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FCC SEEKS NOMINATIONS BY SEPTEMBER 17, 2010, FOR MEMBERSHIP ON THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE INTEROPERABILITY CENTER PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

2010-08-23T16:57:00Z

DA 10-1543
Released: August 18, 2010

The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) is seeking nominations and expressions of interest for membership on the Emergency Response Interoperability Center Public Safety Advisory Committee (Committee). The purpose of this Committee is to make recommendations that will assist the Commission’s Emergency Response Interoperability Center (ERIC), an entity established within the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau,1 in the development of a technical framework and requirements for interoperability in order to ensure that the public safety wireless broadband network is interoperable on a nationwide basis.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act,2 the Commission published on July 23, 2010, a notice of its intent to establish the Committee.3 The charter was then filed on August 6, 2010. The charter terminates on August 6, 2012, although it may be renewed. Under the terms of its charter, the Committee will be responsible for assisting ERIC as it implements the following policy objectives: (1) the adoption of technical and operational requirements and procedures to ensure a nationwide level of interoperability; (2) the adoption and implementation of requirements and procedures to address operability, roaming, priority access, gateway functions and interfaces, the interconnectivity of public safety broadband networks, and other matters related to the functioning of the nationwide public safety broadband network; (3) the adoption of authentication and encryption requirements for common public safety broadband applications and network use; (4) the coordination of ERIC’s policies with other entities, including other federal agencies; and (5) such other policies for which ERIC may have responsibilities from time to time.

MEMBERSHIP
The Commission seeks nominations and expressions of interest for membership on the Committee. Members of the Committee may include representatives of state and local public safety agencies, public safety trade associations, federal user groups, and other segments of the public safety community, as well as service providers, equipment vendors and other industry segments, to balance the expertise and viewpoints that are necessary to effectively address the issues to be considered. Members of the Committee will serve in a representative capacity.

NOMINATIONS/EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE
Nominations should be received by the Commission as soon as possible, but no later than September 17, 2010. Nominations received after this date may not be considered. Organizations should consider proposing their Chief Executive Officer or another senior-level official in the organization as their representative on the Committee. (Organizations may also propose an alternate representative, if they wish, but only one representative will be allowed to participate in Committee activities at any time.) No specific nomination form is required.

However, each nomination must include the following information:
· Name of the entity, group, or organization being nominated for membership along with the name and title of the individual who will be representing the nominee and a description of the sector or interest the nominee will represent;
· Nominee and its proposed representative’s mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number, and facsimile number; and
· A statement summarizing the nominee’s qualifications and reasons why the nominee should be selected for membership.

Please note this Notice is not intended to be the exclusive method by which the Commission will solicit nominations and expressions of interest to identify qualified candidates. However, all candidates for membership on the Committee will be subject to the same evaluation criteria.

Nominations should be sent to Gene Fullano, Associate Bureau Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, via e-mail at genaro.fullano@fcc.gov; via facsimile at 202-418-2817; or via U.S. mail at 445 12th Street, SW, Room 7-C738, Washington, DC 20554. Due to the extensive security screening of incoming mail, delivery of mail sent to the Commission may be delayed and we encourage submission by e-mail or facsimile.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gene Fullano, Associate Chief, Public
Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, (202) 418-0492 (voice) or genaro.fullano@fcc.gov (email).
- FCC -

Vice President Biden Announces Recovery Act Investments in Broadband Projects to Bring Jobs, Economic Opportunity to Communities Nationwide

2010-08-18T17:48:00Z

WASHINGTON -- Vice President Biden today announced 94 Recovery Act investments in broadband projects that will create jobs and expand economic opportunities within 37 states. These investments in high-speed Internet infrastructure will help bridge the technological divide in communities that are being left in the 20th century economy and support improvements in education, healthcare, and public safety. Today's announcement, an investment totaling $1.8 billion, is part of a nearly $7 billion Recovery Act initiative.

"Today's investment in broadband technology will create jobs across the country and expand opportunities for millions of Americans and American companies. In addition to bringing 21st century infrastructure to underserved communities and rural areas, these investments will begin to harness the power of broadband to improve education, health care, and public safety," said Vice President Biden. "The awards are another great example of how the Recovery Act is creating jobs upfront, while also building a foundation for sustainable job creation and global competitiveness."

The projects receiving funds today are part of a program – administered by the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) – to expand broadband access and adoption across the country.

"The broadband investments announced today are going to put people to work in the near term, but they also will lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth down the road," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. "These projects will connect Americans who have for too long been without the full economic, educational and social benefits of high-speed Internet access – access central to success in the 21st Century."

"The broadband projects announced today will give rural Americans access to the tools they need to attract new businesses, jobs, health care and educational opportunities," Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack said. "The Obama Administration understands that bringing broadband to rural America provides a gateway for businesses and key anchor institutions – such as libraries, schools, public safety and community centers – to provide services to thousands of Americans. These projects will create jobs building these networks, and the completed systems will provide a platform for rural economic growth for years to come."

