Broadband Data Maps

Last week, the FCC announced it will unveil a pre-production draft of new broadband data maps on Friday, November 18, as required under the Broadband DATA Act (Vol. XIX, Issue 37).  This is the first release of the map and will begin an ongoing, iterative process aimed at improving the data submitted by providers by incorporating challenges from individuals and other stakeholders.  Broadband availability will be based on data submitted by providers during the initial filing window and will reflect services available as of June 30, 2022.  The maps will display location level information on broadband availability and will allow people to search their address and review and dispute services reported by providers. 

Emergency Alert System R&O Effective Date

The Report and Order updating the FCC’s rules surrounding the Emergency Alert System (“EAS”) that the Commission adopted at its September Open Meeting was published in the Federal Register last week (Vol. XIX, Issue 40).  The updated rules are aimed at making alert messages more informative and easier for the public to understand.  The Commission will now require EAS participants to transmit alerts in the IP-based Common Alerting Protocol (“CAP”) format when available and revise the prescribed text participants use to announce EAS tests.  The effective date of the new rules is December 12, 2022. 

ACP Notice of Funding Opportunity

The FCC issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity last week describing the requirements under which it will award grants for the National Competitive Outreach Program (“NCOP”) and the Tribal Competitive Outreach Program (“TCOP”).  The Commission is making up to $60 million available for the NCOP and $10 million for the TCOP, which will support efforts to develop strategies to reach historically unserved and underserved communities with information about the Affordable Connectivity Program.  Applications are due by January 9, 2023.

3.45 GHz Band Clearinghouse Search Committee

Last week, the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announced the appointment of four entities to create a search committee to select a 3.45-3.55 GHz band clearinghouse to oversee the payment of relocation expenses.  Following the auction of 100 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.45 GHZ band (Vol. XIX, Issue 19), the Commission delegated the Bureau authority to develop and implement a clearinghouse selection process similar to the one used in its 3.7 GHz proceeding. 

Casey Lide, Thomas Magee, Tracy Marshall, Kathleen Slattery Thompson, Sean Stokes, and Wesley Wright also contributed to this article.