The Cherokee National Historical Society with an outdoor Early Contact Cherokee Village, 1890s Indian Territory Village, award-winning Trail of Tears Exhibit, annual juried art shows, rotating exhibits, school programs & outreach, annual events, archives, object collections, genealogy services, publications program, staff of 35 plus seasonal interpreters, $2 million budget and scheduled advancement of master planning for a major capital campaign seeks an executive director. This non-profit began in 1963 and enjoys partial financial support from the Cherokee Nation. 

Essential skills for the executive director include: knowledge of Cherokee history; financial spreadsheet and budget development and management proficiency; competent personnel management and staff leadership; proven success with development campaigns, astute public outreach, strategic planning and delivery success and strong interpersonal, writing and oral communication skills. 

Send resume with references to Director Search, Cherokee Heritage Center, PO Box 515, Tahlequah OK 74465.

Please share this widely with those who might be qualified and interested.

Wado!

For more information, you can email:
Mary Ellen Meredith <noksi@aol.com>

The museum’s website is: <http://www.cherokeeheritage.org/>

Call for Papers

 13th Annual American Indian Studies Association Conference

Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona

February 2-3, 2012

 Conference Theme:

Making the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Work

for Tribal Communities

For over thirty years indigenous peoples from around the world sought to negotiate an international document that recognized indigenous human rights.  The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was passed by the United Nations General Assembly on September 13, 2007.  The document introduced emphasis on collective human rights as an avenue for indigenous peoples to assert protections and recovery of land, culture, government, intellectual property, language, art, civil rights, education rights, employment, health, and other issues.  Indigenous peoples recovered tools to combat discrimination and marginalization.  The passage of the UNDRIP by the UN General Assembly is a moral document, and is not enforceable, except by the agreement and willingness of the nation states that accept the declaration.  The implementation and interpretation of the UNDRIP is left to individual nation states to decide and implement.  Nation states can support the UNDRIP by enacting and enforcing laws that support the letter and intent of UNDRIP.  Indigenous peoples need to be informed, supported, mobilized and willing to negotiate with nations states to acknowledge and uphold their collective human rights.  Indigenous individuals and tribal communities need to understand how to implement the articles of the declaration for their legal, political, and cultural benefit.

The theme of the conference is to explain, understand, implement, and critique the UNDRIP.  What are its strengths?  What are the possible ways of implementing the articles of UNDRIP?  Are there case studies of successful implementation of UNDRIP?  Are there developing legal practice and case law about UNDRIP actions?  What are the weaknesses of implementing UNDRIP?  What are the prospects for implementation of UNDRIP locally, nationally and internationally?  What are tribal interpretations of UNDRIP?  Do tribal communities and peoples believe that UNDRIP represents their interests?  How do tribal communities want to see UNDRIP implemented to protect their land, cultures, and forms of self-government?

Papers

The organizers of the AISA Conference welcome proposals for paper presentations, panel presentations, and workshops on the following topics:

The Indigenous Peoples’ Movement

History of the UNDRIP

Cases Studies of Implementation of UNDRIP

Legal Cases Utilizing UNDRIP

Indigenous Intellectual Property Rights

Civil Rights, Human Rights, and the UNDRIP

Tribal Perspectives on Specific Articles of UNDRIP

Land Rights and UNDRIP Protections

Education Rights and UNDRIP

Language Preservation and UNDRIP

Employment and UNDRIP

Health and UNDRIP

Self-Government and UNDRIP

Nation State Reform and UNDRIP

American Indian Studies Implementing UNDRIP Programs

Any panel related to UNDRIP Issues

Any panel concerning Indigenous Issues

Please send paper and panel submissions to:

Elizabeth P. Martos, Coordinator

American Indian Studies

P.O. Box 874603

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ  85287-4603

Email:  elizabeth.martos@asu.edu

As a recently appointed Tribal representative on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Consumer Affairs Committee (CAC), I was pleased to attend the committee’s first meeting in Washington on August 17, 2011. As the only Native American on the committee, I will represent rural and underserved Native American populations for the next two years on this committee.

