FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Responds to Rep Pence Regarding the Broadband Interagency Coordination Act

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel responded to a June 29 letter from Rep Greg Pence (R-IN) regarding the Broadband Interagency Coordination Act and the need for coordination of federal funding for broadband deployment. In her response, Rosenworcel detailed how the FCC has worked with other federal agencies to share information on existing and planned broadband projects and to coordinate and harmonize their efforts, as required by the Act. This includes a Public Notice released by the FCC in July to gather stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the agreement, ideas for improvement and any other suggestions. In addition, the chairwoman provided context on the FCC's interagency coordination efforts beyond the Act, including its participation in a separate memorium of understanding (MOU) with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Department of Treasury to "further enhance [their] coordination in light of [the Department of Treasury's] support for broadband initiatives through its new Capital Projects Fund." Rosenworcel concluded by providing further information on the FCC's efforts to collaborate with the NTIA and state stakeholders on its broadband data and mapping initiatives, including through the Broadband Data Task Force.