METHODOLOGY FOR COLLECTION OF MOBILE SERVICE COVERAGE DATA.

SEC. 505. [47 U.S.C. 254 note] METHODOLOGY FOR COLLECTION OF MOBILE SERVICE COVERAGE DATA. (a) Definitions.—In this section— (1) the term “commercial mobile data service” has the meaning given the term in section 6001 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 1401); (2) the term “commercial mobile service” has the meaning given the term in section 332(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d)); (3) the term “coverage data” means, if commercial mobile service or commercial mobile data service is available, general information about the service, which may include available speed tiers, radio frequency signal levels, and network and performance characteristics; and (4) the term “Universal Service program” means the universal service support mechanisms established under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254) and the regulations issued under that section. (b) Methodology Established.—Not later than 180 days after the conclusion of the Mobility Fund Phase II Auction, the Commission shall promulgate regulations to establish a methodology that shall apply to the collection of coverage data by the Commission for the purposes of— (1) the Universal Service program; or (2) any other similar program. (c) Requirements.—The methodology established under subsection (b) shall— (1) contain standard definitions for different available technologies such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE; (2) enhance the consistency and robustness of how the data are collected by different parties; (3) improve the validity and reliability of coverage data; and (4) increase the efficiency of coverage data collection.