§950cc Public Notice, Assessments, and Reporting Requirements

Summary

The Secretary must post a searchable database on the Rural Utilities Service website about every retail broadband project that gets or asks for help. The database must show who applied, a short description with a map of the proposed service area, the type and amount of support requested, the application status, and an estimate of how many service points in the area lack fixed broadband. It also must list entities that receive help, the type and purpose of that help, and their annual reports (with sensitive business details redacted). The database must include any other information needed for the public to understand the assistance. For applications outside areas getting federal universal service support, the Secretary must give other service providers at least 45 days to add info to the agency’s online map about overlapping areas. If no provider responds, the Secretary can use other data to decide how many providers serve the area. For top-priority applications, the Secretary must confirm unserved rural communities by checking data with the FCC Chair and the NTIA Administrator, reviewing other sources, and doing site-specific testing. Information submitted under the 45-day notice is exempt from public disclosure under 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(2)(B). Recipients of retail broadband help must send an annual report for 3 years after project completion describing how funds were used and progress made, including users served, speeds, prices, and other metrics. Grant recipients must give precise geolocation data within 30 days after the earlier of a Secretary-set milestone or project completion. Middle mile project recipients must send semiannual reports for 5 years after completion. The Secretary can require more reports as needed and must send an annual report to Congress about program activity and results. Finally, between 3 percent and 5 percent of program funds must be set aside for oversight, accountability, and carrying out these rules.