Tribal Workshop in Norman, Oklahoma
The Federal Communications Commission's Office of Native Affairs and Policy is co-hosting an FCC Tribal Workshop with the Chickasaw Nation in Norman, Oklahoma, on June 12-13, 2019. The Workshop is being conducted at the Riverwind Casino, 1544 State Highway 9, Norman, OK 73072. This event is designed to provide information that will help Tribal Nations identify and evaluate opportunities to develop more robust broadband, telecommunications, and broadcast infrastructure and services in Tribal communities. It is also designed to provide information about the FCC and how it conducts its regulatory responsibilities, and to encourage Tribal participation in the regulatory process.
Tribal government leaders, Tribal IT managers, government and community planners and managers, Tribal enterprise specialists, and representatives of Tribal social service agencies, schools, and health clinics are encouraged to attend.
FCC staff will provide presentations on a broad range of important FCC programs and policies that support the deployment of communications infrastructure and services in Tribal communities. Such infrastructure supports Tribal economic development, Tribal schools and libraries, low-income families, and health care clinics, as well as Tribal radio stations, public safety departments, and Tribal government administration. Representatives of the US Department of Agriculture and FirstNet have been invited to share information on the relevant programs they manage. In addition, a representative from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will provide hands-on training on the application process for the FCC's E-rate Program, which provides discounts to qualifying schools and libraries for broadband equipment and services.
The workshop will include information on the Universal Service Fund programs, the related Tribal engagement obligation for high cost fund recipients, and an open discussion with Tribal leaders and officials sharing their experiences with broadband deployment. The workshop will also provide information on new spectrum opportunities the Commission is considering that may promote expanded broadband access on Tribal lands. Additionally, the workshop will include presentations on the Commission's Tribal radio priority, as well as on public safety issues of concern to Tribal Nations.
Registration is free. To register, please send your name, title, Tribal affiliation and contact information to FCCChickasawWorkshop@fcc.gov. For registration assistance, questions, or special accommodations, please contact Carolyn Conyers, Program Analyst: carolyn.conyers@fcc.gov or 202-418-2002.
For questions about workshop content, please contact: Susan Mort, Legal Advisor: Susan.Mort@fcc.gov or 202-418-2429.
Hotel reservations can be made by calling the Riverwind Hotel at 1-877-787-9637.