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NEWS
Federal Communications Commission

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

445 12th Street, S.W.

Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

Washington, D. C. 20554

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

December 7, 2009
Mark Wigfield, (202) 418-0253
Email: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov

PANELISTS ANNOUNCED FOR DEC 9. BROADBAND STAFF WORKSHOP ON

LESSONS LEARNED FROM LOCAL OFFICIALS REPRESENTING UNDERSERVED

COMMUNITIES

The Federal Communications Commission will hold a staff workshop examining the role local
governments can play to help make sure underserved communities are connected to advanced
telecommunications infrastructure and to increase broadband adoption rates. The workshop
will also examine how the Universal Service Fund and the broadband grant programs under the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act can better address the needs of underserved
communities and non-adopters. Participants will also discuss how broadband deployment can
address the workforce needs of communities experiencing high unemployment, and other
matters. The public is encouraged to attend.

WHAT:

Staff Workshop: Lessons for the National Broadband Plan from
Local Officials Representing Under-served Communities

WHEN:

Wednesday, December 9, 9:30 a.m.

WHERE:

FCC Commission Room,
445 12th St. SW
Washington, D.C. 20554

ONLINE

Must pre-register at http://www.broadband.gov/workshops.html

Agenda:

9:30 a.m.

Workshop/Panel Introduction, Mark Lloyd, FCC, Moderator

9:35 a.m.

Panelist Presentations

Calvin Smyre, President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators,
Georgia State Representative

Robert Steele

,

Commissioner, 2nd District of Cook County (Chicago), IL

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Vanessa R. Williams

,

Executive Director of the National Conference of Black
Mayors (NCBM)

Gus K. West, Board Chair and President, The Hispanic Institute

10:30 a.m.

Panelist Discussion and Responses to Questions

11:30 a.m.

Closing Statement, Moderator

The FCC is convening a series of hearings to promote an open dialogue between the FCC and
the public on development of a National Broadband Plan. The American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 directed the FCC to submit a National Broadband Plan to Congress by
February 17, 2010 that addresses broadband deployment, adoption, affordability, and the use of
broadband to advance solutions to national priorities, including health care, education, energy,
public safety, job creation, investment, and others.
Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Include a
description of the accommodation you will need with as much detail as possible. Also include a
way we can contact you if we need more information. Please provide as much advance notice as
possible; last minute requests will be accepted, but may be impossible to fill. Send an e-mail to
fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice),
202-418-0432 (TTY).
-FCC-
News about the Federal Communications Commission’s development of the National
Broadband can be found at http://www.broadband.gov/news.html

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