FCC and USDA Launch Web Site Focused on Rural Broadband Opportunities

FCC AND USDA LAUNCH WEB SITE FOCUSED ON RURAL BROADBAND OPPORTUNITIES
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
The Federal Communications Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture announced the launch of a new, online resource -- http://wireless.fcc.gov/outreach/ruralbroadband -- for those in rural America looking to bring the benefits of broadband services to their communities. This "Broadband Opportunities for Rural America" web site makes available the expertise and resources of the FCC and USDA in a single, easily-accessible location. The site provides information on the different technology platforms that can be used to provide broadband service, how to access spectrum necessary for delivery of wireless broadband services, government funding for broadband services, relevant FCC and USDA proceedings and initiatives, and data on broadband deployment. In addition, the site provides instructions on how to locate companies already licensed to provide wireless services in or near specific rural communities, as well as helpful links to other government and private resources related to encouraging broadband opportunities in rural America.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-279938A1.doc

* Rural Broadband Workshops
The Federal Communications Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture will conduct four educational workshops focused on rural broadband during 2008. The workshops will provide communities and organizations in rural America seeking to bring the benefits of broadband to their communities with an opportunity to learn about the resources, programs, and policies of the FCC and USDA. The topics to be covered at the workshops include: the different technology platforms used to provide broadband services, USDA funding for broadband deployment, the FCC's Rural Health Care Pilot program, and wireless spectrum access. The workshops will also provide communities and organizations an opportunity to share their experiences about broadband deployment in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Here's the schedule: April 30, 2008: Blacksburg, Virginia; June 19, 2008: Saginaw, Michigan; September 18, 2008: Austin, Texas; November 20, 2008: Phoenix, Arizona. Registration is free but must be done by February 25, 2008. For additional information about the workshops, please visit the FCC's website at http://wireless.fcc.gov/outreach/ruralbroadband/; send an email to ruralworkshop@fcc.gov; or contact Chelsea Fallon at Chelsea.Fallon@fcc.gov or (202) 418-7991, or Cecilia Sulhoff at Cecilia.Sulhoff@fcc.gov or (202) 418-0587. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office and on the USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-08-281A1.doc