Today's Regulatory Mix: FCC Announces New Version of FCC Speed Test App and Release of Updated Mobile Raw Data, FCC Announces Additional CAF II Support Awards

FCC Announces New Version of FCC Speed Test App and Release of Updated Mobile Raw Data

In a press release, the FCC announced the release of an updated version of its FCC Speed Test app, continuing its commitment to ensure consumers have the tools and resources to evaluate how well their mobile broadband connections are performing. This app, available from the Apple App Store and Google Play, has been updated to work the with latest versions of the iOS and Android operating systems.  Like its predecessor, the updated app allows users to test their cellular and Wi-Fi network performance for download and upload speed, latency, jitter, and packet loss.  Consistent with the FCC’s commitment to maintaining user privacy, the app collects no personal or uniquely identifiable information.

“This new and improved app is an important tool that will empower consumers to collect information about the services they are receiving,” said Dr. Monisha Ghosh, FCC Chief Technology Officer.  “These improvements will build on the success of this effort over the years and help the FCC bridge the digital divide. The app has also been updated to collect information about 5G networks to help inform the agency in its work on next-generation wireless services.”

FCC Announces Additional CAF II Support Awards

The FCC announced it is ready to authorize Connect America Fund Phase II auction (Auction 903) support for the Auction 903 winning bid submitted by Viasat Carrier Services for Mississippi.  To be authorized to receive the total 10-year support amounts, the

applicant must submit acceptable irrevocable stand-by letter(s) of credit and Bankruptcy Code opinion letter(s) from legal counsel for each state where they have winning bids that are ready to be authorized by the applicable deadline – prior to 6:00 p.m. ET on Monday, August 17, 2020.  The Public Notice includes instructions for submission of the letter of credit and opinion letter. 

The Public Notice also grants Viasat a waiver of the requirement to submit documentation showing it had obtained the requisite eligible telecommunications carrier (ETCs) designation in all bid areas by February 25, 2019.  The FCC found good cause to waive the deadline because the ETC designation proceeding was not complete by the deadline despite the good faith efforts of the applicant.  The FCC previously said it would presume such good faith efforts when the petitioner submitted its petition to the relevant authority within 30 days of the release of the Auction 903 Closing Public Notice.  Since Viasat Carrier Services, Inc. did so, the FCC found that had demonstrated due diligence and acted in good faith.  Accordingly, it waived the deadline.

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.