FCC Gets OK to Keep Tracking Rural Internet Funds
Published Date: 2/28/2025
Rule
Summary
The FCC just got the green light from the Office of Management and Budget to keep collecting info for the Connect America Fund rules for the next three years. This means telecom companies involved in the fund need to follow updated reporting rules starting February 28, 2025. These changes help make sure the fund supports better internet access across America without extra hassle or cost surprises.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Reporting Rules Effective Feb 28, 2025
If you are a carrier receiving high-cost support, the amendments to 47 CFR 54.316 become effective February 28, 2025, and you must follow the revised reporting requirements after that date. The announcement implements OMB approval (Control Number 3060-1228) granted January 10, 2025.
Time Burden: Hours and Responses
The collection lists 2,015 unique respondents and 4,590 responses with an estimated 8 to 60 hours per response and a total annual burden of 86,263 hours. The filing frequency includes on occasion, quarterly, annual reporting, and recordkeeping.
Must Report Fabric ID in HUBB
When reporting or revising high-cost broadband deployment location data in the High Cost Universal Broadband portal (HUBB), support recipients must include the Broadband Serviceable Location (BSL) Fabric Identification Number associated with each location. Each BSL ID is linked to latitude, longitude, address, and number of units.
Annual Location Reporting and Certifications Required
Fixed support recipients must complete annual location reporting and build-out certifications in HUBB, and Uniendo a Puerto Rico Fund and Connect USVI Fund Stage 2 mobile support recipients must complete annual reporting and certification. These filings are used to monitor deployment and verify service claims.
Public-Interest Service and Deployment Obligations
Carriers receiving high-cost support are subject to obligations related to speed, usage, latency, price, and specified deployment milestones; the Commission imposed defined deployment obligations with associated HUBB reporting requirements. These obligations apply to fixed support recipients and certain mobile support recipients.
Approved Three-Year Information Collection
The Office of Management and Budget approved the revised information collection for three years (OMB Approval Date: January 10, 2025; OMB Expiration Date: January 31, 2028) under OMB Control Number 3060-1228. Responding to this collection is required to obtain or retain program benefits.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20192, [WC Docket Nos. 25-208, 25-209; FCC 26-19; FR ID 370342] Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes, Accelerating Network Modernization
The FCC is making it easier and faster for phone and internet companies to upgrade old networks to new, faster technology. These changes affect companies that provide phone and internet services and will start on October 15, 2026. This update cuts red tape and helps bring better service to customers sooner, without extra costs slowing things down.
2026-20157, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The FCC is asking the public and small businesses to help reduce paperwork by commenting on a new information collection plan. If you have fewer than 25 employees, your input is especially welcome! Comments are due by November 2, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to shape how the FCC collects info and possibly save time and money.
2026-20158, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to review and comment on some paperwork they collect to make sure it’s useful and not too much of a hassle. They want to reduce the burden, especially for small businesses, and are updating forms related to international telecom authorizations. Comments are due by November 30, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in and help shape the process!
2026-20039, Television Broadcasting Services Norwell, Massachusetts
The FCC is switching TV channel 36 to channel 10 for WWDP in Norwell, Massachusetts, so the station can keep broadcasting without interruptions. RNN Boston License Co., the station’s owner, asked for this change and will quickly apply to operate on the new channel. This update takes effect on September 30, 2026, ensuring viewers keep enjoying their favorite shows smoothly.
2026-20038, Television Broadcasting Services Savannah, Georgia
Georgia Public Broadcasting wants to switch its Savannah TV station WVAN-TV from VHF channel 8 to UHF channel 18 to improve signal quality and help viewers get better access to local programs. This change won’t cause interference or loss of service and aims to boost your TV experience. Comments on this proposal are open until October 30, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-20005, Renewal of the Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee
The FCC is renewing the Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee (CPAAC) for two more years because it helps protect consumers and improve access for people with disabilities. This committee advises on new communication technologies and their impact, making sure everyone benefits. No big budget changes were mentioned, so it’s business as usual with a focus on keeping consumer voices heard.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03294, Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
If you fly or work with ATR42 or ATR72 airplanes, listen up! The FAA found that a part called the Angle of Attack probe isn’t accurate enough at low speeds, which could delay a safety feature from kicking in. Starting April 4, 2025, all affected parts must be swapped out for safer ones, and no old parts can be put back in. This keeps flights safer without breaking the bank.
Next: 2025-03172, Statement on Regulatory Burden
The Farm Credit Administration is cutting down on confusing and costly rules for Farm Credit System institutions, including Farmer Mac. After hearing from these groups in 2022, they're making changes to simplify regulations and reduce unnecessary paperwork. These updates start March 3, 2025, aiming to save time and money for farms and lenders across the country.