STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER DEBORAH TAYLOR TATE ON HER 
APPOINTMENT TO SERVE AS FEDERAL CHAIR OF THE FEDERAL-STATE 
JOINT CONFERENCE ON ADVANCED SERVICES
March 19, 2008
I commend the Chairman for reinvigorating the Federal State Joint Conference on 
Advanced Services to serve as a vehicle for an ongoing dialogue between the 
Commission, state regulators, and local and regional entities regarding the deployment of 
broadband services. 
I am deeply honored that Chairman Martin has designated me as Chair of the Joint 
Conference especially since I formerly served on it as a state representative. Broadband 
deployment is one of my chief priorities at the Commission and my state colleagues share 
this laudable goal as well. In fact, many states are currently conducting or exploring 
initiatives in broadband deployment like Connect-Tennessee. They are on the ground, 
know the providers and the unique needs of their communities; and we can certainly learn 
a great deal from these efforts.  
In this role, I will reach out to states, consumer advocates and industry providers across 
all platforms to preserve and advance the principles set forth by Congress.