The FCC established the CAC in November 2000 in order make recommendations regarding consumer issues and to encourage the participation and involvement of consumers, including people with disabilities and underserved populations, such as Native Americans and persons living in rural areas, in proceedings before the Commission.

This committee addresses consumer protection issues and education on topics like cramming, slamming, consumer friendly billing, detariffing, bundling of services, Lifeline/Linkup programs, customer service, privacy, and telemarketing abuses.  The committee also addresses accessibility issues for people with disabilities, including telecom relay services, hearing aid compatibility, video description and closed captioning.  Finally, this committee also looks at the impact of new and emerging technologies, including access, availability and convergence of emerging technologies and media.

The committee is made up of thirty-one members, with representation from academia, consumer interest groups, disability groups, tribal/low-income/minority groups, government and industry representation. The CAC meetings are public and take place quarterly, with at least two live pleanary meetings per year in Washington DC.   Subcommittee’s are established and meet regularly, reporting to the larger committee.  The first meeting with new two-year appointee’s to the committee took place at the FCC on August 17, 2011.  This one-day meeting (available on video here), was the first time many of the committee members met. While there were a number of re-appointments (industry folks and disability representation), some of us were new, but still knew each other from other coalitions.  Indeed, the work of several prominent consumer interest groups was well represented, including appointees from MAG-net / Center for Media Justice (Amalia Deloney), Media Literacy Project (Andrea Quijada), Benton Foundation (Cecilia Garcia) and of course Native Public Media.

As the first meeting of our new committee, it was largely informational.  In addition to remarks from the FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and Commissioner Michael Copps, there were numerous presentations from the various bureaus in the FCC.  The morning addressed topics included an update from the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, the Office of General Council, an overview of the Need for Speed Notice of Proposed Rulemakeing, an overview of the recently published Samknows Report, a Lifeline/Linkup update,  and a review of Cramming.  A working lunch and the afternoon included a presentation on consumer complaint trends, the Emergency Alert System and an update from the Office of Native Affairs and Policy.  One of the highlights of the day included a visit to the FCC Technology Experience Center, although, I was disappointed when I learned that I had most of the gadgets in the room, I had hoped to see some new items.

While the meeting was informative, it was also redundant. My colleagues and I are very familiar with these offices and topics. All of us are seasoned participants in the FCC process.  What I look forward to is the work on the subcommittee’s, which has yet to take place.  As a Tribal representative to the CAC, I am honored to be a part of this committee and look forward to bringing tribal voices to this process.

POSITION: Telecommunications Policy Analyst Consultant

Contract Position

Location: DC Preferred

DEADLINE:  May 16, 2011 Close of Business 5PM Arizona Time
All submissions are due by email to: employment@nativepublicmedia.org
Position open until filled.

Contract will be for one year with option to renew beginning June 1, 2011.  This is a telecommuting position.

APPLICATIONS

Must be self-motivated, and work well with people from different organizations and walks of life.  Telecommunications, Native American cultural knowledge and sensitivity required. Experience within the Native American media system a plus.  Travel required.  This is a telecommuting position, but it is expected that the Policy Analyst will reside in Washington in order to participate in various proceedings. AA/EOE. 

1. Please submit resume or curriculum vitae that describes your experience and qualifications.
2. Please provide a 1-2 page-writing sample.
3. Please provide 3 references including contact information and describe the work done for them.

DESCRIPTION

Native Public Media is seeking an experienced Policy Analyst that specializes in telecommunications policy. Good working knowledge of the Federal Communications Commission rulemaking process and knowledge of American Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives is desired.