Today's announcement includes 66 grants awarded by the Commerce Department for projects to deploy broadband infrastructure and connect community anchor institutions to broadband, create and upgrade public computer centers, and encourage the sustainable adoption of broadband service. It also includes 28 awards from USDA for broadband infrastructure and satellite projects that will provide rural residents in 16 states and Native American tribal areas access to improved service.

The Department of Commerce awards also contain grants for public safety broadband networks that will improve response times and communication at the scene of emergencies. These projects constitute a critical set of demonstration projects and a head start on President Obama's commitment to support the development of a nationwide, interoperable public safety wireless broadband network.

According to an analysis released by the National Economic Council last year, overall Recovery Act investments in broadband are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the near term and expand economic development and job opportunities in communities that are being left behind in the new knowledge-based economy. Recovery Act broadband projects help bring down the cost of private investment, attract Internet service providers to new areas, improve digital literacy among students and workers, and help create new opportunities in employment, education, and entrepreneurship by wiring homes and businesses. With new or increased broadband access, communities can compete on a level playing field to attract new businesses, schools can create distance learning opportunities, medical professionals can provide cost-efficient remote diagnoses and care, and business owners can expand the market for their products beyond their neighborhoods to better compete in the global economy.

Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement. A complete list of projects receiving Recovery Act broadband grant awards today can be viewed in full HERE.

President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on February 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so that the country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

More information about USDA's and Commerce's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.broadbandusa.gov . More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/recovery .

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Future of the Internet Public Hearing

2010-08-16T19:41:00Z

Save the Date: Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, 6 p.m.

Future of the Internet Public Hearing

On August 19, Free Press, Main Street Project and the Center for Media Justice are co-hosting a public hearing on the Future of the Internet. This important hearing is a valuable opportunity for those outside of Washington to share their ideas, experiences and concerns with the FCC.

The hearing will feature two public interest champions, FCC Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn. Deliver your message directly to the commissioners and encourage them to bring it back to Washington.

The debate over the future of the Internet in America is at a critical juncture. On one side are the millions of people who have seen the Internet become a vital part of their daily routine. They’ve contacted elected officials and regulators demanding that Washington protect the open Internet and foster universal broadband access and adoption for all Americans.

On the other is a lobbying juggernaut that seeks to destroy this openness so that phone and cable companies can rebuild the Internet as a gated community that pads their bottom line.

The world is changing, and increasingly, having access to the Internet and knowing how to use it determine who stands to benefit from the new economy, and who is left behind.

They’ve had their say inside the Beltway, but the FCC needs to hear from the rest of us. Join us on Aug. 19, 2010, at a hearing to urge the FCC to protect Internet users, pass real Net Neutrality rules, and connect everyone to fast, affordable broadband service.

Location: South High School Auditorium, 3131 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN

Date/Time: Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, 6 p.m.

Featured Speakers: FCC Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn and Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie (All FCC commissioners are invited to speak, and other elected officials have also received invitations to speak. Additional speakers will be announced as they are confirmed.)

Tribal Participants: Native Public Media Advisory Council Member Sydney Beane, former NPM AC Member Laura Watterma Wittstock, Leach Lake Tribal Member Frank Reese. Others will be in attendance.

Contact: Steven Renderso for more information, steven@mainstreetproject.org

Event page: http://www.savetheinternet.com/mnhearing

To Watch Live: www.mag-net.org (6-9 pm CT)

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Over 120 Recovery Act Broadband Projects to Bring Jobs, Economic Opportunity to Rural Communities

2010-08-04T20:03:00Z

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2010- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the funding of 126 new Recovery Act broadband infrastructure projects that will create jobs and provide rural residents in 38 states and Native American tribal areas access to improved service. Broadband access plays a critical role in expanding economic, health care, educational and public safety services in underserved rural communities. Today's announcement is part of the second round of USDA broadband funding through the Recovery Act. A complete list of projects receiving Recovery Act broadband grant awards today can be viewed in full HERE.

Tribes Awarded:
Tohono O'odham Nation
Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

FCC EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS OF TRIBAL REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE ON FCC-NATIVE NATIONS BROADBAND TASK FORCE

2010-07-15T15:23:00Z

Revised Deadline: August 20, 2010

On June 2, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) released a Public Notice seeking nominations of Tribal representatives to serve on the FCC-Native Nations Broadband Task Force (“Task Force”).1 The Public Notice requested that nominations be submitted by July 15, 2010.2 The Commission has determined that a short extension of time to submit nominations is advisable to permit Tribal governments adequate time to complete their internal processes associated with nominating a representative to the Task Force. Therefore, on its own motion, the Commission now extends the deadline for the receipt of nominations of Tribal representatives for the Task Force until August 20, 2010.

