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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).
| For Immediate Release: April. 30, 2002 |
News Media Contact: Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418-0511 e-mail: rkimball@fcc.gov |
FCC ANNOUNCES INDIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS INITIATIVE
The FCC will shift its focus from one annual event to the Indian Telecommunications Initiative (ITI), a series of interactive workshops among tribes, government agencies and industry addressing telecom issues facing Indian Country. The goal is to encourage partnerships among these groups to improve telecommunications coverage in Indian communities.
The FCC remains committed to fostering an environment for developing partnerships among American Indian tribes, federal agencies, and the communications industry, with the goal of increasing telecommunications access in Native American communities.
The FCC and ITTI co-sponsor, the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), mutually agreed to cancel the event for this year. FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell said, "We greatly appreciate NECA's past support as a co-sponsor of ITTI and welcome the opportunity to work with them again in the future. The FCC remains committed to addressing telecommunications challenges facing Indian Country." The FCC is committed to maintaining the momentum started during earlier conferences and to advancing the goal of ITTI to improve the quality of life of the residents of Indian Country.
Through ITI, increased Internet access, improved access to emergency and long- distance medical services, and enhanced education and employment opportunities are among the achievable results for residents of Indian Country. The FCC ITI will explore the potential for deploying various technologies, including wireless, wireline, satellite, and cable services, in Indian Country.