--- title: Blog - Advanced Technologies and Services | connect america fund description: connect america fund | --- 973-696-0990 [info@atso.com](mailto:info@atso.com) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/ATS_RA) [![Advanced Technologies and Services](https://blog.atso.com/hubfs/ATSO%20Dec%202016%20theme/Images/ATS-Logo-header_4.jpg)](http://www.atso.com/) - About Us - [ATS Overview](https://www.atso.com/ats-overview/) - [Management Team](https://www.atso.com/ats-overview/management-team/) - [Contact ATS](https://www.atso.com/ats-overview/contact-information/) - [Partners & Memberships](https://www.atso.com/ats-overview/partners/) - [Employment](https://www.atso.com/ats-overview/employment-opportunities/) - Solutions - [Automation & AI](https://www.atso.com/workflow-automation/) - [ESAP](https://www.atso.com/esap-cdr-analytics/) - [SimCall](https://www.atso.com/network-analytics/simcall/) - [Usage Meter Analysis](https://www.atso.com/broadband/usage-meter-analysis/) - [Burstable Billing](https://www.atso.com/broadband/95th-percentile-burstable-billing/) - [Utilities Analytics](https://www.atso.com/data-analytics-utilities/) - [IPDR Analytics](https://www.atso.com/ipdr-analytics-network-intelligence/) - Regulatory - [USF Traffic Study](https://www.atso.com/regulatory/usf-traffic-study/) - [CAF Testing](https://www.atso.com/broadband/connect-america-fund-performance-testing/) - [911 Monitoring](https://www.atso.com/regulatory/fcc-compliant-911-outage-monitoring-and-compliance/) - [Map Challenges](https://www.atso.com/federal-broadband-funding/) - [Speed Audit](https://www.atso.com/broadband-audit-regulatory-compliance/) - [Rural Call Completion](https://www.atso.com/regulatory/rural-call-completion/) - [Knowledge Center](https://www.atso.com/ats-overview/knowledge-center/) - [Case Studies & Whitepapers](https://2699509.hs-sites.com/ats-overview/knowledge-center/product-brochures-case-studies) - [Webinars & Presentations](https://2699509.hs-sites.com/ats-overview/knowledge-center/chalk-talk-and-presentations) - [Blog](https://blog.atso.com) - [Meet Us](https://go.atso.com/meet-ats) # Industry Leader in Telecom Data Analytics and Revenue Assurance ## [Navigating the FCC Broadband Label: Data Requirements & Testing Methodologies](https://blog.atso.com/navigating-the-fcc-broadband-label-data-requirements-testing-methodologies) Posted by [John Sarkis](https://blog.atso.com/author/john-sarkis) on Mar 20, 2024, 1:44:56 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.atso.com/hubfs/Using%20CAF%20Performance%20Data%20To%20Uncover%20Bottlenecks%20In%20Your%20Network%20(8)-2.png)](https://blog.atso.com/navigating-the-fcc-broadband-label-data-requirements-testing-methodologies) Broadband nutrition labels are a game changer for consumers, empowering them to make informed choices based on clear information about advertised speeds versus real-world performance. However, for ISPs, these labels represent a significant challenge. Meeting the FCC's data requirements for accurate data hinges on reliable testing methodologies. It doesn't help that the FCC hasn't released a clear framework for speed testing similar to what they did for [CAF Performance Testing](https://www.usac.org/high-cost/annual-requirements/performance-measures-testing/), nor how they plan to keep ISP's accountable for the speed data they submit. Without independent, objective performance testing, ISPs risk not only running afoul of regulations but also, more importantly, eroding consumer trust – a critical factor in the increasingly competitive broadband market.  This blog will dive into the data needed for these labels, and why we think third-party testing is the best solution.  [Read More](https://blog.atso.com/navigating-the-fcc-broadband-label-data-requirements-testing-methodologies) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.atso.com/navigating-the-fcc-broadband-label-data-requirements-testing-methodologies#comments-listing) Topics: [Telecom Data Analytics](https://blog.atso.com/topic/telecom-data-analytics), [Regulatory](https://blog.atso.com/topic/regulatory), [stamper box](https://blog.atso.com/topic/stamper-box), [connect america fund](https://blog.atso.com/topic/connect-america-fund), [speed testing](https://blog.atso.com/topic/speed-testing) ## [NTIA Proposes New Model for BEAD State Map Speed Challenges](https://blog.atso.com/ntia-proposes-new-model-for-bead-state-map-speed-challenges) Posted by [John Sarkis](https://blog.atso.com/author/john-sarkis) on May 11, 2023, 11:30:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.atso.com/hubfs/Using%20CAF%20Performance%20Data%20To%20Uncover%20Bottlenecks%20In%20Your%20Network-2.png)](https://blog.atso.com/ntia-proposes-new-model-for-bead-state-map-speed-challenges) The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recently proposed a [guideline](https://www.internetforall.gov/bead-challenge-process-policy) for State Map Challenges, providing State Broadband leaders the option to follow the proposed guidelines or develop their own challenge process. It is anticipated that several states will adopt these guidelines, with states such as [Louisiana](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/2023/05/louisiana-works-on-map-challenge-process-as-it-prepares-digital-equity-plan-for-next-week/) already announcing their decision to adopt the guidelines once officially released. The purpose of the state challenge process is to allow for challenges from "a unit of local government, nonprofit organization, or broadband service provider" against the state's initial determination of eligibility for BEAD funding, including identifying unserved or underserved locations along with inaccurate Community Anchor Institution (CAI) data. [Read More](https://blog.atso.com/ntia-proposes-new-model-for-bead-state-map-speed-challenges) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.atso.com/ntia-proposes-new-model-for-bead-state-map-speed-challenges#comments-listing) Topics: [connect america fund](https://blog.atso.com/topic/connect-america-fund), [BEAD](https://blog.atso.com/topic/bead) ## [Last Year Was a Booming Year for Telecom. What’s Next, and How Have We Adapted to New Trends?](https://blog.atso.com/last-year-was-a-booming-year-for-telecom.