Tom Udall

I do agree, absolutely, that there should be.

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.

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

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

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

Mr. Webre, the FCC issued guidance in 2012 about tribal engagement. The GAO reports that that guidance is now stale.

Do you have a timeline for us?

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.

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…

Seeing it first-hand is tremendously important.

We have heard today about the GAO's second report on partnerships and how less than 1 percent of the FCC's funding has gone to tribes.

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?

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.

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

Yes. And Mr. Webre, there is no doubt that the maps are not accurate?

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.

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.

Eighty percent of those living on tribal lands in New Mexico do not have access to broadband.

Among the many obstacles to closing the digital divide in Indian Country is the FCC's Eligible Telecommunications Carrier, or ETC designation.

All they know is that tribes need better broadband services. And it is up to everybody else to hopefully help them with that.

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

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

Thank you, Senator Udall, for stating that earlier in his opening statement.

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