ORGANIZATION

Founded in 2004, Native Public Media’s mission promotes healthy, engaged, independent Native communities by strengthening and expanding Native American media capacity and by empowering a strong, proud Native American voice.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Candidate must possess:

• Advanced educational degree, including J.D., Master’s degree, or other comparable credential (a Ph.D. is preferred, but not required);
• A minimum of three years of experience in working on Indian policy and/or with American Indian/Alaska Native tribal governments or communities;
• Experience in conducting research and writing reports on American Indian policy issues;
• Strong writing, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills;
• The ability to take direction and work independently, taking initiative within areas of responsibility, as well as providing leadership and direction while working in a team oriented environment;
• The ability to meet with, solicit cooperation of, and deal effectively with people at various levels and sectors, e.g., tribal representatives, funders, program directors, state and federal officials, consultants, etc.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment; and
• The ability to adjust to changing priorities and growing responsibilities.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the NPM Director of Operations, the primary duties of the Telecommunications Policy Analyst are to:

• Formulate policies and proposals that will advance the telecommunications interests of American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages.
• Work with NPM Director of Operations and staff to establish research priorities;
• Ensure NPM policy is proactive policy development;
• Create analysis and evaluations using qualitative, quantitative, case studies, survey research, model building and statistical analysis to best define problems, define evaluation criteria, identify solutions and/or alternatives, and best policy agenda, among other objectives.
• Prepare High quality Documentation for publication when needed.
• Assist with grant reports as needed.
• Determine which of various alternative policies will most achieve a given set of goals.
• Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
• Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, and/or statistical sources.
• Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data such as election results and public opinion surveys; report on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
• Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, and/or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
• Write drafts of legislative proposals, and prepare speeches, correspondence, and policy papers.
• ·       Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
• Utilize academic research and other resource materials;
• Prepare reports and other written information for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and funders;
• Coordinate the dissemination of information on relevant research projects to tribal leaders, Indian programs, policymakers, federal and state agencies, partner agencies, funders, NPM NPM staff, and other individuals or entities in a timely manner;
• Adhere to NPM core values, guiding principles, and policy regarding ownership of data, respect for tribal Sovereignty and community-driven research and evaluation activities;
• Assist the Director of Operations in keeping the NPM President informed of policy positions and priorities;
• Other duties as assigned.

This well attended event included nearly sixty people who in some way represented Tribes and RSVP’d to the NCAI and FCC Native Nations Day notices. Additionally, there were more than one hundred and fifty total attendees including tribal members, organizations, media, FCC staff, attorneys and others who regularly attend FCC meetings.  The response in Indian Country and beyond has been encouraging.

The purpose of the day, according to the FCC, was part of a “renewed focus on initiatives that will help expand access to vital communications, including broadband, wireless and radio services in native communities across the United States.”  There were tribal leader presentations, FCC office presentations and afternoon nation-to-nation consultation sessions.

Tribal leaders speaking at the event included Jefferson Keel, NCAI President and Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation; Honorable Susie Allen of the Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation; Chairman Robert Smith of the Pala Band of Cupeño Indians and Chair of the Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association; and Lt. Governor Joseph Manuel of the Gila River Indian Community.  Jefferson Keel spoke broadly about the priorities of Native America with regard to telecommunications and effective consultations. He further talked about the need for tribal centric solutions and a tribal broadband fund to aid in deployment and adoption of broadband in Indian country. The Honorable Susie Allen reminded the FCC of its trust responsibility and stated “we remain unserved and underserved at Colville. [It took] 47 years to deliver telephone service to reservation families; infrastructure is antiquated.”  Chairman Smith of Pala said “rules have a drastic effect on spectrum on our tribal lands. We need a better way to obtain spectrum for tribal lands.”  Lt. Governor Manuel of Gila River Indian Community spoke of the importance of the Universal Service Fund especially with regard to emergency services, stating, “Basic and enhanced 911 service should be implemented on tribal lands through USF.”  Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. provides 911 to its own community, where other providers failed to do so, referencing the many tribal lands that do not have basic 911 services.

In addition to the Tribal speakers, there were other Tribal leaders and tribal representatives in attendance, including the Honorable Joe Garcia (Ohkay Owingeh), Carroll Onsae (Hopi Tribe) and representatives from the Chickasaw Nation, Pala Tribe, Gila River Indian Community, and others.