As discussed in the June 2, 2010 Public Notice, the Task Force will assist the Commission in fulfilling its commitment to increasing broadband deployment and adoption on Tribal lands. It will be responsible for, among other things, assisting in developing and executing a Commission consultation policy, eliciting input to ensure that Native concerns are considered in all Commission proceedings related to broadband, developing additional recommendations for promoting broadband deployment and adoption on Tribal lands, and coordinating with external entities, including other Federal departments and agencies. The Task Force will be comprised of senior Commission staff and elected leaders from Federally-recognized Native American governments or governmental entities (or their designated employees).

Applicants should be willing to commit to a two-year term of service, which requires participation, either in person or by teleconference, in the meetings of the Task Force. It is anticipated that most meetings will take place in Washington, D.C. Attendance in person will be at the applicant’s own expense. Members will also have an initial and continuing obligation to disclose any interests in, or connections to, persons or entities who are or will be regulated by, or who have interests before, the Commission.

APPLICATIONS
The application for appointment to the Task Force does not require a particular format; however, it should include the following information: (1) name and position of the applicant with respect to a particular Native American government; (2) telephone number; (3) mailing address or e-mail address; (4) brief description of the applicant’s area of expertise and qualifications to serve on the Task Force; and (5) in the case of a person seeking to serve as a “designated employee,” the name of the elected officer for whom the employee would be acting and a copy of the officer’s designation letter, as described below .

Applicants seeking to serve as a Tribal representative on the Task Force must submit an application to the Commission no later than _________, 2010 . If submitting by regular mail, send to: Federal Communications Commission, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Attention: Lauren H. Kravetz, 445 12th St., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20554. If submitting by facsimile, fax to (202) 418-2839. If submitting by email, send to lauren.kravetz@fcc.gov.

For further information contact: Lauren H. Kravetz, Special Counsel, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, (202) 418-7944 (voice) or 1-800- 835-5322 (TTY), or lauren.kravetz@fcc.gov.

For a printable copy click here

President's Recovery Act Announcement

2010-07-02T15:30:00Z

Today, President Obama announced investment in sixty-six new Recovery Act broadband projects nationwide that, according to the grantees, will not only directly create approximately 5,000 jobs up front, but will also help spur economic development in some of the nation’s hardest-hit communities, helping create jobs for years to come. In total, tens of millions of Americans and over 685,000 businesses, 900 health care facilities and 2,400 schools in all fifty states stand to benefit from the awards. The $795 million in grants and loans through the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture have been matched by over $200million in outside investment, for a total public-private investment of more than $1 billion in bringing broadband service to these communities,most of which currently have little or no access, to help them better compete and do business in the global marketplace.

The grants and loans are part of an overall $7.2 billion investment the Recovery Act makes in expanding broadband access nationwide – $4.7billion through the Commerce Department and $2.5 billion funded through the Department of Agriculture. With the awards being announced tomorrow, more than $2.7 billion in Recovery Act broadband grants and loans will have been awarded to more than 260 projects across the country since December 2009. Overall, the Recovery Act is making a $100billion investment in science, innovation and technology that is no tonly creating jobs today, but laying a foundation for economic growth for years to come.

Even more exciting, 5 of the projects have some tribal component, including Hopi Telecommunications, Inc. (HTI) which will connect Jeddito, AZ with existing broadband infrastructure more than 60 miles away with this $3.6 million grant/loan. In addition, HTI will connect currently unserved residents of Jeddito and Spider Mound. The tribes being directly awarded stimulus funds include: Hopi, San Carlos Apache, Leech Lake Ojibwe, and the Crow Tribe. There are several other awards that will impact Indian country as well.

There are two types of awards:

Infrastructure – Middle mile awards build and improve middle mile connections to communities lacking sufficient broadband access and last mile awards connect end users like homes, hospitals and schools to their community’s broadband infrastructure (the middle mile).
Public Computing Centers - Expand computer center capacity for public use in libraries, community colleges and other public venues.

Here's a link to the entire list of awardees...

More Broadband on the Horizon for Indian Country

2010-07-01T15:27:00Z

AMERICAN INDIAN REPORT

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Tribal communities have some of the lowest broadband penetration rates in the country — some, in fact, don’t have it at all. But that will likely change as the federal government executes its plan to double the amount of commercial wireless spectrum that is currently available.

In a Presidential Memorandum issued on June 28, President Obama outlined how federal agencies will work together to free up 500 MHz of federal and non-federal spectrum over the next 10 years. The memorandum directs the FCC, in collaboration with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to develop a specific plan and timetable for identifying and making the spectrum available by Oct. 1, 2010.

The memorandum is one part of a four-point plan developed by the Obama Administration to increase spectrum, which is part of the broader National Broadband Plan. Other steps include enacting legislation to facilitate the transition; taking inventory of the spectrum now in use; and developing tools that allow spectrum to be used more efficiently (tapping into underutilized spectrum and spectrum-sharing technologies).

