To bring broadband to every unserved part of the United States, we must know where broadband service is available, and where it is not.  The FCC is in the process of creating more granular, precise maps on the availability of fixed and mobile broadband service with the Digital Opportunity Data Collection (DODC).  

Timing for the Collection

• The collection of broadband availabilty data by the FCC for the Digital Opportunity Data Collection has not yet begun.
• OEA will issue a Public Notice announcing the initial filing deadline for such data at least 6 months prior to that deadline.
• Once the collection has begun, the broadband availability data will be collected twice a year with the following schedule:
  • Data as of December 31 will be due by March 1 of the following calendar year.
  • Data as of June 30 will by the following September 1. 
• Broadband providers should continue to submit fixed and mobile deployment data through FCC Form 477.

History of the Collection

• Aug. 2, 2019: The FCC established the Digital Opportunity Data Collection (DODC) with the adoption of the Digital Opportunity Data Collection Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 19-79).
• Mar. 23, 2020: The Broadband DATA Act was signed into law. 
• Jul. 16, 2020:  The FCC took steps to further improve its broadband availability data and to implement the Broadband DATA Act with the DODC Second Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 20-94). 
• Dec. 27, 2020: The FCC was appropriated funding, via the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, to implement the Broadband DATA Act.
• Jan. 19, 2021:  The FCC took the next step in collecting more precise broadband mapping data and implemening the Broadband DATA Act with the release the DODC Third Report and Order (FCC 21-20).