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FCC ANNOUNCES INDIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS INITIATIVE strong> td>
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The Indian Telecom Training Initiative (ITTI) conference scheduled for
September
2002 is cancelled, due to decreased advance registrations and out of respect for
the proximity
of memorial activities for the anniversary of September 11, 2001.< p>
The FCC will shift its focus from one annual event to the Indian
Telecommunications
Initiative (ITI), a series of interactive workshops among tribes, government
agencies and
industry addressing telecom issues facing Indian Country. The goal is to
encourage
partnerships among these groups to improve telecommunications coverage in Indian
communities.< p>
The FCC remains committed to fostering an environment for developing
partnerships
among American Indian tribes, federal agencies, and the communications industry,
with the
goal of increasing telecommunications access in Native American communities.< p>
The FCC and ITTI co- sponsor, the National Exchange Carrier Association
(NECA),
mutually agreed to cancel the event for this year. FCC Chairman Michael K.
Powell said,
"We greatly appreciate NECA's past support as a co- sponsor of ITTI and welcome
the
opportunity to work with them again in the future. The FCC remains committed to
addressing
telecommunications challenges facing Indian Country." The FCC is committed to
maintaining
the momentum started during earlier conferences and to advancing the goal of
ITTI to improve
the quality of life of the residents of Indian Country.< p>
Through ITI, increased Internet access, improved access to emergency and
long-
distance medical services, and enhanced education and employment opportunities
are among
the achievable results for residents of Indian Country. The FCC ITI will
explore the potential
for deploying various technologies, including wireless, wireline, satellite, and
cable services,
in Indian Country.< p>
- FCC - center>< P>
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