Once the spectrum is freed up — and some may be available within the next five years — most will be auctioned off for licensed mobile broadband. Some, though, will be available for free for unlicensed use. The need for additional spectrum is undeniable. In recent years, according to the White House, the amount of information flowing over some wireless networks has grown at more than 250 percent per year. Over the next five years, the amount could be 20 to 45 times what it was in 2009. The need for broadband in tribal communities is undeniable too. Here the penetration rate is estimated at less than 10 percent.

Loris Ann Taylor, executive director of Native Public Media, said, “Freeing up spectrum for tribal-centric deployment in Indian Country can provide great opportunities for information systems, technology start ups, mobile use and connectivity for residential and anchor institutions. This, in turn, could spur critically needed jobs and other economic and social benefits for Native Americans.”

As tribes are included in the National Broadband Plan, it’s important that they are part of its implementation. In early June, the FCC established a Native Nations Broadband Task Force to assist the agency in increasing broadband deployment and adoption in Indian Country. Then on June 22, the FCC appointed Geoffrey Blackwell, a tribal economic infrastructure expert, to work with tribes in carrying out the plan’s recommendations for bringing broadband to all tribal communities. He will also oversee the new task force and establish an Office of Tribal Affairs.

On the spectrum-freeing initiative, Taylor said, “Tribal consultation will be critical to the White House effort; and, as a result, it is critically important that the new Office of Tribal Affairs at the FCC is fully staffed and budgeted to help guide tribes’ inter-governmental involvement as wireless spectrum is freed up.”

Doubling the Amount of Commercial Spectrum to Unleash the Innovative Potential of Wireless Broadband

2010-06-28T21:06:00Z

Today, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum to commit the Federal government to a sustained effort to make available 500 MHz of Federal and commercial spectrum over the next 10 years to foster investment, economic growth and help create hundreds of thousands of jobs by meeting the burgeoning demand for mobile and fixed broadband, other high-value uses and benefits for other industries.

www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/fact-sheet-doubling-amount-commercial-spectrum-unleash-innovative-potential-wireles

The Presidential Memorandum is part of the broader approach to free up spectrum that also includes legislation to facilitate this transition – the most significant spectrum initiative ever undertaken in this country – by providing incentives to commercial and Federal users to use spectrum more efficiently. This effort will nearly double the amount of commercial spectrum currently available for everything from smartphones to wireless broadband connectivity for laptops to new forms of “machine-to-machine” communication. It will bring the benefits of wireless broadband and the opportunities it fosters across the entire country, including rural areas. The Administration has no official estimate of the auction revenues from this plan. The actual amount will depend on effective implementation and additional design details, but based on past auctions, many analysts believe the revenue potential could reach in the tens of billions of dollars. The proceeds would be invested in public safety, additional job-creating infrastructure investments and deficit reduction.

The threat of a spectrum crunch. In recent years, the amount of information flowing over some wireless networks has grown at over 250 percent per year, with some estimates indicating that the next five years will see an increase in wireless data of between 20 and 45 times 2009 levels, reflecting the increasing use of smartphones, netbooks, and other wireless devices. As the revolution in mobile broadband and related technologies unfolds, the demand for spectrum will continue to increase – leading to increasing fears of a “spectrum crunch.”

Freed up spectrum will foster job creation, innovation and growth. The majority of the freed-up spectrum would be auctioned for mobile broadband and other high-value uses. New spectrum access innovations also will allow for sharing of spectrum between the government and private sector users. In addition, there will be new opportunities for innovation through free, unlicensed use of spectrum by technology startups, individual users, and others.

Potential for win-win solutions. At the same time, new technologies have the potential to free up spectrum from many of its existing uses. In combination with regulatory changes, new and emerging technologies can facilitate the repackaging, reallocation, and even sharing of spectrum. Reallocating spectrum to its most valuable use promises to be a win-win effort – creating value that not only spurs new innovations and creates new jobs, but also benefits existing spectrum users by allowing them to raise funds for transformative new investments.

Auction revenues will allow additional investments in public safety and infrastructure. Finally, a critical part of this spectrum initiative will be to provide funding to help build a nationwide interoperable mobile broadband network for public safety. This network would include “next generation” technologies of the kind already being used by major American enterprises and be tailored to meet public safety’s needs. Additional revenues above and beyond the federal investment necessary to make this network a reality could be invested in productivity-enhancing investments like NextGen air traffic control, high-speed rail, or the Smart Grid as well as used for deficit reduction.

Specifically, the Administration is announcing a four-point plan:

1. Identify and plan for the release of 500 MHz of spectrum. The first step is to initiate the administrative process for identifying spectrum that can be repurposed. Critical to that end:

Presidential Memorandum setting the goal. President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum directing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to make available 500 MHz of Federal and nonfederal spectrum over the next 10 years, suitable for both mobile and fixed wireless broadband use.
Fast track process for a downpayment. NTIA, working with the FCC, has initiated a fast-track process to determine whether any spectrum can be identified by October 1, 2010, that could be made available within five years for exclusive or shared use.
Inventory the current users of spectrum. To that end, the federal government will create a publicly available inventory of the spectrum currently used by government and commercial users on a separate track from the NTIA and FCC processes to make spectrum available for new uses. Although this inventory is not necessary to enable the repurposing of large swaths of spectrum, this inventory will enable spectrum holders and consumers to better understand how spectrum is used and facilitate more effective secondary markets transactions, thereby supporting the policy goal of ensuring the most efficient possible use of spectrum.