Some of the organizations that were in attendance included the National Tribal Telecommunications Association, Gila River Telecommunications, Inc., National Congress of American Indians, Native Public Media, and Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association.  In addition, there was live blogging and tweeting of this event by organizations such as the Center for Media Justice. In Native Public Media’s press release,Loris Taylor stated “We’ve achieved a significant amount of traction in our partnership with the FCC and our work on Universal Service Reform and the implementation of the National Broadband Plan is made easier with tribal representation on the Task Force, with the support of the Commissioners and with the valued coordination of these issues internally at the FCC by the Office of Native Affairs and Policy,” Taylor said. “While we’ve come a long way, this is just the beginning and it is up to tribal members to help forge and decide how we want to shape the consultation process and how we want to empower our own efforts so that Native Americans have access to essential technological services.”  Other press included Sarah Jerome’s article in The Hill.

Actions taken at the morning meeting by the FCC included the unanimous adoption of three items that will increase telecommunications services in tribal areas:

1.  A Notice of Inquiry (NOI) on improving communications services for Native Nations that seeks comment on a number of issues, including greater broadband deployment, the need for a uniform definition of Tribal lands to be used agency-wide in rulemakings, and the importance of strengthening the FCC’s nation-to-nation consultation process with Native Nations.

2.   A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on ways to expand the efficient use of spectrum over Tribal lands so as to improve access to mobile wireless communications, which will provide consumers with more choices on how they communicate, share information and get their news.

3.  A Second Report and Order, First Order on Reconsideration, and a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) that will help expand opportunities for Tribal entities to provide broadcast radio services to Native communities.

During the afternoon of the Native Nations Day events at the FCC, Chairman Julius Genachowski named 30 members to serve on a new FCC-Native Nations Broadband Task Force.  This Task Force includes elected and appointed leaders from various Native Nations and FCC senior staff.  ONAP Chief, Geoffrey Blackwell will serve as co-chair and another co-chair will be elected from the group.  Responsibilities of this new Task Force will include assisting the Commission in developing and executing the tribal consultation policy and gaining input of Native Nations related to FCC proceedings regarding broadband deployment and adoption on Tribal lands.

Appointed individuals include:

·       Honorable Susie Allen: Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

·       Honorable Marlin Fryberg: Tulalip Tribes

·       Honorable Joe Garcia: Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo

·       Honorable Jeffrey Harjo: Seminole Nation of Oklahoma

·       Honorable Bradley John: Seneca Nation of Indians

·       Honorable Bill Kekahbah: Kaw Nation

·       Honorable Joseph Manuel: Gila River Indian Community

·       Honorable Jim Shakespeare: Northern Arapaho Tribe

·       Mark Bilton-Smith: Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

·       Lewis Christman: Tule River Indian Tribe

·       Valerie Fast Horse: Coeur d’Alene Tribe

·       Debby Gallenberg: Sokaogon Chippewa Community

·       Pearl Mikulski: Kawerak

·       Carroll Onsae: Hopi Tribe

·       Matthew Rantanen: Pala Band of Mission Indians

·       Brian Tagaban: Navajo Nation

·       Michael White: Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma

·       James Williams: Tanana Chiefs Conference

·       Michelle York: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

·       Chairman Geoffrey Blackwell: Office of Native Affairs and Policy

·       Irene Flannery: Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau

·       David Furth: Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau

·       Jane Jackson: Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

·       Elise Kohn: Wireline Competition Bureau

·       Mark Lloyd: Office of General Counsel

·       Kris Monteith: Media Bureau

·       Robert Nelson: International Bureau

·       Jamison Prime: Office of Engineering and Technology

·       Thomas Reed: Office of Communications Business Opportunities

·       Suzanne Tetreault: Enforcement Bureau

_______________________________

This post was originally written for NAMAC

http://www.namac.org/node/25580

FCC ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR MARCH 3RD OPEN MEETING

Washington, D.C. — Today, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski announced that the following items will be on the tentative agenda for the next open meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 2011. The meeting will be in two parts, the first dedicated to communications issues affecting Native Nations, and the second to other Commission business:

