The National Broadband Mapping Coalition monthly call series continued on August 28. Dustin Loup opened with a brief agenda of topics to be covered on the call:
- FCC Comments – FCC Updates Broadband Data Collection Processes and Proposes Rules to Enhance Precision of Broadband Map
- NTIA BEAD Comments – Proposed BEAD Alternative Broadband Technology Guidance
- Brainstorm Issues to Track
- Community Updates
To lead the discussion of the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) process, Dustin introduced Ryan Johnston of Next Century Cities. Ryan shared his notes on the FCC Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) for this process. Much of the FNPRM concerns “grandfathered services,” which are services a provider is phasing out. This includes the definition of “grandfathered” in the context of broadband services, as well as how information about them is shared. Other topics Ryan covered included fixed wireless reporting changes, requirements for satellite providers, and the BDC validation process.
Following Ryan’s comments, Dustin invited others to share their thoughts. Bryan Darr of Ookla mentioned the possibility of an extension on the FCC’s deadline to submit a response to the FNPRM. Dustin then welcomed everyone to join in preparing comments on the proposed rulemaking, something Ryan indicated he is planning to do. Jake Varn of The Pew Charitable Trusts speculated on whether changes such as the grandfathered services definition that Ryan noted would affect the classification of unserved and underserved areas.
The discussion of the potential impacts BCD FNPRM led directly into consideration of the NTIA Proposed BEAD Alternative Technology Guidance. Adam Thorp of the Missouri Office of Broadband Development observed that the burden appears to fall on the provider of an alternative technology to demonstrate their ability to deliver a given level of service. Dustin noted that there is an opportunity to comment on this guidance as well, inviting others to participate in preparing a response.
Kevin Sievert of Calix commented on the situation in Texas, observing the stated BEAD goal of “Internet for all” is unattainable given the level of available funds. Tom Reid of Reid Consulting Group, a professed “fiber first guy”, shared his estimate of $135 billion—compared to the $42 billion in BEAD funding—to reach this goal. Kevin advocated for deploying the best network possible with the available funds, using alternative technologies where needed to prioritize the unserved first, then the underserved.
Moving on to future agenda items, Dustin noted a suggestion from Layton Olson of the Internet Public Trust for a discussion of models of broadband maps suitable for public viewing. Jake Varn expressed interest in comparing service challenges submitted by different states and their results. Nick Pappin of Washington State University remarked on the potential of tracking impacts using state-level challenge data. Dustin noted that Louisiana has released their data, as has Missouri according to Adam Thorp.
Coalition members can request a recording of the call (info@marconisociety.org). The National Broadband Mapping Coalition monthly call series will continue, with the next call scheduled for Wednesday, September 25.