2. Provide the tools needed to effectively reallocate spectrum. New tools are needed to effectively reallocate spectrum.

Win-win incentives for government holders. New tools and a commitment to using advanced technologies more effectively will enable government agencies to use spectrum more efficiently. Under current law, the Federal agencies whose spectrum is reallocated are reimbursed for the costs of relocating systems to retain comparable capabilities. The President is seeking broader tools that would give Federal agencies upfront planning and research funds and allow agencies to use a portion of the proceeds to enhance state-of-the-art communications.
Win-win incentives for commercial holders. There is a compelling opportunity to provide win-win incentives for commercial spectrum holders. As recommended in the FCC’s National Broadband Plan, legislation is needed to allow the FCC to conduct “incentive auctions” that enable current spectrum holders to realize a portion of auction revenues if they voluntarily participate. Under such a process, the FCC would reorganize the released bands of spectrum in a way that facilitates their most productive use – resulting in gains for incumbent spectrum holders, new licensees of the released spectrum, consumers who use the new services made possible by the released spectrum, and the federal Treasury.

3. Enable spectrum to be put to its highest value uses. The result of the first two steps will be to enable spectrum to be used more intensively and to be put to its highest value uses. Specifically:

Licensed mobile broadband. The majority of the spectrum this will free up will be auctioned off for licensed mobile broadband.
Unlicensed use. Some spectrum will be made available for free for unlicensed use by technology startups, small businesses and others that benefit from the low barriers to entry and fast time to market. Unlicensed use has played an important role in everything from cordless phones to WiFi to Bluetooth and providing additional spectrum will enable new generations of uses that we cannot even foresee today.
Invest in better ways to share spectrum. Emerging wireless technologies are enabling dramatic improvements in the use and sharing of spectrum. Working alongside academic and private sector researchers, Federal R&D agencies like DARPA and the National Science Foundation have been developing techniques that enable many different wireless devices to use occupied airwaves without disrupting high-priority uses. As called for in the Presidential Memorandum, NTIA, in consultation with Federal research agencies, will work to facilitate R&D that explores innovative spectrum-sharing technologies.

4. Use the auction proceeds to promote public safety, job-creating infrastructure investment and deficit reduction. The Administration has no official estimate of the auction revenues from this plan. The actual amount will depend on effective implementation and additional design details, but based on past auctions, many analysts believe the revenue potential could reach in the tens of billions of dollars, including revenue from spectrum that is currently cleared and set to be auctioned by the FCC. The proceeds would be invested in three areas:

Public safety, as part of a process to assess spectrum requirements for and develop a governance model to support an interoperable wireless broadband network for public safety. Using Federal proceeds from spectrum auctions, the Administration will work with the public safety community to develop a plan and help build an interoperable wireless broadband network for public safety that includes “next generation” technologies – similar to those already used by major American enterprises, but tailored to meet public safety needs. Specifically, the Administration will evaluate and convene a forum to discuss the funding, spectrum requirements, technology issues, and governance models necessary to support the development of a next generation network for public safety communications.
Additional investments in growth-enhancing infrastructure. Additional proceeds from spectrum auctions could be invested in growth-enhancing infrastructure, like NextGen, high-speed rail, and a Smart Grid.
Deficit reduction. Finally, additional proceeds could be used to reduce the deficit.

DETAILED BACKGROUND

Mobile Broadband: New Opportunities for the American Economy

Mobile broadband technologies enable consumers and businesses to access unprecedented amounts of voice, data, and video applications through wireless networks. Demand for commercial wireless data services that are secure and reliable is expected to increase exponentially in the next decade as new services and technologies develop. This explosion of new services and technologies will be a boon to the economy, with experts estimating total social benefits of over $1 trillion over many years.

As consumers use wireless-enabled devices to access video and other high-bandwidth content, the demand for data over wireless networks is expected to grow exponentially. Analysts predict that mobile secure data use will increase 40-fold over the next five years. Mobile Internet users are expected to outnumber desktop Internet users by 2014.
Wireless broadband connectivity will enable applications in health care (e.g., remote monitoring), energy (e.g., Smart Grid and home appliance networks), education, public safety, and government performance (e.g., customer services applications). By 2013, the expected over 20 billion downloads from mobile application stores will constitute a $30 billion industry—one made possible by the widespread popularity of smartphones and mobile broadband connectivity. In addition, with the advent of “machine-to-machine” communications, new services and technologies are likely to use spectrum in ways that have yet to be invented.
The economic benefits of mobile broadband are estimated to be significant. According to a recent study, GDP can increase $7 to $10 for every dollar invested in mobile wireless broadband networks. Wireless providers directly employ more than 268,000 people, a number that has grown about 6 percent year-over-year for the last four years. Moreover, mobile wireless broadband generates huge productivity gains to the U.S. economy; some estimate that those benefits are valued at $28 billion per year and rising, with combined mobile wireless voice and broadband productivity gains set to reach $427 billion annually by 2016.
The use of wireless technology is growing at a very robust pace, with AT&T, in part due to its iPhone rollout, reporting a 5000 percent increase in wireless data traffic over the past three years – a compound annual growth rate of 268 percent.
In the last major spectrum reallocation from 1994 to 2000, FCC auctions more than tripled the amount of spectrum available for commercial mobile radio services, transforming the mobile industry and spurring massive new investment. Over this time period, the number of mobile subscribers more than tripled, and the mobile industry saw an increase in investment of more than 250 percent and a tripling of jobs.

