As most JSI clients should be aware, the filing deadline for the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Form 477, "Local Competition and Broadband Reporting," is March 2, 2009 for data as of December 31, 2008.  Last August, JSI distributed an e-lert to provide clients with detailed information regarding the FCC's new and revised reporting requirements that apply to this and future reporting periods. 

Yesterday, JSI learned that the revised Form 477 has received approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).  OMB approval is necessary before the FCC can require the form to be used.  JSI has been monitoring the status of the approval process, as the revised form underwent OMB review, and has been working with NTCA, OPASTCO, and ITTA in seeking an extension of the filing deadline from the FCC. 

Of primary significance to JSI clients and other carriers required to comply with this broadband reporting is the fact that the revised form is online.  Clients also should note that as we prepare this e-lert for distribution, the FCC has yet to make the online form publicly available; however, a PDF version is available and can be provided to you as specified below.  In addition, clients should make note that the following is required for each technology used to provide broadband service and for each census tract:

• the number of broadband connections in that census tract;
• the identification of upload and download speeds for the connections in that census tract (i.e., nine categories of upload and eight categories of download speeds);
• the percentage of connections in that census tract that are residential.

To offer clients guidance regarding how to use the online form, JSI has scheduled a webinar for Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST.  The cost of the webinar is $249 per company, which includes up to five separate Internet connections per registration.  In the webinar, JSI staff will review ways in which the data can be provided according to census tracts, as well as walk clients through a step-by-step process of how to complete the form on the FCC's new online system.  Updates regarding efforts to obtain an extension of the filing deadline, as well as such actions as filing waivers, will also be provided.

Clients interested in the webinar but unable to attend on Feb. 17 due to scheduling conflicts, should contact JSI, so that we can judge the necessity for another session.  If you are interested in the webinar, would like a PDF copy of the online Form 477, or would like further assistance with the broadband reporting, please notify Kim Waldvogel (kwaldvogel@jsitel.com) in JSI's Maryland office, at 301-459-7590.