Broadband DATA Act
PL 116-130 (S.1822), enacted 03/23/2020

[116th Congress Public Law 130]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



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                    BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT ACCURACY AND

                     TECHNOLOGICAL AVAILABILITY ACT

[[Page 134 STAT. 228]]

Public Law 116-130
116th Congress

                                 An Act


 
To require the Federal Communications Commission to issue rules relating 
to the collection of data with respect to the availability of broadband 
 services, and for other purposes. <<NOTE: Mar. 23, 2020 -  [S. 1822]>> 

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Broadband 
Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act.>> 
SECTION 1. <<NOTE: 47 USC 609 note.>> SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Broadband Deployment Accuracy and 
Technological Availability Act'' or the ``Broadband DATA Act''.
SEC. 2. BROADBAND DATA.

    The Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:

                      ``TITLE VIII--BROADBAND DATA

``SEC. 801. <<NOTE: 47 USC 641.>> DEFINITIONS.

    ``In this title:
            ``(1) Broadband internet access service.--The term 
        `broadband internet access service' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, 
        or any successor regulation.
            ``(2) Broadband map.--The term `Broadband Map' means the map 
        created by the Commission under section 802(c)(1)(A).
            ``(3) Cell edge probability.--The term `cell edge 
        probability' means the likelihood that the minimum threshold 
        download and upload speeds with respect to broadband internet 
        access service will be met or exceeded at a distance from a base 
        station that is intended to indicate the ultimate edge of the 
        coverage area of a cell.
            ``(4) Cell loading.--The term `cell loading' means the 
        percentage of the available air interface resources of a base 
        station that are used by consumers with respect to broadband 
        internet access service.
            ``(5) Clutter.--The term `clutter' means a natural or man-
        made surface feature that affects the propagation of a signal 
        from a base station.
            ``(6) Fabric.--The term `Fabric' means the Broadband 
        Serviceable Location Fabric established under section 
        802(b)(1)(B).
            ``(7) Form 477.--The term `Form 477' means Form 477 of the 
        Commission relating to local telephone competition and broadband 
        reporting.

[[Page 134 STAT. 229]]

            ``(8) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the meaning 
        given the term `Indian tribe' in section 4 of the Indian Self-
        Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
            ``(9) Mobility fund phase ii.--The term `Mobility Fund Phase 
        II' means the second phase of the proceeding to provide 
        universal service support from the Mobility Fund (WC Docket No. 
        10-90; WT Docket No. 10-208).
            ``(10) Propagation model.--The term `propagation model' 
        means a mathematical formulation for the characterization of 
        radio wave propagation as a function of frequency, distance, and 
        other conditions.
            ``(11) Provider.--The term `provider' means a provider of 
        fixed or mobile broadband internet access service.
            ``(12) Quality of service.--The term `quality of service' 
        means, with respect to broadband internet access service, the 
        download and upload speeds (and, for relevant services, latency) 
        with respect to that service, as determined by, and to the 
        extent otherwise collected by, the Commission.
            ``(13) Shapefile.--The term `shapefile' means a digital 
        storage format containing geospatial or location-based data and 
        attribute information--
                    ``(A) regarding the availability of broadband 
                internet access service; and
                    ``(B) that can be viewed, edited, and mapped in 
                geographic information system software.
            ``(14) Standard broadband installation.--The term `standard 
        broadband installation'--
                    ``(A) means the initiation by a provider of fixed 
                broadband internet access service in an area in which 
                the provider has not previously offered that service, 
                with no charges or delays attributable to the extension 
                of the network of the provider; and
                    ``(B) includes the initiation of fixed broadband 
                internet access service through routine installation 
                that can be completed not later than 10 business days 
                after the date on which the service request is 
                submitted.
``SEC. 802. <<NOTE: 47 USC 642.>> BROADBAND MAPS.

