On June 30, 2014, the Bureau commenced the Phase II Challenge Process. Nearly 180,000 challenges were received from over 140 interested parties. On September 26, 2014, the Bureau released a list of challenges that met the prima facie evidentiary requirements and thus merited a response. Parties had until November 10, 2014, to file responses, after which the Bureau reviewed the challenges and responses received. On March 30, 2015, the Bureau issued a final determination on which census blocks will be treated as served by an unsubsidized competitor for purposes of calculating the Phase II offer of model-based support to price cap carriers.
What's New
Phase II Challenge Process Reference Materials
A Basic Guide to the Challenge Process (Updated 7/31/14) – This Guide provides a basic primer on questions related to the challenge process. It is a recommended first reference for persons with questions related to the challenge process.
Initial List of Phase II Eligible Census Blocks – This file lists all census blocks that were deemed initially eligible for Phase II support.
Initial Map of Phase II Eligible Census Blocks – This map shows what census blocks are eligible for Phase II support, as well as which census blocks are ineligible for support, either due to the census blocks already being served by an unsubsidized competitor, or because the census blocks fall outside the Phase II cost thresholds.
State-Level Data Files – These files show the broadband coverage and speed of service for each state, district, or territory.
FCC Form 505 – All challenges and responses must be filed using FCC Form 505.
FCC Form 505 Instructions – These instructions explain how to use FCC Form 505.
Unserved-to-Served Prima Facie Challenges – This list shows the challenges the Bureau has determined make a prima facie case for treating as served.
Served-to-Unserved Prima Facie Challenges – This list shows the challenges the Bureau has determined make a prima facie case for treating as unserved.
Submit a Filing to ECFS – All filings in the challenge process must be submitted in Docket 14-93. You may file your challenge using ECFS, linked above. As a reminder, parties should also submit a copy of their challenges and accompanying evidence in their native format, either by e-mailing those files to Form505@fcc.gov or by delivering the files on storage media to Ryan Yates, Wireline Competition Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th St SW, Washington, DC 20554.
Challenge Process Orders and Public Notices
Phase II Challenge Process Order (5/16/13)
Phase II Service Obligations Order (10/31/13)
Phase II Challenge Process Clarification Public Notice (6/20/14)
Phase II Challenge Process Commencement Public Notice (6/30/14)
Phase II Challenge Process Response Public Notice (9/26/14)
WCB Addresses USF Issues with Consolidated’s Acquisition of Eventis and Initiates Challenge Process (10/3/14)
Wireline Competition Bureau Adopts Methodology for Broadband Comparability Benchmarks (10/29/14)