To promote compliance with the FCC’s Form 477 filing rules, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau released an Enforcement Advisory reminding broadband and interconnected VoIP providers of the March 1, 2012 filing deadline.  In addition, the FCC warned that it will take appropriate enforcement action against non-compliant companies. 

The FCC noted three recurring deficiencies:  (i) failing to file data in a timely fashion, if at all; (ii) failing to have a company official certify that the information submitted is correct; and (iii) filing incomplete or inaccurate data. 

The next Form 477 filing is due March 1, 2012 (reporting data as of December 31, 2011).  For this filing, the FCC’s electronic system will only recognize 2010 Census tract codes.  Further information about the Form 477 and 2010 Census tracts is available online: 

• Census Tract Information, Filing Instructions, and a Link to File Form 477:  http://transition.fcc.gov/form477
• 2010 Census Tract Reference Maps:http://www.census.gov/geo/www/maps/pl10_map_suite/tract.html
• 2010 Census Tract Relationship Files:http://www.census.gov/geo/www/2010census/tract_rel/tract_rel.html  

For more information about filing Form 477, please contact Scott Friedman at (312) 372-3930 or via email at sfriedman@cm-chi.com.