News Update - January 2024

January 31, 2024 Tony Veach

USAC Updates Connect America Fund Broadband Map

January 26, 2024 – The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) has released an updated version of the Connect America Fund (CAF) Broadband Map. The updated version of the CAF map depicts where CAF programs have supported fixed broadband deployments throughout the U.S., as of Sept. 30, 2023, that were reported to USAC. More specifically, it displays the geographic locations, using latitude and longitude, where broadband providers that receive CAF support from the following programs have built out high-speed fixed Internet service:

Connect America Fund Phase II Model (CAF II Model)
Connect America Fund Phase II Auction (CAF II Auction)
Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM)
Alternative Connect America Cost Model II (A-CAM II)
Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support (CAF BLS)
Rural Broadband Experiments (RBE)
Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)
Bringing Puerto Rico Together (Uniendo a Puerto Rico) Fund and the Connect the USVI Fund (PR Fixed)

FCC Requests Public Comment On Broadband Data Collection Challenge Process

January 19, 2024 – The FCC’s Broadband Data Task Force has requested public comment on the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) challenge processes. Comments are due on or before February 19, 2024. Reply comments are due March 5, 2024. Under the 2020 Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act, the FCC is required to submit a report to Congress that evaluates the BDC challenge processes and considers whether additional tools are needed to improve the accuracy of BDC data. In the Public Notice, Broadband Data Task Force has requested comment on a wide range of issues, such as participation in the fixed broadband availability challenge process; the National Broadband Map challenge interface; evidentiary standards; the time period for challenges and responses; participation in the mobile broadband availability challenge process; challenges to the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric, and the need for other tools to help identify potential inaccuracies in the data that providers report.

U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services Issues 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines

January 17, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued the 2024 Federal poverty guidelines used to determine financial eligibility for certain governmental assistance programs. Under the FCC’s rules, a consumer can qualify for participation in the universal service Lifeline program if the consumer’s household income is at or below 135% of the Federal poverty guidelines for a household of that size. There are separate guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, Alaska, and Hawaii.

John Deere Announces Agreement With SpaceX To Enable Starlink Connectivity In Farm Equipment

January 16, 2024 – Deere & Company has entered into an agreement with SpaceX that will enable John Deere farm equipment to connect to Starlink’s satellite communications (SATCOM) service. Starlink, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SpaceX, operates a constellation of low earth orbit satellites that deliver internet access service. In the press release announcing the agreement, Deere & Company provided the following additional information:

The SATCOM solution will connect both new and existing machines through satellite internet service and ruggedized satellite terminals. This will fully enable technologies such as autonomy, real-time data sharing, remote diagnostics, enhanced self-repair solutions, and machine-to-machine communication, all of which help farmers work more efficiently while minimizing downtime.

“John Deere has led the agriculture equipment industry for more than two decades with satellite-based precision guidance technology,” said Jahmy Hindman, Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at John Deere. “Now, we are bringing satellite communications service to the farm at scale so farmers with cellular coverage challenges can maximize the value of connectivity to their operations. The SATCOM solution unlocks the John Deere tech stack so every farmer can fully utilize their current precision agriculture technology in addition to the new innovative solutions they will deploy in the future. We initiated this process with a fierce focus on delivering value to our customers, and this partnership ensures we have a solution that meets their needs today and in the future.”

John Deere’s SATCOM solution will leverage SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet constellation. To activate this solution, John Deere dealers will install a ruggedized Starlink terminal on compatible machines, along with a 4G LTE JDLink modem to connect the machine to the John Deere Operations Center. The SATCOM solution will initially be available through a limited release in the United States and Brazil starting in the second half of 2024.

FCC Announces Tentative Agenda For January 25th Open Meeting

January 4, 2024 – Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced the following tentative agenda for the FCC’s open meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2024:

Improving Network Reliability, Resiliency, and Transparency During Disasters – The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to ensure participation in, and enhance the use of, its Disaster Information Reporting System, where service providers report on their operational status during emergencies. (PS Docket Nos. 21-346, 15-80; ET Docket No. 04-35)

Improving Wireless 911 Call Routing – The Commission will consider a Report and Order requiring wireless providers to implement location-based routing for wireless calls and real-time texts (RTT) to 911 in order to reduce misrouting and improve emergency response times. (PS Docket No. 18-64)

Mitigating Orbital Debris to Support Space Innovation – The Commission will consider an Order on Reconsideration addressing the issues raised in three petitions for reconsideration filed in response to the Orbital Debris Mitigation Report and Order released in 2020 which comprehensively updated the Commission’s existing rules regarding orbital debris mitigation. (IB Docket No. 18-313)

Modernizing and Expanding Access to the 70/80/90 GHz Bands – The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would adopt new rules and update preexisting rules for the 70/80/90 GHz bands. The item would authorize certain point-to-point links to endpoints in motion in the 70 GHz and 80 GHz bands for aeronautical and maritime use; provide for smaller, lower-cost antennas to facilitate backhaul service in those bands; and adopt changes to the link registration process. The item would also seek comment on the potential inclusion of Fixed Satellite Service earth stations in the light-licensing regime for the 70 GHz and 80 GHz bands. (WT Docket No. 20-133)

Restricted Adjudicatory Matter – The Commission will consider a restricted adjudicatory matter from the Media Bureau.

Enforcement Bureau Action – The Commission will consider an enforcement action.