FCC Starting to Make Case for a New Mobility Fund Supporting Wireless Broadband

FCC released numbers Friday, based on Form 477 data. “These are the areas where our analysis shows there is a clear need for an ongoing subsidy to either expand 4G LTE coverage or continue coverage on a subsidized basis.” The FCC is starting to work on a new phase of a mobility fund. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler told the Competitive Carriers Association annual meeting recently (see 1609200058) the release was coming and would show a mobility fund is necessary since too many locations remain unserved by LTE. Wilkins said the data is much improved over what was available to the FCC when it launched the initial mobility fund. “Our analysis shows that just under one and a half million people, approximately 470,000 square miles, and 550,000 miles of road in the U.S. do not have 4G LTE coverage," Wilkins said in a blog post. "We can overlay the actual area coverage data with publicly available data on universal service subsidies to determine at a sub-census block level where 4G LTE service is available only from a provider receiving support -- an indication that continuing support for service in those areas is needed.” It’s a positive development that the Wireless Bureau acknowledges the need to support mobile broadband through the USF, said Competitive Carriers Association President Steve Berry. As the FCC works toward a new mobility fund, it should “prioritize expanding service nationwide without stranding thousands of rural Americans who rely on service that is currently provided through USF support,” he said. “To meet Congress’s mandate of ‘reasonably comparable services in urban and rural areas,’ seamless wireless service must be available from a consumer’s carrier of choice to reach critical public safety services including 911.” The Form 477 data isn’t the “last word” on service availability, with Wheeler and Commissioner Mignon Clyburn urging more-accurate and comprehensive measurements using the latest technologies and methods available, he said. “We appreciate the inclusion of a challenge process to make sure that the data used for any final decisions appropriately reflect the real on-the-ground services available to consumers,” he said. “CCA will continue to work with the FCC to ensure mobile broadband is available for all Americans, especially those in rural areas.” The Rural Wireless Association (RWA) applauded the FCC decision to analyze coverage in a census tract beyond the center point. Meanwhile, the USF program needs to continue to support mobile voice, the group said in a news release. “RWA is also pleased that the Bureau has committed to implementing a challenge process to allow service providers to contest coverage determinations,” RWA said. “RWA encourages the Bureau to ensure that this process is robust, and provides all parties (not just very large entities with nearly unlimited technological and personnel resources) sufficient time and opportunity to participate.”