Chairwoman Rosenworcel responds to senators on agency collaboration to improve broadband connectivity, Lifeline outreach

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel sent letters to 20 senators on November 10, 2021, in response to their letter urging the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the FCC to share existing data to identify communities without high-speed internet access and improve broadband connectivity. Rosenworcel said the agencies have collaborated to increase Lifeline enrollment among federally subsidized renters and homeowners and share relevant data between them, and establish practices for conducting outreach and introducing the Lifeline program to households. Rosenworcel also said using data and maps created through the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection, these agencies will be able to collaborate with each other to better target resources to low-income communities and expand broadband access. Additionally, she said the FCC, USDA and National Telecommunications and Information Administration agreed to share information about and coordinate the distribution of federal broadband funds.