Federal Communications Commission	"FCC  XX-XXX"


STATEMENT OF
CHAIRMAN BRENDAN CARR
Re: 	Establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection; Modernizing the FCC Form 477 Data Program, Report and Order, WC Docket Nos. 19-195, 11-10 (June 26, 2025). 
The FCC’s Broadband Maps are a valuable tool for policymakers.  By accurately detailing the availability of wired and wireless broadband, they tell us where we need to be allocating resources to close the digital divide and connect every American.
	These maps are only as good as that data that they are built on.  That is why Congress passed the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technology Availability Act, known as the Broadband DATA Act, which requires fixed internet providers to provide availability data on a location-by-location basis and wireless providers to report standardized data on their network coverage.  To ensure the accuracy of this information, the Broadband DATA Act requires that submissions must be certified by a corporate officer.  To further promote the accuracy of these reports, the Commission adopted a rule saying they must also be verified by a “certified professional engineer.”
	As broadband providers began preparing their data submissions to the Commission, it became clear that there is a lack of engineers who both specialize in RF engineering and broadband network design and also have completed the educational and testing requirements to get “certified” by a state licensure board.  That is why the FCC has been waiving the rule since its inception, allowing otherwise qualified engineers to review and certify submissions.
	Having gone through multiple reporting cycles where the “certified professional engineer” requirement has been waived, we now know a couple of important things about this rule.  One, we have seen no evidence that the waiver has adversely affected the accuracy of the filings.  That leads to the second thing we’ve learned:  the rule was unnecessary in the first place.  
This Order will eliminate the current standard for “certified” engineers and allow “qualified” engineers to certify data filings.  This common-sense change will reduce the costs and burdens associated with procuring a licensed professional engineer, without compromising the accuracy of the data that informs the FCC’s broadband maps.
For their work on this item, I’d like to thank Ed Bartholme, Malena Barzilai, Aaron Garza, Mike Gussow, Garnet Hanly, Will Holloway, Michael Janson, Jamile Kadre, Jean Kiddoo, Douglas Klein, David Konczal, Richard Mallen, Jonathan McCormack, Keith McCrickard, Janet Moran, Joy Ragsdale, and Chin Yoo.


2