EX PARTE
Ms. Marlene H. Dortch
Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
RE: Modernizing the FCC Form 477 Data Program (No. 11-10), Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs (No. 18-89), Establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection (No. 19-195), COVID-19 Telehealth Program Application Evaluation Metrics (No. 20-89), Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund Assistance (No. 20-445), Petitions for Emergency Relief to Allow the Use of E-Rate Funds to Support Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic (No. 21-31).
Dear Ms. Dortch:
On Monday, February 1, 2021, representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce held a virtual meeting with Travis Litman, Acting Chief of Staff to Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. Representing the Chamber were Jordan Crenshaw, Executive Director of the Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center (“C_TEC”); Matthew Eggers, Vice President, Cybersecurity Policy; Vince Voci, Executive Director, Cyber Policy, and Caitlin Codella Low, Executive Director, Policy. The main purpose of the conversation was to emphasize how critical it is for policymakers, including the Federal Communications Commission, to assist in securely connecting all Americans to the Internet.
During the virtual meeting, the Chamber highlighted C_TEC’s recently released policy agenda that focuses on connecting all Americans.[1] Chamber staff also discussed:
- The importance of accurately mapping broadband coverage nationwide;
- The need to provide waivers and follow the principle of tech neutrality when determining how to fund efforts to bridge the Homework Gap;
- The COVID-19 telehealth program and how it should enable both private and not-for-profit providers to receive assistance[2];
- The upcoming Emergency Broadband Benefit program; and
- Implementation of the Secure and Trusted Communications Act.
The Chamber looks forward to working with the Commission to enable all Americans to enjoy the benefits of digital connectivity. If you have follow up questions, I may be reached at (202) 463-5632 or by e-mail at jcrenshaw@uschamber.com.
[1] See Chamber Technology Engagement Center, “Connecting All Americans,” America’s Next Tech Upgrade (October 2020) available athttps://americaninnovators.com/wpcontent/uploads/2020/10/CTEC_TechUpgrade_Broadband.pdf.
[2]See C_TEC Comments re: COVID-19 Telehealth Program (January 19, 2021) available at https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/101190586725303/210119_Comments_TelehealthProgram_FCC.pdf.