    ``(a) Rules.--
            ``(1) <<NOTE: Deadline.>>  In general.--Not later than 180 
        days after the date of enactment of this title, the Commission 
        shall issue final rules that shall--
                    ``(A) <<NOTE: Requirements. Determination.>>  
                require the biannual collection and dissemination of 
                granular data, as determined by the Commission--
                          ``(i) relating to the availability and quality 
                      of service with respect to terrestrial fixed, 
                      fixed wireless, satellite, and mobile broadband 
                      internet access service; and
                          ``(ii) <<NOTE: Public information.>>  that the 
                      Commission shall use to compile the maps created 
                      under subsection (c)(1) (referred to in this 
                      section as `coverage maps'), which the Commission 
                      shall make publicly available; and
                    ``(B) establish--
                          ``(i) processes through which the Commission 
                      can verify the accuracy of data submitted under 
                      subsection (b)(2);

[[Page 134 STAT. 230]]

                          ``(ii) <<NOTE: Procedures.>>  processes and 
                      procedures through which the Commission, and, as 
                      necessary, other entities or individuals 
                      submitting non-public or competitively sensitive 
                      information under this title, can protect the 
                      security, privacy, and confidentiality of that 
                      non-public or competitively sensitive information, 
                      including--
                                    ``(I) information contained in the 
                                Fabric;
                                    ``(II) the dataset created under 
                                subsection (b)(1)(A) supporting the 
                                Fabric; and
                                    ``(III) the data submitted under 
                                subsection (b)(2);
                          ``(iii) the challenge process described in 
                      subsection (b)(5); and
                          ``(iv) the process described in section 
                      804(b).
            ``(2) Other data.--In issuing the rules under paragraph (1), 
        the Commission shall develop a process through which the 
        Commission can collect verified data for use in the coverage 
        maps from--
                    ``(A) State, local, and Tribal governmental entities 
                that are primarily responsible for mapping or tracking 
                broadband internet access service coverage for a State, 
                unit of local government, or Indian Tribe, as 
                applicable;
                    ``(B) <<NOTE: Determination.>>  third parties, if 
                the Commission determines that it is in the public 
                interest to use such data in--
                          ``(i) the development of the coverage maps; or
                          ``(ii) the verification of data submitted 
                      under subsection (b); and
                    ``(C) other Federal agencies.
            ``(3) Updates.--The Commission shall revise the rules issued 
        under paragraph (1) to--
                    ``(A) reflect changes in technology;
                    ``(B) ensure the accuracy of propagation models, as 
                further provided in subsection (b)(3); and
                    ``(C) improve the usefulness of the coverage maps.

    ``(b) Content of Rules.--
            ``(1) Establishment of a serviceable location fabric 
        regarding fixed broadband.--
                    ``(A) Dataset.--
                          ``(i) In general.-- 
                      <<NOTE: Determination.>> The Commission shall 
                      create a common dataset of all locations in the 
                      United States where fixed broadband internet 
                      access service can be installed, as determined by 
                      the Commission.
                          ``(ii) Contracting.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--Subject to 
                                subclauses (II) and (III), the 
                                Commission may contract with an entity 
                                with expertise with respect to 
                                geographic information systems (referred 
                                to in this subsection as `GIS') to 
                                create and maintain the dataset under 
                                clause (i).
                                    ``(II) Application of the federal 
                                acquisition regulation.-- 
                                <<NOTE: Compliance.>> A contract into 
                                which the Commission enters under 
                                subclause (I) shall in all respects 
                                comply with applicable provisions of the 
                                Federal Acquisition Regulation.
                                    ``(III) Limitations.--With respect 
                                to a contract into which the Commission 
                                enters under subclause (I)--

[[Page 134 STAT. 231]]

