FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: August 16, 2001 Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0654 FCC ANNOUNCES INDIAN INITIATIVE WEBSITE REDESIGN Washington, DC The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announces the redesign of its Indian Initiatives website (www.fcc.gov/indians). The Indian Initiatives website is a portal to find information about the work being done at the FCC regarding Indian Country, including rulemaking items and the Indian Telecom Training Initiative (ITTI). In addition the website includes information on Native American programs of other government agencies. The new website allows visitors to easily find important information relevant to the tribal community on universal service support programs, which subsidize telecommunications services throughout tribal lands. These programs, such as the Lifeline and Link Up Programs, help ensure that all eligible households that want access to the telecommunications network are able to afford it by helping to pay a portion of basic monthly phone bills and initial hook-up charges. The website also gives information describing how to participate in the FCC rulemaking process, as well as information on Tribal Land Bidding Credits available to participants in FCC spectrum auctions. Another feature of the website is Internet Resources for Indian Country. It is a one-stop resource to find programs, assistance and information provided by government agencies and other organizations specifically for residents in Indian Country. "The Internet Resources guide provided by the FCC is a great place to find information about the numerous programs offered throughout the federal government aimed at assisting Native Americans," said J.D. Williams, Chairman, National Tribal Telecommunications Association. The enhanced website also provides information regarding the Indian Telecom Training Initiative (ITTI) efforts at the FCC. The FCC, in conjunction with the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), is hosting the ITTI 2001 Seminar, the second annual comprehensive telecommunications seminar for American Indian Tribal Leaders and other interested parties. This seminar is designed as an educational and networking event that will allow American Indian leaders to learn more about ways to increase access to telecommunications services in Indian Country. The seminar is scheduled for September 23 26, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Last year's conference was the largest gathering of Native American tribal representatives ever assembled to address telecommunications issues. The nearly 600 seminar participants included representatives from 135 tribes. For more information on the ITTI 2001 seminar, please visit www.fcc.gov/indians; call (888) 225- 5322, and select option 2 after the recorded message or call (717) 338-2888; or, email the FCC at ITTI2001@fcc.gov. To register for the seminar you can call NECA directly at (800) 351-9033. For more information regarding the Indian Initiatives at the FCC, please contact Geoffrey Blackwell, FCC Liaison to Tribal Governments at 202-418-8192, e-mail: gblackwe@fcc.gov. - FCC -