Report on the Performance Audit over High-Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) Portal Data

FCC should ensure that USAC complies with the requirements of the PMM order and/or issue an amendment to the current orders clarifying how deferred latency tests should be addressed when they make up a significant portion of the sample testing results. This should include defining the maximum tests allowed to be deferred when determining compliance. The amendment should also include other procedures performed by the carrier or USAC to determine that the carrier’s network is compliant with the conditions set forth within the applicable program.

FCC should direct USAC to develop and implement procedures to determine if the issues noted in the condition warrant adjustments to the carrier’s withholdings and/or payments previously made. Further, USAC should determine if any of the payments made to these carriers would be considered an improper payment requiring recovery.

Direct USAC to modify testing procedures for verification reviews to ensure that carriers are offering the speeds per the corresponding program requirements for minimum speeds. Examples of testing procedures include reviewing stronger evidence, such as an engineer certification or actual network speed testing results performed by a third party or through collaboration with USAC’s engineers.