                                            ``(aa) the entity with which 
                                        the Commission enters into the 
                                        contract shall be selected 
                                        through a competitive bid 
                                        process that is transparent and 
                                        open; and
                                            ``(bb) <<NOTE: Time 
                                        period.>> the contract shall be 
                                        for a term of not longer than 5 
                                        years, after which the 
                                        Commission may enter into a new 
                                        contract--
                                                ``(AA) with an entity, 
                                            and for the purposes, 
                                            described in clause (i); and
                                                ``(BB) that complies 
                                            with the requirements under 
                                            subclause (II) and this 
                                            subclause; and
                                            ``(cc) the contract shall--
                                                ``(AA) prohibit the 
                                            entity described in item 
                                            (aa) from selling, leasing, 
                                            or otherwise disclosing for 
                                            monetary consideration any 
                                            personally identifiable 
                                            information to any other 
                                            entity other than for 
                                            purposes authorized under 
                                            this title; and
                                                ``(BB) require the 
                                            entity described in item 
                                            (aa) to include in any 
                                            contract with any other 
                                            entity a provision that 
                                            prohibits that other entity 
                                            from engaging in an action 
                                            that is prohibited under 
                                            subitem (AA).
                    ``(B) Fabric.--The rules issued by the Commission 
                under subsection (a)(1) shall establish the Broadband 
                Serviceable Location Fabric, which shall--
                          ``(i) contain geocoded information for each 
                      location identified under subparagraph (A)(i);
                          ``(ii) <<NOTE: Reports.>>  serve as the 
                      foundation upon which all data relating to the 
                      availability of fixed broadband internet access 
                      service collected under paragraph (2)(A) shall be 
                      reported and overlaid;
                          ``(iii) be compatible with commonly used GIS 
                      software; and
                          ``(iv) <<NOTE: Updates. Deadline.>>  at a 
                      minimum, be updated every 6 months by the 
                      Commission.
                    ``(C) Implementation priority.--The Commission shall 
                prioritize implementing the Fabric for rural and insular 
                areas of the United States.
            ``(2) Collection of information.-- <<NOTE: Standards.>> The 
        rules issued by the Commission under subsection (a)(1) shall 
        include uniform standards for the reporting of broadband 
        internet access service data that the Commission shall collect--
                    ``(A) from each provider of terrestrial fixed, fixed 
                wireless, or satellite broadband internet access 
                service, which shall include data that--
                          ``(i) documents the areas where the provider--
                                    ``(I) has actually built out the 
                                broadband network infrastructure of the 
                                provider such that the provider is able 
                                to provide that service; and
                                    ``(II) could provide that service, 
                                as determined by identifying where the 
                                provider is capable of performing a 
                                standard broadband installation, if 
                                applicable;

[[Page 134 STAT. 232]]

                          ``(ii) includes information regarding download 
                      and upload speeds, at various thresholds 
                      established by the Commission, and, if applicable, 
                      latency with respect to broadband internet access 
                      service that the provider makes available;
                          ``(iii) can be georeferenced to the GIS data 
                      in the Fabric;
                          ``(iv) <<NOTE: Reports.>>  the provider shall 
                      report as--
                                    ``(I) with respect to providers of 
                                fixed wireless broadband internet access 
                                service--
                                            ``(aa) propagation maps and 
                                        propagation model details that--
                                                ``(AA) satisfy standards 
                                            that are similar to those 
                                            applicable to providers of 
                                            mobile broadband internet 
                                            access service under 
                                            subparagraph (B) with 
                                            respect to propagation maps 
                                            and propagation model 
                                            details, taking into account 
                                            material differences between 
                                            fixed wireless and mobile 
                                            broadband internet access 
                                            service; and
                                                ``(BB) reflect the 
                                            speeds and latency of the 
                                            service provided by the 
                                            provider; or
                                            ``(bb) <<NOTE: Lists.>>  a 
                                        list of addresses or locations 
                                        that constitute the service area 
                                        of the provider, except that the 
                                        Commission--
                                                ``(AA) may only permit, 
                                            and not require, a provider 
                                            to report the data using 
                                            that means of reporting; and
                                                
                                            ``(BB) <<NOTE: Methodologies.
                                            >>  in the rules issued 
                                            under subsection (a)(1), 
                                            shall provide a method for 
                                            using that means of 
                                            reporting with respect to 
                                            Tribal areas; and
                                    ``(II) with respect to providers of 
                                terrestrial fixed and satellite 
                                broadband internet access service--
                                            ``(aa) polygon shapefiles; 
                                        or
                                            ``(bb) <<NOTE: Lists.>>  a 
                                        list of addresses or locations 
                                        that constitute the service area 
                                        of the provider, except that the 
                                        Commission--
                                                ``(AA) may only permit, 
                                            and not require, a provider 
                                            to report the data using 
                                            that means of reporting; and
                                                
                                            ``(BB) <<NOTE: Methodologies.
                                            >>  in the rules issued 
                                            under subsection (a)(1), 
                                            shall provide a method for 
                                            using that means of 
                                            reporting with respect to 
                                            Tribal areas; and
                          ``(v) <<NOTE: Determination.>>  the Commission 
                      determines is appropriate with respect to certain 
                      technologies in order to ensure that the Broadband 
                      Map is granular and accurate; and
                    ``(B) from each provider of mobile broadband 
                internet access service, which shall include propagation 
                maps and propagation model details that indicate the 
                current (as of the date on which the information is 
                collected) fourth generation Long-Term Evolution 
                (commonly referred to as

