About the Division
The Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) provides outreach to state and local governments, as well as other federal regulatory agencies, for the purpose of fostering an understanding of FCC programs, policies, rules and decisions. We attend and participate in conferences, seminars and industry meetings to further our mission. IGA is responsible for overseeing the work and activities of the commission's Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, the Hospital Robocall Protection Group, and various ad hoc special projects.
Spotlight
Preparing for Emergency Broadband Benefit Roll Out
On February 26, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission released a Report and Order establishing the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, a $3.2 billion federal initiative that will provide relief to households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, and virtual classrooms.
The program provides a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for those on Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price.
Households
Households are eligible for the program if one member of the household:
- Qualifies for the Lifeline program.
- Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast programs, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 and total 2020 household income was below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
Broadband Providers
The program is open to all broadband providers, whether traditional Internet Service Providers, Lifeline providers, Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs), or non-traditional broadband providers like community-owned networks, electric cooperatives, or municipal governments. On March 4, the Commission released a Public Notice establishing milestone dates for interested providers. Non-ETCs may elect to participate by filing with the Wireline Competition Burau under a priority window that opened on March 8 and closes on March 22. ETCs may file with USAC beginning March 11. Interested providers should check here for details.
Further information on the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program can be found here.
2018
2018 Webinars
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Announces Emergency Alerting Webinar on July 25
July 25, 2018 Public Notice
Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts Webinar for State and Local Government Officials
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Washington, DC
For more information.
PowerPoint Presentation
An Introduction to the Mobility Fund II Challenge Process for State, Local and Tribal Governments
Wednesday, May 3, 2018
Washington, DC
2017
2017 Webinars
Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Webinar for State and Local Government
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Washington, DC
For more information.
Infrastructure Deployment Webinar for State & Local Governments
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Washington, DC
For more information.
Advisory Committee
The Intergovernmental Advisory Committee is composed of officials from municipal, county, state and tribal governments who provide guidance to the FCC on a broad range of issues.
Request a Speaker
Are you having an event, meeting, webinar or other activity related to FCC Issues? Send us an email and our team will be in touch with you to provide a speaker that meets your needs.
Contact Us
State and local government officials and their staff can reach us via email at: IGA@fcc.gov