Importantly, mobile broadband promotes economic opportunity by reducing geographic and socioeconomic differences in broadband access and adoption – commonly known as the “digital divide”:

Currently only 50 percent of adults in rural households have broadband access at home, compared to 68 percent in non-rural households. Because wireless broadband is more cost effective than terrestrial broadband in some rural areas, freeing up spectrum will create a larger and more effective market for mobile broadband, bringing down costs and raising quality in a way that creates opportunities for unserved areas as well.
In addition, mobile broadband is helping to close the socioeconomic digital divide by encouraging broadband adoption among minority communities who have traditionally had much lower adoption rates. A recent study found that the number of African Americans using the mobile Internet on an average day increased from 12 percent in 2007 to 29 percent in 2009, a 140 percent increase in just two years.
Freeing up spectrum is a critical tool to enable competition in broadband services. Such competition and increased consumer choice will allow currently underserved customers, especially those in rural areas, to benefit from lower priced and higher quality broadband offerings – not only for wireless but also for wired connections that will be forced to upgrade.

Additional Spectrum is Needed to Enable a New Generation of Services and Technologies

Mobile broadband devices access data through frequencies that are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. As demand for mobile services skyrockets, so too will the need for additional spectrum frequencies to facilitate this transformation. Without a strategy for freeing up more spectrum for wireless technology, the United States will fall behind in technological innovation and 21st-century jobs as cutting edge applications and technologies that depend on broadband wireless platforms are invented in countries with more advanced wireless infrastructure. Acting quickly will help the United States remain competitive:

Experts believe that wireless data services will require hundreds of MHz of spectrum in coming years, but the United States has only 50 MHz of spectrum in the pipeline for commercial use.
Since reallocation of spectrum can take 6 to 13 years, the United States must act now to be part of the upcoming transformation of the global economy.

Technological Advances and Updated Regulations Can Free Up Spectrum from Existing Uses

Technological advances, combined with an updated regulatory framework, make it possible to free up currently underutilized spectrum for new and emerging uses. Reallocation promises a win-win scenario, benefitting current users, new users, and consumers. Notably, technological advances and regulatory changes make it possible to free up spectrum while protecting current uses:
The lack of efficiently used spectrum is particularly unfortunate in rural areas where large swaths of spectrum can be freed up with relative ease. Enabling large swaths of spectrum to be put to use in those areas promises the ability to deliver high speed services effectively, as is already happening in some areas through innovative uses of wireless broadband technology.
New technologies have made it possible to use government spectrum more efficiently while protecting critical activities like national defense, homeland security, and air traffic control. Where appropriate, a “sharing” arrangement, for example, can authorize a commercial provider to use a band of spectrum at most times, but stipulate that government communications or other critical activities will take over when they need access to the band. Certain smart radio technologies are already being used by the Pentagon. Several initiatives, such as DARPA’s XG Program and NSF’s Enhancing Access to the Radio Spectrum (EARS) initiative, are working on advanced sharing technologies for both national security and commercial applications.
Some spectrum licensees and government agencies received their right to use the airwaves before alternative services, such as fiber networks, commercial wireless services, and the Internet, were available. Reallocation can therefore create win-win transactions whereby a spectrum licensee raises revenue and transitions to comparable or superior communications technology while freeing up spectrum for use by others.
Technological advances and regulatory changes can also improve the efficiency of commercial spectrum use. For example, current broadcast TV rules provide each licensee with a six-MHz channel, but, under a reformed regulatory structure, the FCC could give broadcasters the option of combining more than one TV stations into a single channel that could handle more than one program simultaneously, freeing up spectrum for new uses.
In addition to sharing, new technologies are emerging that minimize interference between the signals in neighboring spectrum bands. This reduces, for example, the need for so-called “guard bands,” with the result that spectrum can be repackaged and used more efficiently than ever. As both a user and regulator of spectrum, the Federal government can encourage improvements to “interference mitigation” technologies.

FCC Spectrum Dashboard Webinar

2010-06-25T15:52:00Z

A webinar on using the FCC's spectrum dashboard has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 14 at 2:00 p.m. EDT, and is expected to last about an hour. It will be led by the FCC's Wireless Telecommunication Bureau.

