RCA Public Meeting on ARRA Broadband Initiatiaves

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska will hold a special public meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2009, to consider comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding Broadband Initiatives funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

ARRA was signed into law on February 17. 2009.  ARRA requires the NTIA and RUS to establish and administer the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), the new Rural Development Broadband Program, and the development of a National Broadband Plan.  These broadband initiatives are intended to accelerate broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and ensuring that strategic institutions that are likely to create jobs or provide significant public benefits have broadband connections.  The NTIA, RUS and FCC held a series of meetings to obtain input from the public on various aspects of their duties under the ARRA. For further information about the ARRA, visit the NTIA website (www.ntia.doc.gov).

Individuals or groups of people with disabilities who require special accommodations, auxiliary aids or service, or alternative communication formats, please contact Joyce McGowan at 276-6222, toll-free at 1-800-390-2782; or TTY (907) 276-4533.



Date Issued: 4/7/2009