Media Contact: 
David Grossman, (202) 418-2100
david.grossman@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC Commissioner Clyburn Announces Launch of Her
#ConnectingCommunities Tour
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2016 – FCC Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn today 
announced the launch of her “Connecting Communities: Bridging the Communications 
and Opportunities Divide” Tour.
Over the course of the next several months, the Commissioner will visit communities 
throughout the country, where she will hear first-hand the opportunities and challenges of 
bringing robust, affordable communications services to all Americans. During the tour, 
which will be chronicled through Twitter using the hashtag #ConnectingCommunities, 
Commissioner Clyburn will:
? Meet with rural and urban communities to hear their perspectives on the benefits and 
challenges of embracing 21
st
century communications services.
? Visit health care facilities using broadband to improve patient care.
? Meet with startups, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and providers of all sizes.
? Visit correctional facilities to understand the impact of inmate calling reform.
? Meet with entities focused on promoting diversity and enhancing opportunities for 
women and minorities.
? Tour Tribal lands to examine their unique communications challenges.
? Visit local 9-1-1 call centers to learn about their efforts to upgrade to Text-to-911 and 
Next Generation 911.
Clyburn said, “I’m excited to embark on this national tour to hear from those seeking to 
bridge the communications and opportunities divide. This is a unique opportunity to gain 
new insights and ensure that the FCC hears a wide range of perspectives, including the 
many voices that often go unheard.”
These visits are a continuation of the “Outside the Beltway” series that Commissioner 
Clyburn launched last year as part of her efforts to promote digital inclusion. Previous 
workshops, hearings and visits have included discussions with community organizations, 
communications providers, students and health care providers in Jackson, Mississippi; 
Chattanooga, Tennessee; Detroit, Michigan; and Cleveland, Ohio.
Upon the completion of the Connecting Communities Tour, Commissioner Clyburn will 
deliver a major policy speech this Fall where she will share her observations and outline 
the policies she has advanced during her term to connect communities with robust, 
affordable communications services. 
###
Office of Commissioner Mignon Clyburn: (202) 418-2100
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @MClyburn
www.fcc.gov/leadership/mignon-clyburn
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. Cir. 1974).