-whats-next-and-how-have-we-adapted-to-new-trends) Posted by [John Sarkis](https://blog.atso.com/author/john-sarkis) on Jan 23, 2023, 1:00:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.atso.com/hubfs/Using%20CAF%20Performance%20Data%20To%20Uncover%20Bottlenecks%20In%20Your%20Network.png)](https://blog.atso.com/last-year-was-a-booming-year-for-telecom.-whats-next-and-how-have-we-adapted-to-new-trends) **The State of Telecommunications** With the world adjusting back to normalcy post-pandemic, 2022 was another booming - and some would say a hectic year for telecom. The momentum from the increased dependency on broadband has continued to reflect on the growing telecom market. Broadband and Telecommunications are entering a new landscape of competition as the demand for faster speeds and higher data consumption continue to force telcos to adapt to new technologies. With that, both CAF and ACAM testing is in full swing now that pre-testing has finished for CAF recipients. [Read More](https://blog.atso.com/last-year-was-a-booming-year-for-telecom.-whats-next-and-how-have-we-adapted-to-new-trends) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.atso.com/last-year-was-a-booming-year-for-telecom.-whats-next-and-how-have-we-adapted-to-new-trends#comments-listing) Topics: [Telecom Data Analytics](https://blog.atso.com/topic/telecom-data-analytics), [connect america fund](https://blog.atso.com/topic/connect-america-fund) ## [Using CAF Performance Data To Uncover Bottlenecks In Your Network](https://blog.atso.com/using-caf-performance-data-to-uncover-bottlenecks-in-your-network) Posted by [John Sarkis](https://blog.atso.com/author/john-sarkis) on Dec 8, 2022, 1:00:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.atso.com/hubfs/Upstream%20Networke-png-1.png)](https://blog.atso.com/using-caf-performance-data-to-uncover-bottlenecks-in-your-network) As of writing this, hundreds of broadband providers across the country are testing their high-cost networks as a requirement for Connect America Fund (CAF) Performance Testing. Although CAF tests originate from the subscriber's home networks, these tests are assessing more than just the last-mile and individual homes since their internet relies on regional and backbone networks too.  [Read More](https://blog.atso.com/using-caf-performance-data-to-uncover-bottlenecks-in-your-network) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.atso.com/using-caf-performance-data-to-uncover-bottlenecks-in-your-network#comments-listing) Topics: [connect america fund](https://blog.atso.com/topic/connect-america-fund) ## [The Federal Government is Preparing to Funnel Billions to State Broadband Offices](https://blog.atso.com/the-federal-government-is-preparing-to-funnel-billions-to-state-broadband-offices) Posted by [John Sarkis](https://blog.atso.com/author/john-sarkis) on May 2, 2022, 1:46:17 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.atso.com/hubfs/StateFunding.jpeg)](https://blog.atso.com/the-federal-government-is-preparing-to-funnel-billions-to-state-broadband-offices) The federal government has been investing big-time into nationwide broadband access for underserved communities. With the passage of the [American Rescue Plan Act](https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2021/12/06/how-states-are-using-pandemic-relief-funds-to-boost-broadband-access) (ARPA) and the [Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)](https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3684/text), state governments are beginning to develop plans to connect local communities with high speed, affordable broadband.  Historically, broadband funding has been distributed and managed by federal entities such as the USAC, with programs such as the Connect America Fund, which dispersed funds directly to internet providers. This time, state governments are managing grants and making sure that their local communities have access to high speed and affordable broadband.  [Read More](https://blog.atso.com/the-federal-government-is-preparing-to-funnel-billions-to-state-broadband-offices) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.atso.com/the-federal-government-is-preparing-to-funnel-billions-to-state-broadband-offices#comments-listing) Topics: [Regulatory](https://blog.atso.com/topic/regulatory), [Broadband](https://blog.atso.com/topic/broadband), [connect america fund](https://blog.atso.com/topic/connect-america-fund), [State Funding](https://blog.atso.com/topic/state-funding) ## [Changes to Performance Testing Sample Size Approved for 1Q and 2Q 2022](https://blog.atso.com/changes-to-performance-testing-sample-size-approved-for-1q-and-2q-2022) Posted by [John Sarkis](https://blog.atso.com/author/john-sarkis) on Jan 24, 2022, 1:13:25 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.atso.com/hubfs/Federal-Communications-Commission-750_24.jpeg)](https://blog.atso.com/changes-to-performance-testing-sample-size-approved-for-1q-and-2q-2022) Earlier this month, the NTCA- otherwise known as the Rural Broadband Commission, filed a petition for waiver requesting the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) to