[[Page 134 STAT. 233]]

                `4G LTE') mobile broadband internet access service 
                coverage of the provider, which shall--
                          ``(i) take into consideration the effect of 
                      clutter; and
                          ``(ii) satisfy--
                                    ``(I) the requirements of having--
                                            ``(aa) a download speed of 
                                        not less than 5 megabits per 
                                        second and an upload speed of 
                                        not less than 1 megabit per 
                                        second with a cell edge 
                                        probability of not less than 90 
                                        percent; and
                                            ``(bb) cell loading of not 
                                        less than 50 percent; and
                                    ``(II) any other parameter that the 
                                Commission determines to be necessary to 
                                create a map under subsection (c)(1)(C) 
                                that is more precise than the map 
                                produced as a result of the submissions 
                                under the Mobility Fund Phase II 
                                information collection.
            ``(3) Update of reporting standards for mobile broadband 
        internet access service.-- <<NOTE: Determination.>> For the 
        purposes of paragraph (2)(B), if the Commission determines that 
        the reporting standards under that paragraph are insufficient to 
        collect accurate propagation maps and propagation model details 
        with respect to future generations of mobile broadband internet 
        access service technologies, the Commission shall immediately 
        commence a rule making to adopt new reporting standards with 
        respect to those technologies that--
                    ``(A) shall be the functional equivalent of the 
                standards required under paragraph (2)(B); and
                    ``(B) allow for the collection of propagation maps 
                and propagation model details that are as accurate and 
                granular as, or more accurate and granular than, the 
                maps and model details collected by the Commission under 
                paragraph (2)(B).
            ``(4) Certification and verification.--With respect to a 
        provider that submits information to the Commission under 
        paragraph (2)--
                    ``(A) the provider shall include in each submission 
                a certification from a corporate officer of the provider 
                that the officer has examined the information contained 
                in the submission and that, to the best of the officer's 
                actual knowledge, information, and belief, all 
                statements of fact contained in the submission are true 
                and correct; and
                    ``(B) the Commission shall verify the accuracy and 
                reliability of the information in accordance with 
                measures established by the Commission.
            ``(5) Challenge process.--
                    ``(A) In general.--In the rules issued under 
                subsection (a), and subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                Commission shall establish a user-friendly challenge 
                process through which consumers, State, local, and 
                Tribal governmental entities, and other entities or 
                individuals may submit coverage data to the Commission 
                to challenge the accuracy of--
                          ``(i) the coverage maps;
                          ``(ii) any information submitted by a provider 
                      regarding the availability of broadband internet 
                      access service; or

[[Page 134 STAT. 234]]

                          ``(iii) the information included in the 
                      Fabric.
                    ``(B) Considerations; verification; response to 
                challenges.--In establishing the challenge process 
                required under subparagraph (A), the Commission shall--
                          ``(i) consider--
                                    ``(I) the types of information that 
                                an entity or individual submitting a 
                                challenge should provide to the 
                                Commission in support of the challenge;
                                    ``(II) the appropriate level of 
                                granularity for the information 
                                described in subclause (I);
                                    ``(III) the need to mitigate the 
                                time and expense incurred by, and the 
                                administrative burdens placed on, 
                                entities or individuals in--
                                            ``(aa) challenging the 
                                        accuracy of a coverage map; and
                                            ``(bb) responding to 
                                        challenges described in item 
                                        (aa);
                                    ``(IV) the costs to consumers and 
                                providers resulting from a misallocation 
                                of funds because of a reliance on 
                                outdated or otherwise inaccurate 
                                information in the coverage maps;
                                    ``(V) any lessons learned from the 
                                challenge process established under 
                                Mobility Fund Phase II, as determined 
                                from comments solicited by the 
                                Commission; and
                                    ``(VI) the need for user-friendly 
                                challenge submission formats that will 
                                promote participation in the challenge 
                                process;
                          ``(ii) include a process for verifying the 
                      data submitted through the challenge process in 
                      order to ensure the reliability of that data;
                          ``(iii) allow providers to respond to 
                      challenges submitted through the challenge 
                      process; and
                          ``(iv) develop an online mechanism, which--
                                    ``(I) shall be integrated into the 
                                coverage maps;
                                    ``(II) allows for an entity 
                                described in subparagraph (A) to submit 
                                a challenge under the challenge process;
                                    ``(III) makes challenge data 
                                available in both geographic information 
                                system and non-geographic information 
                                system formats; and
                                    ``(IV) clearly identifies the areas 
                                in which broadband internet access 
                                service is available, and the upload and 
                                download speeds at which that service is 
                                available, as reported to the Commission 
                                under this section.
                    ``(C) Use of challenges.--The rules issued to 
                establish the challenge process under subparagraph (A) 
                shall include--
                          ``(i) a process for the speedy resolution of 
                      challenges; and
                          ``(ii) a process for the regular and 
                      expeditious updating of the coverage maps and 
                      granular data disseminated by the Commission as 
                      challenges are resolved.
                    ``(D) Report to congress.-- <<NOTE: Notice. Public 
                information.>> Not earlier than 1 year, and not later 
                than 18 months, after the date on which

