Tom Udall

We need to explore what that world looks like for those in transition from teenage to adulthood.

It seems like hardly a week goes by that there are not new examples of how tech companies are just not doing enough to protect consumer privacy.

It is like waiting for the cops, to call the cops and tell them you have been speeding.

As part of this privacy discussion, we must prioritize protecting children in this increasingly online world.

I would suggest the staff to take a look at the testimony that came in because I think there are some very, very good things there that enlighten us a lot.

Yes, Senator Udall, it is greatly needed, especially in Indian Country.

We greatly appreciate Senator Udall's leadership in championing this provision.

Yes, Senator, U.S. Cellular certainly supports the concept of a large infrastructure package to address rural broadband, including in tribal areas.

I do agree, absolutely, that there should be.

It is time for a new authority for the Commission, a new direction, new authorities. It is time for a tribal broadband fund.

I think that Congress should look at it.

The first question I asked earlier had to do with tribal consultation and it being very important to shrinking the digital divide.

Would allowing more flexibility at E-Rate for innovation, like putting wi-fi on school buses, help address the digital divide in tribal schools faster?

Would you say the requirement of being designated an ETC is having a disparate impact on tribes to receive more Federal funding?

I think if we work with the tribes together, I think we can help them out.

I do believe that there is, to create a mechanism within the FCC, so that the data, as it comes and can be analyzed by the FCC, to create sort of a map of issues on a tribe-by-tribe, region-by-region basis.

I think you are talking about a really meaningful step and meaningful engagement with the tribe for the provider to try to really understand what is going on on the ground.

This is one where the industry controls the data, and has all the power. And when tribes do challenge the data, it is costly, it is time-consuming, and Indian Tribes don't often win.

I couldn't agree with Senator Schatz more.

Your written testimony highlights the importance of tribal consultation, and tribal partnerships to shrink the digital divide in Indian Country.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me just, a quick aside. Today I received a letter from Chairman Pai, and I would like to extend a quick thank you to the Chairman and his staff for responding to my request to fix issues in the tribal…

I don't think there is anything more important in Indian Country than getting Indian Country connected to the rest of society and the world.

To make sure E-Rate is reaching students in Indian Country we need to know that the FCC is not still using junk data to track tribal applications.

Nearly one-third of the kids in New Mexico are at risk of falling behind in school, simply because they can't get on the internet at home.

What practical recommendations are needed to help tribes access this Federal funding?