FCC Set to Release 4G LTE Speed Data Filed by Carriers

The FCC Wireline and Wireless bureaus Wednesday proposed to release minimum advertised or expected 4G LTE speed data from the Form 477 filings that carriers must make. Release would help Mobility Fund II analysis, the bureaus said in a public notice. “Disclosure of the minimum advertised or expected speeds associated with service providers’ 4G LTE coverage submitted in their Form 477 filings will enable a transparent process for challenges, and final determinations of areas eligible for Mobility Fund II support,” the PN said. “Strong public interest benefits support disclosing the minimum advertised or expected 4G LTE speeds.” The bureaus tentatively found “the public interest in providing such speed information would substantially outweigh any potential competitive harms to the providers in maintaining its confidentiality.” Staff said it would start with disclosure of data from Dec. 31, 2015, and June 30, 2016, Form 477 filings. Carriers have until April 12 to make a case for why individualized data shouldn't be released. “Affected parties must oppose disclosure of their aforementioned Form 477 4G LTE speed data and provide a full justification in support of their request for confidentiality,” the notice said.