• Native Nations Spectrum NPRM: A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to explore a range of recommendations to help close the wireless gap on Tribal Lands.
• Tribal and Rural Radio Orders and FNPRM: Orders revising rules or establishing waiver standards that will make it easier for Native Nations to provide radio service to areas that are the functional equivalent of Tribal Lands and to Tribal Lands that are small or irregularly shaped. A further notice invites additional comment on adopting a Tribal Bidding Credit and alternative ways to foster radio service by Native Nations on their lands. Also, an order adjusting policies for determining whether proposed new radio stations or station moves constitute an equitable distribution of radio service under Section 307(b) of the Communications Act.
• Omnibus NOI on Improving Communications Services for Native Nations: A Notice of Inquiry that explores ways to overcome the barriers to deployment of communications services to Native Nations communities, and to improve consultation and coordination with Native Nations.
• NPRM to Streamline and Clarify the Commission’s Rules Governing Retransmission Consent: A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on changes to rules governing or affecting retransmission consent negotiations between broadcasters and multichannel video
  programming distributors.
• Lifeline/Link Up Reform and Modernization NPRM: A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to reform the Universal Service Fund’s Lifeline and Link Up programs to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse; improve program administration, accountability, and fiscal responsibility; and modernize the program in light of market and technology changes, including to support pilot programs for broadband adoption.
• Advanced Communications Services NPRM: A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on rules implementing provisions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA). The NPRM proposes rules requiring providers of advanced communications services and manufacturers of equipment used for those services to make their products accessible to people with disabilities.
• Video Description NPRM: Also implementing the CVAA, this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes to reinstate the video description rules adopted by the Commission in 2000, as directed by Congress.

Topics selected for FCC open meeting agendas are posted on the Commission’s website approximately three weeks prior to the Commission’s next monthly meeting. The FCC will also issue a public notice of the “Commission Meeting Agenda” one week before the meeting and announce at that time the items that are scheduled for the agenda.

Commission meetings are open to the public, who can attend in person at the FCC headquarters (445 12^th Street SW, Washington, D.C.), or watch the live stream at www.fcc.gov/live.
–FCC–
For more news and Information about the FCC go to: www.fcc.gov

HISTORY

Tribal lands are among the worst served communities in terms of telecommunications in the United States. According to a 2006 GAO report, only about 69% of households on tribal lands had telephone service in 2000.¹ This is in comparison with the national rate of 98%. The report identifies four specific barriers to deployment, 1) the rural, rugged terrain of tribal lands; 2) limited tribal resources; 3) lack of technically trained tribal people; and, 4) rights of way issues. The statistical reality of this means that up to 35% of tribal members and nearly 50% of Navajo’s lack access to basic 911 services.² Broadband deployment in Indian Country is at less than a 10 percent penetration rate and is due to the same barriers reported with analog telephone.³ The bottom line is that Native Americans have been largely ignored by federal telecommunications policy and underserved by telecom providers.

TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY AND NATION-BUILDING ARE CRITICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Tribes have a different legal status than other minority groups; the United States has a legal and political relationship with tribes.  Tribal Sovereignty is a philosophical term that is legally constructed and came about through the treaty relationship, is limited via legislation and court decisions, and applied through the actions of Native nation building and self-determination.

At the most basic levels, tribal sovereignty includes the inherent political powers of Native nations to self- govern with each of the 565 federally recognized tribal nations recognized as a distinct political entity.  In political reality, Congress, court rulings and treaties have limited tribal sovereignty.

It is important to understand that tribes were not given sovereignty rather sovereignty of tribes was and is inherent and is legally recognized initially in the U.S. Constitution and later through treaties and court cases. The FCC recognizes tribal sovereignty as is evidenced by their Statement of Policy on Establishing a Government-to-Government Relationship with Tribes ⁴ and the recent establishment of the Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy.

Any changes in telecommunications access, infrastructure and deployment must take into consideration tribal sovereignty as Tribes actively assert sovereignty as a part of their continued nation building in creating sustainable economic development, education, public safety and other vital community systems.  Tribal lands are characterized by economic conditions and critical infrastructures have not historically been deployed, or grown through market competition, as they have elsewhere in the nation.   Critical infrastructure does not come to Tribal lands without significant federal involvement, investment, and regulatory oversight. Rugged, rural terrain, poverty and historic periods of failed federal policies towards Native peoples and their lands have created a modern atmosphere that requires special economic regulatory creativity.