[[Page 134 STAT. 235]]

                the rules issued under subsection (a)(1) take effect, 
                the Commission shall, after an opportunity for notice 
                and comment, submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
                Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
                Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
                Representatives a report that--
                          ``(i) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>>  evaluates the 
                      challenge process described in subparagraph (A); 
                      and
                          ``(ii) considers whether the Commission should 
                      commence an inquiry on the need for other tools to 
                      help--
                                    ``(I) identify potential 
                                inaccuracies in the data relating to 
                                broadband internet access service that 
                                providers report; and
                                    ``(II) improve the accuracy of the 
                                data described in subclause (I).
            ``(6) Reform of form 477 process.--
                    ``(A) In general.-- <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Not later 
                than 180 days after the date on which the rules issued 
                under subsection (a) take effect, the Commission shall--
                          ``(i) reform the Form 477 broadband deployment 
                      service availability collection process of the 
                      Commission--
                                    ``(I) to achieve the purposes of 
                                this title; and
                                    ``(II) in a manner that--
                                            ``(aa) enables the 
                                        comparison of data and maps 
                                        produced before the 
                                        implementation of this title 
                                        with data and coverage maps 
                                        produced after the 
                                        implementation of this title; 
                                        and
                                            ``(bb) maintains the public 
                                        availability of data relating to 
                                        the deployment of broadband 
                                        internet access service; and
                          ``(ii) <<NOTE: Procedures.>>  harmonize 
                      reporting requirements and procedures regarding 
                      the deployment of broadband internet access 
                      service that are in effect on the day before the 
                      date on which the rules issued under subsection 
                      (a)(1) take effect with those requirements and 
                      procedures in those rules.
                    ``(B) <<NOTE: Public information.>>  Continued 
                collection and reporting.--On and after the date on 
                which the Commission carries out subparagraph (A), the 
                Commission shall continue to collect and publicly report 
                subscription data that the Commission collected through 
                the Form 477 broadband deployment service availability 
                process, as in effect on July 1, 2019.
            ``(7) Sharing data with ntia.--The Commission shall 
        establish a process to make the data collected under paragraph 
        (2) available to the National Telecommunications and Information 
        Administration.

    ``(c) Maps.--The Commission shall--
            ``(1) <<NOTE: Consultation.>>  after consultation with the 
        Federal Geographic Data Committee established under section 
        753(a) of the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, create--
                    ``(A) the Broadband Map, which shall depict--
                          ``(i) the extent of the availability of 
                      broadband internet access service in the United 
                      States, without

[[Page 134 STAT. 236]]

