FCC Issues NOI on Effect of Data Caps

The FCC adopted a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to analyze the impact of data caps on fixed and mobile broadband Internet access service (BIAS). The NOI will encompass analyzing both hard caps where customers incur additional fees, and soft caps where providers throttle customer upload and download speeds. The FCC is seeking to understand the impact of such caps on customer experience, including low-income individuals, as well as competition in the broadband market. The FCC requests all comments be submitted by November 14th, and all reply comments by December 2nd. 

FCC Adopts Georouting Rules

During its Open Meeting on October 17, the FCC adopted rules requiring georouting for all 988 suicide and crisis hotline calls. The rules now require calls to be sent to centers based on their point of origination, rather than the caller’s area code. National providers will be provided with a 30-day window to implement the new rules. Additionally, the FCC modified the rules to permit providers to deliver voice and texts directly to the 988 hotline, rather than being converting to a toll-free number. 

Two More Receive BEAD Initial Approval

Last week, Alabama and Florida received NTIA approval of its Volume I and II Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Alabama may access to more than $1.4 billion in program funds, and Florida may access more than $1.1 billion. BEAD funding will be used to enhance and expand high-speed Internet access across the country, supporting infrastructure, mapping, and outreach projects. All 56 eligible jurisdictions have submitted initial proposals, and each jurisdiction has one year from approval of its initial proposal to submit a final proposal. 

Deadline for USF Quarterly Reporting

The Universal Service Fund (USF) deadline for filers to submit their forecast of their revenue for the next calendar quarter is due on November 1st. Filers must use FCC Form 499-Q and submit their forms using E-File, the USAC’s online filing system. Failure to file within 30 days of the due date will result in late filing fees assessed by the USAC. 

Thomas B. Magee, Tracy P. Marshall, Sean A. Stokes, and Wesley K. Wright contributed to this article