Spotlight

Advisory Committee Addresses Pandemic, Affordable Connectivity

Recent reports from the FCC's Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) provide updated information on two fronts -- barriers and incentives to telemedicine in light of the COVID-19 pandemic; and consumer outreach to promote awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

The Telehealth Report updated the previous IAC’s 2019 Telehealth Report in light of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the report’s recommendations are the following:

• The FCC should use better geographic broadband location data, as it becomes available, to show the presence and nature of telehealth services offered by healthcare service providers throughout the nation, and
• The FCC should incorporate software, equipment, data storage, and patient-record access within the meaning of the term “telehealth” for policy making purposes.

Meanwhile, the ACP Outreach Report seeks to enhance state, local and Tribal outreach and awareness efforts associated with the Commission’s $14.2 billion broadband affordability program, the ACP.

Recommendations to enhance ACP awareness and enrollment include, among other things, that stakeholders should study, adopt and leverage the work of other governmental stakeholders to advance the cause of ACP awareness. In so doing, stakeholders should also use their own initiative and creativity to achieve objectives based on the unique features of their jurisdictions.

Both reports are available on the IAC webpage.

Nominations for the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee Sought

On February 7, 2023, the FCC announced that it re-authorized the IAC for a new two-year term, and that it is seeking membership nominations through April 7, 2023.

Eligible officials interested in becoming members of the IAC may submit applications to IAC@fcc.gov. Please visit the IAC webpage for general information about the committee or to read the IAC’s prior reports.

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