As noted previously, the CPUC relies on Form 477 data for determining broadband availability on the California Broadband Availability Map, for assessing competition and reviewing proposed mergers and implementing the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF), among other uses. The FCC opened this Docket in 2011 in order to review the need to modernize the Form 477 data program in this rapidly changing industry. The CPUC submitted comments in this proceeding in 2011, outlining various proposed revisions to the Form 477 data collection program. With this the FCC hopes to improve the value of the data collected, eliminate FNPRM, unnecessary requirements, and align data more closely with actual consumer experience. Discussion AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends that the CPUC file comments on the following issues: Supporting Annual Reporting to Reduce Delays in Releasing Data In the the FCC requests input on whether the filing requirement should be FNPRM, changed from every six months to once per year. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the CPUC support changing the frequency of Form 477 filings from semi-annual to annual. We expect this change in frequency will lead to quicker access for state commissions. Historically, the CPUC has experienced significant delays in obtaining California-specific Form 477 data from the FCC. For example, as of August 21, 2017, the latest California Form 477 subscription data set available to us contains data as of June 30, 2016, already more than a year old. Reducing this delay is important, as the CPUC relies on this data to study market competition and for reviewing mergers and acquisitions, broadband deployment grants, legislative analyses, and public purpose program planning. While a grant recipient of the National Telecommunications and Information State Broadband Initiative, the CPUC was able to hire additional limited Administration’s term staff to assist with collecting broadband data on a semi-annual basis. However, after that funding ended, the CPUC no longer was able to retain those positions. The CPUC chose to continue collecting this information, but only on an annual basis, because of reduced staff resources. If the FCC does not have sufficient staff resources to collect and disseminate the Form 477 data in a prompt manner, requiring providers file on an annual basis, instead of every six months, may reduce the data processing burden and improve the timeliness of its publication. Additionally, the FCC should require service providers to file Form 477 submissions with
As noted previously, the CPUC relies on Form 477 data for determining broadband availability on the California Broadband Availability Map, for assessing competition and reviewing proposed mergers and implementing the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF), among other uses. The FCC opened this Docket in 2011 in order to review the need to modernize the Form 477 data program in this rapidly changing industry. The CPUC submitted comments in this proceeding in 2011, outlining various proposed revisions to the Form 477 data collection program. With this FNPRM, the FCC hopes to improve the value of the data collected, eliminate unnecessary requirements, and align data more closely with actual consumer experience. Discussion AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends that the CPUC file comments on the following issues: Supporting Annual Reporting to Reduce Delays in Releasing Data In the FNPRM, the FCC requests input on whether the filing requirement should be changed from every six months to once per year. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the CPUC support changing the frequency of Form 477 filings from semi-annual to annual. We expect this change in frequency will lead to quicker access for state commissions. Historically, the CPUC has experienced significant delays in obtaining California-specific Form 477 data from the FCC. For example, as of August 21, 2017, the latest California Form 477 subscription data set available to us contains data as of June 30, 2016, already more than a year old. Reducing this delay is important, as the CPUC relies on this data to study market competition and for reviewing mergers and acquisitions, broadband deployment grants, legislative analyses, and public purpose program planning. While a grant recipient of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s State Broadband Initiative, the CPUC was able to hire additional limited term staff to assist with collecting broadband data on a semi-annual basis. However, after that funding ended, the CPUC no longer was able to retain those positions. The CPUC chose to continue collecting this information, but only on an annual basis, because of reduced staff resources. If the FCC does not have sufficient staff resources to collect and disseminate the Form 477 data in a prompt manner, requiring providers file on an annual basis, instead of every six months, may reduce the data processing burden and improve the timeliness of its publication. Additionally, the FCC should require service providers to file Form 477 submissions with
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