Thank you, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2025

Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) showcased its commitment to ensuring equitable access to modern communications, focusing on programs designed to support vulnerable populations, including those in India. These efforts address critical needs such as access to affordable connectivity, support for survivors of domestic violence, and mental health resources, aligning with Tribal priorities of community safety, family well-being, and access to education and healthcare. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, in her final meeting as Chair, underscored the agency’s achievements over the past four years in advancing connectivity for underserved communities.

“Chair Rosenworcel helped to establish the Alert Code for Missing and Endangered Persons, and I want to express my gratitude for her leadership. The MEP Alert brings hope to Indian Country and will save lives once implemented in September 2025. For Native Nations, access to communications is vital to Tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, and economic development,” stated Loris Taylor, Native Public Media President and CEO.

“Native communities have long faced barriers to connectivity, yet access to modern communications is fundamental to public safety, education, and preserving Tribal sovereignty. Through programs like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline with texting capability, the Safe Connections Act for survivors of domestic violence, and broadband expansion for Tribal schools and libraries, the FCC has worked to empower more people in more places—including Indian Country—by addressing these disparities head-on,” said Rosenworcel in her statement.

“By expanding broadband, supporting vulnerable populations, and preventing digital discrimination, the FCC is helping to bridge the digital divide and foster resilience in Indian Country. As Indian Country continues to advocate for self-determination, FCC initiatives represent a significant step forward in ensuring Native communities are connected, informed, and empowered,” concludes Taylor.

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The FCC’s initiatives over the past four years that support Tribal communities include:

The FCC implemented the Martha Wright-Reed Act, dramatically reducing the cost of phone and video calls for incarcerated persons. The Act ensures Native families, who are disproportionately affected by incarceration, can afford to stay connected, fostering family ties and community resilience.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Expansion enables text-based communication and geo-routing calls to local crisis centers, making mental health resources more accessible for Native youth and rural communities, addressing the disproportionate impact of mental health crises in Indian Country.

The Safe Connections Act provides survivors, including those in Tribal communities, with independent phone lines, subsidized broadband access, and privacy protections, enhancing their ability to seek help safely and rebuild their lives.

Through targeted support for Tribal schools and libraries, the FCC expanded broadband access, established Wi-Fi hotspot lending programs, and provided Wi-Fi on school buses for rural Native students, ensuring equitable opportunities for education.

The FCC’s data mapping initiative highlighted the intersection of broadband access and maternal health outcomes in underserved areas, helping to address alarming rates of maternal mortality in Native communities.

During the pandemic, the FCC provided funding for telehealth systems, supported remote learning through the Emergency Connectivity Program, and connected Tribal households via the Affordable Connectivity Program.

The FCC established a task force to combat digital discrimination, promoting equal broadband access for Tribal communities as mandated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.