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 CONTACTS: June 14, 2010 Mark Wigfield, (202) 418-0253 Email: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov FCC CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF UNIVERSAL SERVICE WORKING GROUP Washington, D.C. -- Today, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski announced the launch of a Universal Service Working Group that will provide a comprehensive, collaborative approach to the FCC’s reform of universal service programs to better support broadband. The working group will be led by Sharon Gillett, Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau, and will include participation by the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, the International Bureau, the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Managing Director, the Office of Strategic Planning, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and the Wireline Competition Bureau. Smaller inter-bureau and inter-office working groups will work collectively to propose concrete solutions to realize the universal service vision set forth in the National Broadband Plan. “Modernizing universal service programs to bring the benefits of broadband to all Americans is one of the FCC’s top priorities and a key pillar of the National Broadband Plan,” said FCC Chairman Genachowski. “This agency-wide effort reflects the FCC’s commitment to smart and fiscally prudent policies that eliminate inefficiencies and target universal service support effectively to have the greatest possible impact. The Universal Service Working Group will help ensure that the universal service programs meet America’s economic, health, and educational communications needs in the 21st century.” In order to streamline the process for meeting with staff regarding Universal Service issues related to the broadband action agenda, the Commission has created a Webpage for requesting meetings. Parties who wish to request such meetings may do so by using the form at the following Internet address: http://www.fcc.gov/wcb/tapd/universal_service/reform_exparte- meeting-request/. Parties who lack Internet access may direct their requests to Alexander Minard, Wireline Competition Bureau, (202) 418-1500. --FCC-- News and information about the Federal Communications Commission is available at www.fcc.gov.