Initiatives to determine what census blocks were unserved. The FCC’s revised A-CAM cost model will now use Form 477 data as of June 2015 to make that determination for ROR carrier support. The Commission will also include in the model any new blocks in Form 477 December 2015 data identified by providers where new service is offered to residential users with 10/1 Mbps bandwidth or greater.
What makes this especially important for competitors is the FCC’s new streamlined challenge process. For ROR support, the Commission will assume that all Form 477 data is accurate at least in terms of blocks served. There will be no opportunity for competitors to challenge a list of eligible blocks like in the CAF Phase II process for price capped carriers. No “do overs” or second chances.
Providers have until April 28, 2016, to make any corrections to their June 2015 and December 2015 Form 477 data and to notify the Commission of the corrections or block additions that meet the 10/1 Mbps service criteria.
See the FCC's Public Notice here.
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