NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12th 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: December 7, 2009 Mark Wigfield, (202) 418-0253 Email: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov PANELISTS ANNOUNCED FOR DEC 9. BROADBAND STAFF WORKSHOP ON LESSONS LEARNED FROM LOCAL OFFICIALS REPRESENTING UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES The Federal Communications Commission will hold a staff workshop examining the role local governments can play to help make sure underserved communities are connected to advanced telecommunications infrastructure and to increase broadband adoption rates. The workshop will also examine how the Universal Service Fund and the broadband grant programs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act can better address the needs of underserved communities and non-adopters. Participants will also discuss how broadband deployment can address the workforce needs of communities experiencing high unemployment, and other matters. The public is encouraged to attend. WHAT: Staff Workshop: Lessons for the National Broadband Plan from Local Officials Representing Under-served Communities WHEN: Wednesday, December 9, 9:30 a.m. WHERE: FCC Commission Room, 445 12th St. SW Washington, D.C. 20554 ONLINE Must pre-register at http://www.broadband.gov/workshops.html Agenda: 9:30 a.m. Workshop/Panel Introduction, Mark Lloyd, FCC, Moderator 9:35 a.m. Panelist Presentations Calvin Smyre, President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Georgia State Representative Robert Steele, Commissioner, 2nd District of Cook County (Chicago), IL Vanessa R. Williams, Executive Director of the National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM) Gus K. West, Board Chair and President, The Hispanic Institute 10:30 a.m. Panelist Discussion and Responses to Questions 11:30 a.m. Closing Statement, Moderator The FCC is convening a series of hearings to promote an open dialogue between the FCC and the public on development of a National Broadband Plan. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 directed the FCC to submit a National Broadband Plan to Congress by February 17, 2010 that addresses broadband deployment, adoption, affordability, and the use of broadband to advance solutions to national priorities, including health care, education, energy, public safety, job creation, investment, and others. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Include a description of the accommodation you will need with as much detail as possible. Also include a way we can contact you if we need more information. Please provide as much advance notice 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), 202-418-0432 (TTY). -FCC- News about the Federal Communications Commission’s development of the National Broadband can be found at http://www.broadband.gov/news.html