When the Tribe itself is engaged via tribal centric nation building practices, and its institutions and families are central to the planning, the chance of success is increased.  When tribes are at the center of the planning and implementing process on Tribal lands, this contributes to achieving successful and enduring solutions to the deplorable and long-standing lack of communications technologies in Tribal communities nationwide.

TRIBAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS⁵

The importance of telecommunications is critical worldwide, but in Indian Country there is a gap to be met.  Often described as the Digital Divide, this gap is real and affects the daily lives of millions of Native peoples in the United States.  There are a number of organizations working tirelessly on the variety of issues included in tribal telecommunications, including the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Native Public Media (NPM), and the FCC’s Office of Native Affairs and Policy.

Next month, there will be an historic meeting of these organizations hosted by the FCC and the outcomes will be discussed in next month’s blog.  Meanwhile, below are some of the identified issues to be discussed at the meeting.

•    Broadband is the basis and future of economic development, health, public safety, housing, energy, and educational models for the future in Indian Country;
•    The Internet is now classified as a utility and the common carriage for all media platforms;
•    This new digital ecology necessitates Native inclusion;
•    Currently there is an opportunity for Tribes to have a voice at the policy-making table in regards to Broadband development;
•    Broadband is a critical infrastructure for nation building in Indian country;
•    Tribally centric deployment models are most successful in Indian country, not individual residential service models.

Stay Tuned!

–

¹GAO-06-513T: Joe Garcia NCAI Testimony before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate: Telecommunications: challenges to Assessing and Improving Telecommunications for Native Americans on Tribal Lands.

²Comments of NTTA in the Matter of the Connect America Fund, A National Broadband Plan for our Future, High-Cost Universal Service Support.

³New Media, Technology, and Internet Use in Indian Country: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study. Traci L. Morris and Sascha D. Meinrath Authors. Published by Native Public Media. 2009.

⁴FCC: Statement of Policy on Establishing a Government-to-Government Relationship with Indian Tribes, June 8, 2000.

⁵Native Public Media
–

President Obama Details Plan to Win the Future through Expanded Wireless Access

Initiative expands wireless coverage to 98% of Americans, reduces deficit by nearly $10 billion, invests in nationwide public safety network

WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama will today detail his plan to win the future by catalyzing the buildout of high-speed wireless services that will enable businesses to grow faster, students to learn more, and public safety officials to access state-of-the-art, secure, nationwide, and interoperable mobile communications.

In his State of the Union address, President Obama called for a National Wireless Initiative to make available high-speed wireless services to at least 98 percent of Americans. The Wireless Innovation and Infrastructure Initiative laid out today will make it possible for businesses to achieve that goal, while freeing up spectrum through incentive auctions, spurring innovation, and creating a nationwide, interoperable wireless network for public safety.  It will also reduce the national deficit by approximately $10 billion.

The President will announce the new initiative at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, a city where local businesses have been able to grow as a result of broadband access, with particular benefit in exporting goods to new markets around the world.  He will also see a demonstration of how the university’s WiMAX network has enabled distance learning for university and community students.

For more details on the President’s Wireless Innovation and Infrastructure Initiative, please see the fact sheet below:

The White House
FACT SHEET: President Obama’s Plan to Win the Future through the Wireless Innovation and Infrastructure Initiative

In his State of the Union address, President Obama set the goal of enabling businesses to provide high-speed wireless services to at least 98 percent of all Americans within five years.  The rollout of the next generation of high-speed wireless—the “4G” technology now being deployed in the United States by leading carriers—promises considerable benefits to our economy and society.  More than 10 times faster than current high speed wireless services, this technology promises to benefit all Americans, bolster public safety, and spur innovation in wireless services, equipment, and applications.  By catalyzing private investment and innovation and reducing the deficit by $9.6 billion, this initiative will help the United States win the future and compete in the 21st century economy.