extend the aid provided by the previous December 2020 Waiver Order. The Rural Broadband Commission explained in the petition that broadband providers continue to face challenges such as supply chain issues as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The main requests of the NCTA were as follows; - The Commission should continue to allow A-CAM/RBE/Alaska Plan carriers to only pre-test 70% of the USAC-selected sampled locations for the first two quarters of 2022 - Extend the “simple” waiver request for A-CAM/RBE/Alaska Plan carriers - Extend the pre-testing period for A-CAM/RBE/Alaska Plan carriers [Read More](https://blog.atso.com/changes-to-performance-testing-sample-size-approved-for-1q-and-2q-2022) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.atso.com/changes-to-performance-testing-sample-size-approved-for-1q-and-2q-2022#comments-listing) Topics: [Broadband](https://blog.atso.com/topic/broadband), [FCC](https://blog.atso.com/topic/fcc), [connect america fund](https://blog.atso.com/topic/connect-america-fund) ## [How to Ensure Success in the Next Phase of Performance Measures Testing](https://blog.atso.com/how-to-ensure-success-in-the-next-phase-of-performance-measures-testing) Posted by [John Sarkis](https://blog.atso.com/author/john-sarkis) on Nov 4, 2021, 10:30:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.atso.com/hubfs/CAF-barn.jpeg)](https://blog.atso.com/how-to-ensure-success-in-the-next-phase-of-performance-measures-testing) Complying with the USAC’s requirements can be stressful. However, being non-compliant during the pre-testing phase isn’t the end of the world. In fact - it’s part of the process in most providers' deployment journeys.  As we jump into the fourth quarter of ACAM-I pretesting and prepare for the upcoming 2022 official testing, it’s important that providers determine what tactics they used to be successful this past year. [Read More](https://blog.atso.com/how-to-ensure-success-in-the-next-phase-of-performance-measures-testing) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.atso.com/how-to-ensure-success-in-the-next-phase-of-performance-measures-testing#comments-listing) Topics: [Telecom Data Analytics](https://blog.atso.com/topic/telecom-data-analytics), [Regulatory](https://blog.atso.com/topic/regulatory), [Broadband](https://blog.atso.com/topic/broadband), [FCC](https://blog.atso.com/topic/fcc), [stamper box](https://blog.atso.com/topic/stamper-box), [connect america fund](https://blog.atso.com/topic/connect-america-fund) ## [Small Telcos in the Big Picture](https://blog.atso.com/smaller-telcos-in-the-big-picture) Posted by [John Sarkis](https://blog.atso.com/author/john-sarkis) on May 18, 2021, 11:53:49 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.atso.com/hubfs/MW-HI862_rural__20190503144534_ZQ.jpeg)](https://blog.atso.com/smaller-telcos-in-the-big-picture)   With the first quarter of performance testing behind us, we’d like to reflect on how our stamper technology performed. As we rolled out hundreds of stamper box devices across the United States, our years of experience in telecom were put to the test to adapt to new challenges that performance measures testing created.  [Read More](https://blog.atso.com/smaller-telcos-in-the-big-picture) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.atso.com/smaller-telcos-in-the-big-picture#comments-listing) Topics: [Telecom Data Analytics](https://blog.atso.com/topic/telecom-data-analytics), [connect america fund](https://blog.atso.com/topic/connect-america-fund), [A-CAM](https://blog.atso.com/topic/a-cam) ## [CAF Performance Testing Podcast](https://blog.atso.com/caf-performance-testing-podcast) Posted by [Ryan Guthrie](https://blog.atso.com/author/ryan-guthrie) on May 30, 2019, 2:08:05 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.atso.com/hubfs/fcc-seal.png)](https://blog.atso.com/caf-performance-testing-podcast) Take a listen to our latest podcast where Peter Mueller and Ryan Guthrie discuss the FCC order and many of the questions we've been hearing from carriers who have to comply by July 31, 2019.   [Read More](https://blog.atso.com/caf-performance-testing-podcast) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.atso.com/caf-performance-testing-podcast#comments-listing) Topics: [stamper box](https://blog.atso.com/topic/stamper-box), [connect america fund](https://blog.atso.com/topic/connect-america-fund), [DA 18-710](https://blog.atso.com/topic/da-18-710) ## [CAF Broadband Performance Testing](https://blog.atso.com/caf-broadband-performance-testing) Posted by [Ryan Guthrie](https://blog.atso.com/author/ryan-guthrie) on Nov 14, 2018, 1:41:13 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.atso.com/hubfs/fcc-seal.png)](https://blog.atso.com/caf-broadband-performance-testing) A few months ago the FCC released order [DA 18-710](https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-18-710A1.pdf) specifying the network performance testing and reporting required for ISPs who receive support from the Connect America Fund (CAF). The order is nearly 40 pages, but in this post we will summarize the requirements and provide some options for how ISPs can comply. ## Who Must Comply? Recipients of CAF high-cost universal service support, including: [Read More](https://blog.atso.com/caf-broadband-performance-testing) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.atso.com/caf-broadband-performance-testing#comments-listing) Topics: [Regulatory](https://blog.atso.com/topic/regulatory), [FCC](https://blog.atso.com/topic/fcc), [stamper box](https://blog.atso.com/topic/stamper-box), [connect america fund](https://blog.atso.com/topic/connect-america-fund) [All posts](https://blog.atso.com/all) ## Welcome to the ATS Blog! ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Telecom Data Analytics (24)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/telecom-data-analytics) - [Regulatory (23)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/regulatory) - [Big Data (15)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/big-data) - [USF (15)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/usf) - [FCC (13)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/fcc) - [connect america fund (10)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/connect-america-fund) - [ATS (9)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/ats) - [Broadband (8)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/broadband) - [ESAP (8)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/esap) - [Rural Call Completion (6)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/rural-call-completion) - [stamper box (6)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/stamper-box) - [BEAD (5)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/bead) - [Cost Savings (5)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/cost-savings) - [BigQuery (4)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/bigquery) - [Broadband Mapping (4)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/broadband-mapping) - [Chalk Talk (4)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/chalk-talk) - [LNP (4)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/lnp) - [Machine Learning (4)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/machine-learning) - [Revenue Assurance (4)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/revenue-assurance) - [SimCall (4)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/simcall) - [Usage Based Billing (4)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/usage-based-billing) - [AI (3)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/ai) - [Case Study (3)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/case-study) - [Cloud Storage (3)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/cloud-storage) - [Fraud Prevention (3)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/fraud-prevention) - [Usage Meter Accuracy (3)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/usage-meter-accuracy) - [Workflow Automation (3)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/workflow-automation) - [95th percentile billing (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/95th-percentile-billing) - [Artificial Intelligence (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/artificial-intelligence) - [Cloud (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/cloud) - [Cloud Computing (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/cloud-computing) - [Data Driven (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/data-driven) - [Data Plumbing (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/data-plumbing) - [Inter-Carrier Billing (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/inter-carrier-billing) - [MapReduce (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/mapreduce) - [Marketing (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/marketing) - [SS7 (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/ss7) - [SimCall Lite (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/simcall-lite) - [Utilities (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/utilities) - [burstable billing (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/burstable-billing) - [national number portability (2)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/national-number-portability) - [5G (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/5g) - [A-CAM (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/a-cam) - [AT&T (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/att) - [Bell Canada (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/bell-canada) - [Bill & Keep (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/bill-keep) - [Cable (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/cable) - [Charity (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/charity) - [Claro Dominican Republic (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/claro-dominican-republic) - [DA 18-710 (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/da-18-710) - [Fraud (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/fraud) - [GUBB (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/gubb) - [Intercarrier Compensation (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/intercarrier-compensation) - [PORC (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/porc) - [Rehome (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/rehome) - [SIP (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/sip) - [Shentel (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/shentel) - [Social Network Analytics (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/social-network-analytics) - [State Funding (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/state-funding) - [Tech training (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/tech-training) - [Verizon (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/verizon) - [robocalls (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/robocalls) - [speed testing (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/speed-testing) - [wireless (1)](https://blog.atso.com/topic/wireless) see all **[Terms of Use](http://www.atso.com/ats-overview/terms-of-use/) | [Privacy Statement](http://www.atso.com/ats-overview/privacy-statement/) | [Contact Us](http://www.atso.com/ats-overview/contact-information/)**