Click on the above "Download PDF" link to view NCAI's Testimony for the Record submitted on May 11, 2016.
To view a recording of the Hearing and view Witness Testimony, click here.
Background
On April 27, 2016, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a Hearing on a Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report on, “Telecommunications: Additional Coordination and Performance Measurement Needed for High-Speed Internet Access Programs on Tribal Lands”. The report noted that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) did not coordinate well in telecommunications programs, outreach, and training to tribes. In addition to the need for joint outreach and training efforts between the FCC and USDA the GAO recommended:
- Development of performance goals and measures at the FCC to track progress of Internet availability in households on tribal lands;
- Improve reliability of FCC data for institutions receiving funds under the Schools and Libraries (E-rate) Program by defining “tribal” on the program application; and
- Development of performance goals and measures to ensure tribal schools and libraries receive affordable Internet services.