•    Nearly Double Wireless Spectrum Available for Mobile Broadband: The President has set the goal of freeing up 500 MHz of spectrum for everything from smartphones to wireless broadband connectivity for laptops to new forms of machine-to-machine communication within a decade.  Critical to realizing this goal are “voluntary incentive auctions” and more efficient use of government spectrum, estimated to raise $27.8 billion over the next decade.

•    Provide At Least 98% of Americans with Access to 4G High-Speed Wireless: Private investments are extending 4G to most of the Nation, but leaving some rural areas behind.  The President’s initiative would support a one-time investment of $5 billion and reform of the “Universal Service Fund” to ensure millions more Americans will be able to use this technology.

•    Catalyze Innovation Through a Wireless Innovation (WIN): To spur innovation, $3 billion of the spectrum proceeds will go to research and development of emerging wireless technologies and applications.

•    Develop and Deploy a Nationwide, Interoperable Wireless Network for Public Safety: The President’s Budget calls for a $10.7 billion commitment to support the development and deployment of a nationwide wireless broadband network to afford public safety agencies with far greater levels of effectiveness and interoperability.  An important element of this plan is the reallocation of the D Block for public safety and $500 million within the WIN Fund.

•    Cut the Deficit By $9.6 Billion Over the Next Decade: Nearly $10 billion of spectrum auction revenue will be devoted to deficit reduction.
Details of the President’s Initiative

•    Nearly Double Wireless Spectrum Available for Mobile Broadband.  The number of “Smartphones” will soon pass both conventional mobile phones and computers around the world, promising lower costs for such devices, more functionality, and greater demand for bandwidth (speed).  4G deployment is rising to meet this demand, but it relies on access to the “airwaves” that is currently constrained by a spectrum crunch that will hinder future innovation.

To address this challenge, the President’s initiative has set the goal of freeing up 500 MHz of spectrum.  Specifically, the plan provides:

o    Win-win incentives for government holders.  New financial-compensation tools and a commitment to using advanced technologies more effectively will enable government agencies to use spectrum more efficiently.

o    Win-win incentives for commercial holders.  As recommended in the FCC’s National Broadband Plan, legislation is needed to allow the FCC to conduct “voluntary incentive auctions” that enable current spectrum holders to realize a portion of auction revenues if they choose to participate.

•    The majority of the freed up spectrum would be auctioned for licensed mobile broadband, raising a projected $27.8 billion over the next decade, and a remainder would be for unlicensed use.

•    A Goal of 98% of Americans with Access to 4G High-Speed Wireless. America’s businesses are building out 4G networks to much of the nation, with some major companies crediting the President’s recent tax incentives for accelerating their efforts. Nevertheless, absent additional government investment, millions of Americans will not be able to participate in the 4G revolution.  To that end, the President’s Budget supports the 4G buildout in rural areas through a one-time $5 billion investment.  This investment, to be managed by the FCC, will help catalyze universal service reform to provide access to higher-speed wireless and wired broadband, dovetail with the need for public safety to have a wireless network available in rural areas, and extend access from the almost 95% of Americans who have 3G wireless services today to at least 98% of all Americans gaining access to state-of-the-art 4G high-speed wireless services within five years.  Extending access to high-speed wireless not only provides a valuable service to Americans living in those areas—access to medical tests, online courses, and applications that have not yet been invented—but also catalyzes economic growth by enabling consumers and businesses living in those areas to participate in the 21st century economy.

•    A Wireless Innovation (WIN) Fund to Help Drive Innovation. This $3 billion fund will advance our economic growth and competitiveness goals, supporting key technological developments that will enable and take advantage of the 4G rollout and pave the way for new technologies.  The WIN Fund will support basic research, experimentation and testbeds, and applied development in a number of areas, including public safety, education, energy, health, transportation, and economic development.

