FCC Proposes $470K Fine Against ACP Providers for Transparency Data Collection Non-Compliance

FCC Proposes $470K Fine Against ACP Providers for Transparency Data Collection Non-Compliance 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently proposed a $470,605.62 fine against four Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) providers for failing to comply with ACP Transparency Data Collection (TDC) rules.

The four providers missed the November 30, 2023, deadline for submitting their certified and complete ACP data. Now, the FCC may fine each provider the lesser of either 1) up to $22,000 for each state with ACP subscribers or 2) the latest monthly ACP reimbursement claim amount for each state where the provider failed to submit complete information.

The FCC considers these violations serious infractions that compromise the integrity of the ACP and hinder the FCC’s efforts to assess the program’s effectiveness in delivering affordable broadband services.

What This Means for You:

1. Reach Out for Assistance: Receiving a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL) is only the first step in the FCC enforcement process. If the FCC has contacted you regarding ACP TDC compliance or you have concerns about your obligations, we urge you to contact us immediately. How you respond, cooperate, and redress any violation with the FCC can significantly impact and mitigate any fines associated with a Forfeiture Order or settlement.
2. Mitigate Compliance Risks: Compliance is critical to avoid penalties, enforcement actions, or even removal from the ACP or other State and Federal programs. We recommend all providers conduct a thorough review of their compliance practices.
3. Schedule a Compliance Review: Conduct a review of your company’s compliance posture. Our team can help identify potential vulnerabilities and recommend strategies to meet regulatory requirements.

For any questions or to schedule a compliance review, please contact Lans Chase at Lans.Chase@jsitel.com or Dounia Chikhoune at Dounia.Chikhoune@jsitel.com.