FCC Tribal Workshop

A workshop for Tribal governments, Tribal employees, and Tribal members. This event is designed to provide information that will help Tribal Nations identify and evaluate opportunities to develop more robust broadband, telecommunications, and broadcast infrastructure and services in Tribal communities. It is also designed to provide information about the FCC and how it conducts its regulatory responsibilities, and to encourage Tribal participation in the regulatory process.

FCC staff will provide presentations on a broad range of important FCC programs and policies that support the deployment of communications infrastructure and services in Tribal communities. Such infrastructure supports Tribal economic development, Tribal schools and libraries, low-income families, and health care clinics, as well as Tribal radio stations, public safety departments, and Tribal government administration. Representatives of the US Department of Agriculture have also been invited to share information on the relevant programs they manage. In addition, a representative from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will provide hands-on training on the application process for the FCC’s E-rate Program, which provides discounts to qualifying schools and libraries for broadband equipment and services.

The workshop will include information on the Universal Service Fund programs, the related Tribal engagement obligation for high cost fund recipients, and an open discussion with Tribal leaders and officials sharing their experiences with broadband deployment. The workshop will also provide information on new spectrum opportunities the Commission is considering that may promote expanded broadband access on Tribal lands. Additionally, the workshop will include presentations on the Commission’s Tribal radio priority, as well as on public safety issues of concern to Tribal Nations.

To register for the workshop, send your name, title, Tribal affiliation, and contact information to FCCChickasawWorkshop@fcc.gov. For workshop registration questions, please contact Carolyn Conyers, Program Advisor, Office of Native Affairs and Policy, at carolyn.conyers@fcc.gov or (202) 418-2002. Questions about the workshop may be directed to Susan Mort, Legal Advisor, Office of Native Affairs and Policy, at Susan.Mort@fcc.gov or (202) 418-2429.