FCC Seeks Input on Role in Broadband Grants

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to consult with the Federal Communications Commission on five specific terms and concepts: 1) the definition of "unserved area," 2) the definition of "underserved area," 3) the definition of "broadband," 4) the non-discrimination obligations that will be contractual conditions of broadband grants, and 5) the network interconnection obligations that will be contractual conditions of broadband grants.

People interested in commenting on the FCC's consultation on these definitions may do so in writing or in person. Written comments must be filed on or before April 13, 2009. Comments should reference GN Docket No. 09-40. Parties are encouraged to limit their comments to the five definitional issues named above.

In addition, Commission staff will make themselves available for ex parte meetings with interested parties during the week of March 30 through April 3, 2009. Parties wishing to schedule an ex parte meeting should contact Ginny Kennedy, Wireline Competition Bureau, at (202) 418-2328, or by email at Ginny.Kennedy@fcc.gov, or Morasha Younger, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, at (202) 418-1203, or by email at Morasha.Younger@fcc.gov Staff will attempt to accommodate requests for ex parte meetings on other dates but interested parties are strongly encouraged to schedule any meetings for the dates mentioned above.

Parties are also strongly encouraged to provide staff a one- to two-page handout summarizing their points.

Any registered lobbyists requesting meetings should identify themselves as such at the time of requesting meetings. Because of the potential volume of meeting requests, meetings will be scheduled for twenty minutes with Commission staff members.