The FCC extended the window for submitting speed data for the Mobility Fund Phase II auction by 90 days. This change allows speed test data collected on or after February 27, 2018, and through the entire 240-day challenge window, to be submitted and considered. Similarly, the agency extended by at least 90 days the timeframe for the collection of information to respond to a challenge.
The challenge process is key to those who dispute the broadband coverage data that will be used to determine eligibility for up to $4.53 billion of MF-II support over ten years to mobile wireless providers in geographic areas lacking unsubsidized 4G LTE services. The Commission originally extended the challenge window 90 days – to May, 2018, after the Rural Wireless Association submitted data regarding estimated burdens of the challenge process, including specific estimates of the amount of time required to conduct speed tests in certain areas.
The agency will now accept challenge data collected through November 26, 2018. U.S. Cellular and CCA agreed with the Commission’s stated rationale that extending the timeframe would avoid unnecessary retesting while collecting accurate data.
FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly said in response: “While I support this item’s effort to harmonize the timeframe for the collection of speed test data with the extended challenge window, our underlying mapping problems remain and, as a result, most of this item seems untimely or moot. I am grateful that the Commission is finally recognizing the flaws with the map and the challenge process and remain committed to getting this proceeding right rather than hastily rushing into an MF-II auction based on flawed data.”
His colleague Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, too, criticized the process, noting, “Our wireless maps are a mess.” The agency has committed to having the Universal Service Administrative Company test and validate the network deployment of winning bidders after they have built out using Mobility Fund auction support. She suggested the Commission have the company validate the data before the auction. Comments? Email Us.
January 8, 2019
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