                      regard to whether that service is fixed broadband 
                      internet access service or mobile broadband 
                      internet access service, which shall be based on 
                      data collected by the Commission from all 
                      providers; and
                          ``(ii) the areas of the United States that 
                      remain unserved by providers;
                    ``(B) a map that depicts the availability of fixed 
                broadband internet access service, which shall be based 
                on data collected by the Commission from providers under 
                subsection (b)(2)(A); and
                    ``(C) a map that depicts the availability of mobile 
                broadband internet access service, which shall be based 
                on data collected by the Commission from providers under 
                subsection (b)(2)(B);
            ``(2) after creating the maps under paragraph (1), use such 
        maps--
                    ``(A) <<NOTE: Determination.>>  to determine the 
                areas in which terrestrial fixed, fixed wireless, 
                mobile, and satellite broadband internet access service 
                is and is not available; and
                    ``(B) when making any new award of funding with 
                respect to the deployment of broadband internet access 
                service intended for use by residential and mobile 
                customers;
            ``(3) update the maps created under paragraph (1) not less 
        frequently than biannually using the most recent data collected 
        from providers under subsection (b)(2);
            ``(4) <<NOTE: Consultation.>>  consult with--
                    ``(A) the Secretary of Agriculture to enable the 
                Secretary of Agriculture to consult the maps created 
                under paragraph (1) when considering the awarding of 
                funds for the deployment of broadband internet access 
                service under any program administered by the 
                Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service; and
                    ``(B) the National Telecommunications and 
                Information Administration to enable the Administration 
                to consult the maps created under paragraph (1) when 
                considering the awarding of funds for the deployment of 
                broadband internet access service under any future 
                program administered by the Administration;
            ``(5) make available to any Federal agency, upon request, 
        the maps created under paragraph (1); and
            ``(6) make public at an appropriate level of granularity--
                    ``(A) the maps created under paragraph (1); and
                    ``(B) the data collected by the Commission with 
                respect to the availability of broadband internet access 
                service and the quality of service with respect to 
                broadband internet access service.

    ``(d) Delayed Effective Date for Quality of Service Rules.--Any 
requirement of a rule issued under subsection (a)(1) that relates to 
quality of service shall take effect not earlier than the date that is 
180 days after the date on which the Commission issues that rule.
``SEC. 803. <<NOTE: 47 USC 643.>> ENFORCEMENT.

    ``It shall be unlawful for an entity or individual to willfully and 
knowingly, or recklessly, submit information or data under this title 
that is materially inaccurate or incomplete with respect

[[Page 134 STAT. 237]]

to the availability of broadband internet access service or the quality 
of service with respect to broadband internet access service.
``SEC. 804. IMPROVING DATA ACCURACY. <<NOTE: 47 USC 644.>> 

    ``(a) Audits.--The Commission shall conduct regular audits of 
information submitted to the Commission by providers under section 
802(b)(2) to ensure that the providers are complying with this title.
    ``(b) Crowdsourcing.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Commission shall develop a process 
        through which entities or individuals in the United States may 
        submit specific information about the deployment and 
        availability of broadband internet access service in the United 
        States on an ongoing basis so that the information may be used 
        to verify and supplement information provided by providers of 
        broadband internet access service for inclusion in the maps 
        created under section 802(c)(1).
            ``(2) <<NOTE: Determinations. Deadlines.>>  Collaboration.--
        As part of the efforts of the Commission to facilitate the 
        ability of entities and individuals to submit information under 
        paragraph (1), the Commission shall--
                    ``(A) prioritize the consideration of data provided 
                by data collection applications used by consumers that 
                the Commission has determined--
                          ``(i) are highly reliable; and
                          ``(ii) have proven methodologies for 
                      determining network coverage and network 
                      performance;
                    ``(B) not later than 1 year after the date of 
                enactment of this title, conclude a process that tests 
                the feasibility of partnering with Federal agencies that 
                operate delivery fleet vehicles, including the United 
                States Postal Service, to facilitate the collection and 
                submission of information described in that paragraph; 
                and
                    ``(C) <<NOTE: Web posting. Reports.>>  not later 
                than 14 months after the date of enactment of this 
                title, publish on the website of the Commission, and 
                submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy 
                and Commerce of the House of Representatives, a report 
                regarding the testing described in subparagraph (B), 
                which shall include--
                          ``(i) a determination regarding whether the 
                      partnerships with Federal agencies described in 
                      that subparagraph are able to facilitate the 
                      collection and submission of information described 
                      in paragraph (1); and
                          ``(ii) any steps that the Commission plans to 
                      take to facilitate the partnerships described in 
                      that subparagraph.

    ``(c) Technical Assistance to Indian Tribes.--
            ``(1) <<NOTE: Workshops.>>  In general.--Subject to 
        paragraph (2), the Commission shall hold workshops for Tribal 
        Governments in each of the 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs regions 
        to provide technical assistance with the collection and 
        submission of data under section 802(a)(2).
            ``(2) Annual review. <<NOTE: Consultation.>> --Each year, 
        the Commission, in consultation with Indian Tribes, shall review 
        the need for continued workshops required under paragraph (1).