•    Develop and Deploy A Nationwide, Interoperable Wireless Network For Public Safety. The 9/11 Commission noted that our homeland security is vulnerable, in part, due to the lack of interoperable wireless communication among first responders.  The rollout of 4G high speed wireless services provides a unique opportunity to deploy such a system in conjunction with the commercial infrastructure already being developed and deployed.  To seize that opportunity, President Obama is calling for an investment of $10.7 billion to ensure that our public safety benefits from these new technologies: $3.2 billion to reallocate the “D Block” (which is a band of spectrum that would be reserved and prioritized for public safety and not auctioned as called for under existing law); $7 billion to support the deployment of this network; and $500 million from the WIN Fund for R&D and technological development to tailor the network to meet public safety requirements.  This investment, in coordination with the investment in rural buildout, will ensure that the rollout of 4G in rural areas serves the needs of public safety and the broader community.

•    Cut the deficit by $9.6 billion over the next decade. The President’s proposals to auction off spectrum freed up from the government and voluntarily relinquished by current commercial users, is estimated to raise $27.8 billion. This total is above-and-beyond the auction proceeds that are used to provide an incentive for private and government users as well as the auction proceeds that are expected even absent the President’s proposal. After the cost of the investments proposed by the President, the initiative would reduce the deficit by $9.6 billion over the next decade.

Building on Progress
The Administration has already made progress on its decade-long spectrum goal and on expanding broadband access.

•    A 115 MHz downpayment on the President’s 500 MHz goal. Last June, President Obama issued a Memorandum calling for action by the Federal government and Congress to enable large swaths of spectrum to be used more efficiently.  The NTIA has already taken steps to make good on that commitment.  In particular, the agency has identified 115 Megahertz of Federal spectrum that can be freed up as part of a “fast track” process for exclusive or shared use, selected another 95 MHz of valuable spectrum for immediate evaluation, and has a workplan for evaluating other Federal spectrum bands that can be used more efficiently.

•    Recovery Act investments by the Commerce and Agriculture Departments have boosted deployment and adoption of broadband technology.  The Recovery Act provided around $7 billion to expand broadband access and adoption, with more than $2.5 billion going to the Rural Utility Service at Agriculture for rural areas and $4.4 billion going to National Telecommunications and Information Administration at Commerce to support a number of broadband initiatives.  In particular, NTIA provided around $400 million in grants to jurisdictions using wireless broadband for public safety.

What: Native Nations Day at the FCC
Date: Thursday March 3, 2011 Time: 9:45 am (9:15 early arrival for security purposes)
Where: FCC Headquarter, 445 12th Street SW Washington DC 20554
FCC Contact: Dan Rumelt, FCC Office of Native Affairs and Policy, 202-418-7512 or Dan.Rumelt@fcc.gov

The framework is a response to the National Broadband Plan, which recognized the pivotal roles that libraries and community-based organizations play in providing access to high-speed internet. The National Broadband Plan called on the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to develop tools to help communities assess their needs for public access technology. IMLS is working with the University of Washington and the International City/County Management Association to identify the characteristics of digitally inclusive communities in order to guide strategic public and private investments.

This announcement launches an effort to engage a broad range of stakeholders in the development of the framework. The 16-member high-level working group includes leaders from libraries, community-based organizations, business, local government and non-governmental organizations who will contribute to the development of the proposed framework. Phase two of the process will enlist a broad network of professional organizations and interested parties to further review and critique the framework.

A series of town meetings is also planned to provide additional input and to highlight promising practices.

The members of the high level working group are:

Steve Albertson, Community Voice Mail
Mary Carr, Spokane Community College
Mark Cooper, Consumer Federation of America
Catherine K. De Rosa, OCLC WebJunction
Jon Gant, University of Illinois Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Chris Gates, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement
Martín Gómez, Los Angeles Public Library
C. Lincoln (Link) Hoewing, Verizon
John Horrigan, Technet
Mike Lee, AARP
David Keyes, City of Seattle
Traci L. Morris, Homahota Consulting
Mare Parker-O’Toole, Medfield (MA) Public Library
Frances Roehm, Skokie (IL) Public Library
Jane Smith Patterson, e-NC
Sarah Washburn, TechSoup
From more information please see http://tascha.uw.edu/research/inclusionframework.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit http://www.imls.gov.