The purpose of the webinar is to familiarize more people in Indian Country with the spectrum dashboard so that, over the next couple months, the FCC can receive input on how to upgrade the dashboard to make it more useful to Tribal Nations, e.g., adding the ability to search with reference to Tribal lands.

Please Contact Lauren Kravetz to RSVP and receive log-in information at: Lauren.Kravetz@fcc.gov

The dashboard is available at http://reboot.fcc.gov/reform/systems/spectrum-dashboard.

FCC CHAIRMAN GENACHOWSKI APPOINTS GEOFFREY BLACKWELL TO LEAD NEW INITIATIVES ON NATIVE AFFAIRS

2010-06-24T16:48:00Z

FCC NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

June 22, 2010 Jen Howard (202) 418-0506

jen.howard@fcc.gov

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski announced the return of Geoffrey Blackwell to the FCC, where he will lead the FCC’s efforts to work with Native Nations and carry out the National Broadband Plan’s recommendations for bringing broadband to all Native communities.

Among his other responsibilities, Mr. Blackwell will be charged with helping to implement the recommendations outlined in the National Broadband Plan, including establishing a new office dedicated to addressing Native needs and overseeing a new FCC-Native Nations Broadband Task Force. He will also be responsible for developing and implementing a robust policy of meaningful dialog and consultation with Tribal entities.

“It is essential that the FCC work closely with Native communities to address the unique communications challenges they face,” said Chairman Genachowski. “No one is better positioned to lead our efforts than Geoff. I look forward to working with him to ensure that all Americans, especially those living in Native communities, can enjoy the benefits of a modern communications infrastructure.”

Mr. Blackwell is a recognized expert in the fields of Tribal economic infrastructure development. In April 2009, Mr. Blackwell was appointed to the FCC’s Federal Advisory Committee on Diversity for Communications in the Digital Age. In September 2009, he was elected to be the Commissioner representing the United States on the Indigenous Commission for Communications Technologies in the Americas. From 1999-2005, Mr. Blackwell served at the FCC as Senior Attorney and Liaison to Tribal Governments. While at the FCC, he played a central role in the FCC’s initiatives to stimulate Tribal telecommunications and broadcast services, including the development of the FCC’s 2000 Statement of Policy on Establishing a Government-to-Government Relationship with Indian Tribes, adoption of the enhanced Lifeline and Link-Up support for residents of Tribal lands, and rules for cultural preservation review of Tribal sacred sites in tower siting.

Since his previous service at the FCC, Mr. Blackwell has been the Director of Strategic Relations and Minority Business Development for Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc., which oversees a family of companies wholly-owned by the Chickasaw Nation. In addition, Mr. Blackwell has chaired the Telecommunications Subcommittee of the National Congress of American Indians for five years. He has also served on the boards of the National Small Business Association, the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, the Acoma Business Board of Acoma Pueblo, and Native Public Media.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Blackwell practiced law in Boston at Hale and Dorr LLP. He holds an B.A. in Government from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. Mr. Blackwell is an enrolled member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and is also of Omaha, Choctaw, and Chickasaw heritage.

LINKto PDF of Press Release

-- FCC --

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION TO EXPLORE BROADBAND PILOT PROGRAMS FOR LOW-INCOME CONSUMERS JUNE 23, 2010

2010-06-18T15:57:00Z

On June 23, 2010, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (eastern daylight time), the Wireline Competition Bureau will host a roundtable discussion in the Commission Meeting Room to enable interested parties to discuss the design of pilot programs that would provide subsidies for broadband access to low-income consumers.[1]

The National Broadband Plan recommended that the Commission facilitate pilot programs for low-income consumers that will “produce actionable information to implement the most efficient and effective long-term broadband support mechanism.”[2] The June 23, 2010 roundtable will initiate a discussion among interested parties about how to design broadband pilot programs for low-income consumers.

The Bureau encourages participation from a wide variety of interested parties, including representatives from, but not limited to, academia, social service agencies, consumer advocate organizations, state governmental entities, tribal governments and/or organizations, and industry.

The format of the roundtable will be a facilitated discussion led by Commission staff. During the roundtable, staff will solicit input from attendees on issues relating to pilot design, such as:

Pilot program goals and potential obstacles to achieving those goals
Criteria for, and selection of, carriers to participate in pilot programs
Criteria for, and selection of, consumers to participate in pilot programs
Scope and duration of pilot programs
Metrics to measure accomplishment of goals

For planning purposes, the Commission would like to know whether you intend to participate in the roundtable. Further logistical details on how to participate remotely will be provided as the date approaches. If you are interested in participating, therefore, please contact Rebekah Bina or Elise Kohn, Telecommunications Access Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau at (202) 418-7400 (voice), or (202) 418-0484 (tty).

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Include a description of the accommodation you will need and a way we can contact you if more information is needed. Last-minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to fill. Send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), or (202) 418-0432 (tty).