[[Page 134 STAT. 238]]

    ``(d) Technical Assistance to Small Service Providers.--The 
Commission shall establish a process through which a provider that has 
fewer than 100,000 active broadband internet access service connections 
may request and receive assistance from the Commission with respect to 
geographic information system data processing to ensure that the 
provider is able to comply with the requirements under section 802(b) in 
a timely and accurate manner.
    ``(e) Technical Assistance to State, Local, and Tribal Governments 
and Consumers.--The Commission shall provide technical assistance to 
consumers and State, local, and Tribal governmental entities with 
respect to the challenge process established under section 802(b)(5), 
which shall include--
            ``(1) detailed tutorials and webinars; and
            ``(2) the provision of staff of the Commission to provide 
        assistance, as needed, throughout the entirety of the challenge 
        process.

    ``(f) GAO Assessment of Fabric Source Data.--
            ``(1) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>  In general.--The 
        Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an 
        assessment of key data sources that are used for purposes of the 
        Fabric to identify and geocode locations where fixed broadband 
        internet access service can be installed in order for the 
        Comptroller General to develop recommendations for how the 
        quality and completeness of those data sources can be improved 
        as data sources for the Fabric.
            ``(2) Sources included.--For the purposes of the assessment 
        conducted under paragraph (1), the key data sources described in 
        that paragraph shall include--
                    ``(A) any relevant sources of Federal data, 
                including the National Address Database administered by 
                the Department of Transportation;
                    ``(B) State- and county-level digitized parcel data; 
                and
                    ``(C) property tax attribute recording.
            ``(3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this title, the Comptroller General of the United 
        States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and 
        Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that contains 
        the recommendations developed under paragraph (1).
``SEC. 805. <<NOTE: 47 USC 645.>>  COST.

    ``(a) USF.--The Commission may not use funds from the universal 
service programs of the Commission established under section 254, and 
the regulations issued under that section, to pay for any costs 
associated with this title.
    ``(b) Other Funds.--The Commission may recover costs associated with 
this title under section 9 to the extent provided for in an 
appropriation Act, as required under subsection (a) of that section.
``SEC. 806. <<NOTE: 47 USC 646.>>  OTHER PROVISIONS.

    ``(a) OMB.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the initial 
rule making required under section 802(a)(1) shall be exempt from review 
by the Office of Management and Budget.
    ``(b) PRA.--Subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United States 
Code (commonly known as the `Paperwork Reduction Act') shall not apply 
to the initial rule making required under section 802(a)(1).
    ``(c) Execution of Responsibilities.--Except, with respect to an 
entity that is not the Universal Service Administrative Company,

[[Page 134 STAT. 239]]

as provided in section 802(a)(2)(B), section 802(b)(1)(A)(ii), and 
subsections (c), (d), and (e) of section 804, the Commission--
            ``(1) including the offices of the Commission, shall carry 
        out the responsibilities assigned to the Commission under this 
        title; and
            ``(2) may not delegate any of the responsibilities assigned 
        to the Commission under this title to any third party, including 
        the Universal Service Administrative Company.

    ``(d) Reporting.--Each fiscal year, the Commission shall submit to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and 
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a 
report that summarizes the implementation of this title and associated 
enforcement activities conducted during the previous fiscal year.
    ``(e) Rule of Construction.--If the Commission, before the date of 
enactment of this title, has taken an action that, in whole or in part, 
implements this title, the Commission shall not be required to revisit 
such action to the extent that such action is consistent with this 
title.''.

    Approved March 23, 2020.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S. 1822 (H.R. 4229):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSE REPORTS: No. 116-350 (Comm. on Energy and Commerce) accompanying 
H.R. 4229.
SENATE REPORTS: No. 116-174 (Comm. on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD:
                                                        Vol. 165 (2019):
                                    Dec. 19, considered and passed 
                                        Senate.
                                                        Vol. 166 (2020):
                                    Mar. 3, considered and passed House, 
                                        amended.
                                    Mar. 10, Senate concurred in House 
                                        amendment.

                                  <all>