*Pages 1--2 from Microsoft Word - 41786* NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D. C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: September 1, 2004 Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418- 0511 e- mail: rosemary. kimball@ fcc. gov FCC AND NAVAJO NATION TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION TO HOLD JOINT TELECOM DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS SEPTEMBER 14- 15, 2004, IN WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA Navajo Nation and FCC Representatives to Participate in Intergovernmental Telecom Development Workshop and Roundtable Washington, D. C. - As part of the FCC’s Indian Telecommunications Initiatives (ITI) program, and in cooperation with the Navajo Nation Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NNTRC), the FCC and Navajo Nation will hold a joint workshop and roundtable on telecommunications development issues on September 14 and 15 at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Arizona. The NNTRC is the Tribal regulatory body that oversees the growth and development of telecommunications matters on the Navajo Nation. It operates through legislative authorizing enactments of the Government Services Committee of the Navajo Nation Council and provides consistent regulation, policy and protection of the public's interest. Important issues in the deployment of telecommunication services on Tribal lands will be examined at the event, which is free of charge to registrants. Tribal leaders and representatives, including planning and economic development managers are encouraged to attend. Telecom industry officials are also encouraged to attend. The event is designed to increase the understanding of essential telecommunications issues and policies affecting Indian Country and the Navajo Nation, and to increase the intergovernmental consultation on telecommunications issues and policies. Access to telecommunications services is critical to the successful development of communities throughout rural America, including those in Indian Country. Among other benefits, telecommunications access enhances educational and learning opportunities through access to the Internet; employment and business opportunities; public safety services, including access to emergency services and long distance medical services; and access to government services. During the event, regional specific issues will be examined and interactive solution-oriented sessions will target how fundamental telecom infrastructure information, emerging and different technologies, regulatory rules, and government programs can be used to benefit Tribal communities. Subjects addressed will also highlight opportunities for increased economic growth, consumer choice, and homeland security planning. 1 On September 14, a day of workshop sessions will address telecommunications deployment and subscribership issues facing Indian Country and the Navajo Nation. On the morning of September 15, FCC officials will join Navajo Nation officials and all attendees in a roundtable interactive consultative meeting to discuss Tribal telecommunications needs and priorities, and Commission rules, programs, and policies affecting telecommunications services in Indian Country. This roundtable session will build upon the presentations and discussions of the workshops, and will be hosted by the FCC’s Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, in the context of the trust relationship shared by the FCC and federally recognized Tribes. The FCC’s Indian Telecommunications Initiatives The FCC’s ITI is comprehensive program that seeks to promote understanding, cooperation and trust among Tribes and Tribal organizations; the FCC and other governmental agencies; and the telecommunications industry. The ITI program seeks to build partnerships, identify potential solutions, and bring affordable, quality telecommunications services to Indian Country. The ITI program’s goals - to increase the telephone penetration rate; facilitate the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure on Tribal lands; and inform Tribes about federal government programs, including Universal Service Fund programs - are undertaken in Indian Country by the FCC through targeted and effective Tribal outreach, coordination and consultation. The Commission’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, locate within the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, is responsible for coordinating the FCC’s Tribal government outreach and consultation. For further information on the ITI or IGA, please contact IGA Director Sue McNeil at 202- 418- 7619, sue. mcneil@ fcc. gov, or Senior Attorney and FCC Liaison to Tribal Governments Geoffrey Blackwell at 202- 418- 8192, geoffrey. blackwell@ fcc. gov. Registration for FCC- Navajo Nation Workshop and More Information This event is open to the public. Telecom industry and Tribal leaders and representatives, planning and economic development managers are encouraged to attend. For more information on the FCC’s ITI Regional Workshops and Roundtables please contact Geoffrey Blackwell, Senior Attorney and Liaison to Tribal Governments, FCC Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at 202- 418- 8192 or geoffrey. blackwell@ fcc. gov. To register, please send your name, title, tribe/ organization/ company name, mailing address, e- mail address, and phone number to Nevina Kinlahcheeny at (505) 368- 5120 or e- mail kinlahcheeny1@ LLNL. gov, and Alex Arviso at (928)- 871- 7854 or e- mail alexarviso@ navajo. org. Updates and further information will also be made available on the FCC’s Tribal Initiatives website at http:// www. fcc. gov/ indians. -FCC- 2