[1] See Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan at 172-173 (rel. Mar. 16, 2010) (National Broadband Plan).

[2] Id. at 172.

For a PDF of this text click here

FCC ESTABLISHES FCC-NATIVE NATIONS BROADBAND TASK FORCE AND SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR TRIBAL REPRESENTATIVES

2010-06-02T19:45:00Z

The Federal Communications Commission seeks applications for membership on the FCC-Native Nations Broadband Task Force. The Task Force will assist the Commission in fulfilling its commitment to increasing broadband deployment and adoption on Tribal lands.

If you would like more information, click here .

NCAI Hosts USDA Rural Development Webinar on Recovery Act Opportunities

2010-05-14T21:05:00Z

Tuesday, May 18th 2:00 - 3:30 PM Eastern

On May 18, NCAI will host a webinar with Janie Hipp, Senior Advisor to Secretary Vilsack, Tribal Relations, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Tedd Buelow, Native American Coordinator, USDA Rural Development, and others from USDA to discuss remaining opportunities for tribes to access USDA Recovery Act funds.

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, USDA Rural Development received funding across seven programs to support over $20 billion in projects. There are still opportunities to access funds through the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) for Technical Assistance, Community Facilities Loans and Grants, Single Family Housing Loans and the Water and Environmental Programs. Tune in to learn more about these opportunities and other associated funding programs.

Ten minutes prior to the start of the webinar, please call the Dial-In Number listed in the Conference Details section above AND sign onto the webinar (LiveMeeting). Please provide the operator with the Conference ID Number, your name and organization or tribal affiliation.

How to Join the Webinar

To hear the webinar, dial:
(866) 379 - 3045
Conference ID # 71827445

Then, join the web portion:
https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/ncai/join?id=JR4HJG&role=attend

FIRST-TIME USERS
To save time before the meeting, check your system to make sure it is ready to use Microsoft Office Live Meeting.
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=90703

TROUBLESHOOTING
Unable to hear the meeting?
Dial into the conference line at
(866) 379 - 3045,
Conference ID # 71827445.

Unable to see the slides?
Follow these steps:
1. Copy this address and paste it into your web browser: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/ncai/join
2. Copy and paste the required information:
Meeting ID: JR4HJG

If you still cannot enter the meeting, please contact support: http://www.conferencevisuals.net

PBS Bill Moyers talks about Net Neutrality

2010-05-14T18:17:00Z

Bill Moyers and FCC Commissioner Michael Copps talk about Net Neutrality

PUBLIC FORUM TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ENHANCEMENTS TO THE SPECTRUM DASHBOARD

2010-04-21T16:17:00Z

The FCC released its Spectrum Dashboard in “beta” on March 17, 2010. As part of a continuing effort to improve the Spectrum Dashboard, Commission staff will conduct a public forum at the FCC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters on May 12, 2010, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. The topic will be potential enhancements in anticipation of release 2.0 of the Spectrum Dashboard in the fourth quarter of 2010. This Public Notice lists potential enhancements under consideration, invites feedback on these potential enhancements, invites suggestions for additional potential enhancements, and invites interested parties to explain how they use the Spectrum Dashboard. A subsequent Public Notice will be released approximately one week prior to the forum announcing final details, including specific topics to be discussed and the names of participants.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-668A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-668A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-668A1.txt

Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on “The National Broadband Plan: Deploying Quality Broadband Services to the Last Mile”

2010-04-19T22:58:00Z

http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20100419/Briefing.Memo.04.21.2010.pdf

Monday, 19 April 2010 16:17
The Subcommittee onCommunications, Technology, and the Internet will hold a hearing entitled"The National Broadband Plan: Deploying Quality Broadband Servicesto the Last Mile" on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, in 2322 Rayburn HouseOffice Building. The hearing will examine assessments in the NationalBroadband Plan of the availability of broadband and how most effectively todeploy broadband to areas that are unserved and underserved, so all Americanscan benefit from good quality broadband services.

INVITED WITNESSES:

Sharon Gillett, Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, Federal CommunicationsCommission
David Villano, Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program, RuralDevelopment, Department of Agriculture
Joe Garcia, Regional Vice President, National Congress of American Indians,Lifetime Council Member of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo JOE GARCIA'S TESTIMONY
Austin Carroll, General Manager, Hopkinsville Electric System
Mark Dankberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ViaSat, Inc.
S. Derek Turner, Research Director, Free Press
Jeffrey A. Eisenach, Managing Director and Principal, Empiris, LLC

WHEN: 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, April 21

WHERE: 2322 Rayburn House Office Building

Broadband Resources For Native Americans

2010-04-01T18:19:00Z

This site serves as a resource for Tribes on the National Broadband Plan released by the FCC in March of 2010. Also Included on this site are links and discussions widely related to broadband.

To read about the FCC Goals for Broadband:
Link to PDF of National Broadband Plan
Consumer Broadband Test (speed test)