Below is a quick breakdown of the key filing deadlines, requirements, and other critical information to help you prepare your filings for the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection (BDC) and USAC’s High Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal. Let’s save you some time fulfilling your reporting obligations and mitigate audit risk.
FCC’s Broadband Data Collection & USAC’s HUBB Reporting Obligations
FCC’s Broadband Data Collection
The Broadband Data Collection (BDC) program will supply the FCC, communications industry, state, local, and Tribal government entities, and consumers with the tools they need to improve the accuracy of existing broadband maps. All facilities-based broadband providers are required to file data with the FCC twice a year. The FCC released the official requirements for filings submitted into the Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Below is a breakdown of the new BDC filing requirements:
USAC’s HUBB portal
Providers participating in modernized funds must file deployment data with the High Cost Universal Broadband portal (HUBB), showing where they are building out mass-market, high-speed Internet service using CAF & RDOF support. Below is a breakdown of the HUBB filing requirements:
Broadband Data Collection filing requirements:
Who has to file?
- Providers of fixed and mobile broadband Internet access who have one or more end users in service on June 30, 2022.
- If you are required to file FCC Form 477 you must also submit data into the BDC
See more details for BDC filers.
Who else can file?
- Federal agencies, state, local, and Tribal governmental entities in charge of mapping or tracking broadband internet access service coverage in their areas, can submit verified availability data as of June 30, 2022.
- Third parties who want to submit verified broadband availability data as of June 30, 2022.
- These parties can also submit data as part of the BDC challenge and crowdsource processes.
What do I need to file?
- Your BDC filing should include information about the filer, broadband availability data (including supporting data), and – for broadband providers – Form 477 broadband subscription data.
- Fixed wireline and satellite broadband service providers must submit either polygon shapefiles or a list of locations that fall in the provider’s service area.
- Fixed wireless service providers need to submit either propagation maps and propagation model details or a list of locations that are in the provider’s service area.
- Mobile broadband service providers must submit propagation maps and propagation model details for each network technology and for both outdoor stationary and in-vehicle mobile network coverage. They also need to:
- Submit signal strength heat map data
- File BDC mobile voice availability data
- Both broadband and voice service providers:
- File Form 477 fixed and/or mobile voice subscription data
- See https://us-fcc.app.box.com/v/WhoMustFileForm477 for descriptions and definitions of each provider type
See BDC Availability Data Specifications for more filing details.
How do I file?
- You will either submit data in the BDC system via file upload and/or web form or submit data using an Application Programming Interface (API).
- A system user guide, instructions on how to use the optional API (application programming interface), and other technical assistance resources to assist filers will be provided soon.
If you have questions email: BroadbandDataInquiries@fcc.gov
Broadband Data Collection Filing Resources
For more resources on the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection visit the: Broadband Data Collection Help Center
To request access to the FCC’s Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric (Fabric) and start matching your availability data to the Broadband Serviceable Locations in the Fabric, please contact: nbfsupport@costquest.com
BDC filing deadline
September 1st, 2022
Facilities-based providers of fixed and mobile broadband Internet access who have one or more end-user connections in service on June 30, 2022, must file into the Broadband Data Collection by September 1st, 2022.
- The Broadband Data Collection system will open on June 30, 2022.
- The FCC’s Broadband Data Collection will still happen twice a year on the same schedule as Form 477 filings.
- Data as of June 30th will be due the following September 1st, and data as of December 31st will be due on March 1st.
BDC filing sections by provider type
Important information for Form 477 filers
HUBB filing requirements:
1. File deployment data into the HUBB – Submit geocoded locations from the previous deployment year
2. Certify data by filing Form 481
3. Submit 54.314 certification
4. Submit performance measure testing
Keep in mind:
HUBB FILINGS REQUIRE LAT/LON COORDINATES
AND ADDRESSES
(OR TEXTUAL REFERENCES)
View USAC’s Annual Requirements for more details on filing requirements.
See guidelines for submitting data into USAC’s HUBB Portal.
HUBB filing deadline:
March 1, 2022
Participants in the following funding programs have until March 1, 2022, to file data for all locations deployed with CAF support in 2021 or certify that they have “no locations to upload.”
View USAC guidelines for more information about HUBB requirements.
Disclaimer
This communication does not reflect the opinion or the policy of the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC is not responsible for the information or views in this communication and is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of such information or views.