OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
September 25,2009
The Honorable Joe Baca
U.S. House ofRepresentatives
2245 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Baca:
Thank you for your July 21, 2009 letter regarding the level ofminority participation in
the development and implementation ofthe national broadband plan. As you note, certain
communities have greater challenges in gaining access to broadband services than other
communities. I agree that accessible, affordable broadband is critical to economic growth and
educational opportunity, especially for low-income and minority communities. Congress
assigned the Commission the important task of developing a national broadband plan to ensure
broadband access for all Americans, regardless ofrace, income, or location. Our approach to
this plan will be innovative, pragmatic, and data-driven, leaving no idea untested.
The Commission initiated the process ofdeveloping this national broadband plan by
issuing a Notice ofInquiry in April, and we have received thousands of comments in response
from a wide and diverse group of citizens, organizations, and industry participants, including
numerous minority interest organizations. Included in the Commission's Notice and the public
record are many ofthe ideas you recommend, including affordability programs for low-income
and minority communities, digital literacy campaigns, multi-layered broadband mapping, and
special considerations for minority-owned businesses. During August, the Commission held
almost two dozen public workshops on discrete aspects ofthe plan, and over the next few
months we will host a broader national discussion around the country and online. Obtaining
input from all stakeholders is extremely valuable, and the process will be one ofthe most open
and participatory processes ever undertaken by the Commission.
I appreciate your views on this matter, and I will make your letter a part ofthe record in
the Commission's open docket regarding development ofthe national broadband plan. Please let
me know ifI can be of any further assistance.
J IUS Genachowski
Chairman