FCC Eliminates Administrative Burden for Broadband Data Filers
Broadband Availability Data Submissions No Longer Impeded by an Unnecessary Accreditation Requirement
  -- 
WASHINGTON, June 26, 2025—The Federal Communications Commission eliminated an unnecessary barrier to providing reliable broadband data for inclusion on the FCC’s National Broadband Map.  Today’s action provides clarity and reduces costs for filers, and removes the need for additional waivers, safeguarding agency resources.

Prior to today’s decision, FCC rules required providers to certify the data in their biannual Broadband Data Collection filings by a corporate officer and a “certified professional engineer.”  In practice, very few engineers who specialize in RF engineering and broadband network design are “certified” by a state licensure board making it difficult and costly for providers to meet the certification requirement.  As a result, this requirement has been waived for each filing round since the launch of the Broadband Data Collection in June 2022.  To ensure the FCC receives reliable data, the updated rules will require certification by a qualified engineer who is familiar with the design of the network and has a minimum number of years of experience.  Eliminating this burdensome requirement better aligns broadband data collection rules with market realities, while ensuring that the FCC continues to receive accurate data from filers. 

This is the latest in a growing list of unnecessary and burdensome regulations that the FCC has been removing from its books.  In its “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative, the FCC is seeking comment on every rule, regulation, or guidance document that should be eliminated for the purposes of alleviating unnecessary regulatory burdens.  The FCC is committed to ending all rules and regulations that are no longer necessary to ensure they do not serve as headwinds against innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

Action by the Commission June 26, 2025 by Report and Order (FCC 25-34).  Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving.  Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty issuing separate statements.

WC Docket Nos. 19-195, 11-10

###

Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov / (202) 418-0500
@FCC / www.fcc.gov

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).