DA 21-1332
Released:  October 25, 2021

FCC ANNOUNCES INITIAL WORKSHOP TO PROVIDE BROADBAND DATA COLLECTION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS
WC Docket No. 19-195
The FCC’s Broadband Data Task Force (Task Force), Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA), and Office of Native Affairs and Policy (ONAP) will host an initial online workshop on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, starting at 2:00 p.m. EST to provide information about the Commission’s Broadband Data Collection program and technical assistance on the procedures that Tribes will use to submit primary broadband availability data.  The FCC is currently implementing new methods and systems to collect and publish nationwide broadband availability data.  This Broadband Data Collection will include a process through which Tribal governments may submit their own primary broadband availability data to assist the Commission in verifying the accuracy of the data it collects from service providers and for inclusion on the maps that the Commission will make available to the public. This process will enable Tribal entities (as well as federal, state, and local agencies) to help ensure that high-speed, reliable broadband service is available throughout the country.

During the virtual workshop, staff will provide an overview of the Commission’s Broadband Data Collection project and information on the tools and processes that will enable Tribes to submit broadband availability data directly to the FCC.  FCC staff will also be available to answer participant questions.  Tribal leaders, IT managers, and telecommunications regulators are particularly encouraged to attend.  The FCC will conduct additional outreach to stakeholders as the systems and processes for the Broadband Data Collection are developed, finalized, and launched.

The schedule for the webinar will be as follows:

2:00 – 2:45 PM 		Welcome and Introduction to the Broadband Data Collection

2:45 – 3:30 PM  	Technical Assistance 

3:30 – 4:00 PM  	Q&As and Concluding Remarks
 
To register to participate remotely, interested parties should send an e-mail with their name, contact information, and Tribal affiliation to TribalBroadbandDataWorkshop@fcc.gov.  Registered participants will be able to submit questions during the workshop through the WebEx platform.  The workshop will be recorded and made available on the FCC’s website and YouTube channel following the event.  

The workshop will be webcast with open captioning at www.fcc.gov/live.  Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request.  Include a description of the accommodation you will need and tell us how to contact you if we need more information.  Make your request as early 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).

For additional information about the workshop, please contact Matthew Duchesne, Chief, Office of Native Affairs and Policy, matthew.duchesne@fcc.gov. 

– FCC –
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