FCC Information Related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009. The Administration has stated that the Act "is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.”

The FCC is currently working in coordination with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to perform the FCC’s role under the Recovery Act.

Specifically, in conjunction with the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program established by the Act, the FCC has been tasked with creating a National Broadband Plan by February 17, 2010. The Recovery Act states that the National Broadband Plan shall seek to ensure all people of the United States have access to broadband capability and shall establish benchmarks for meeting that goal.

Furthermore, the FCC is coordinating with NTIA to determine the best path forward for continuing the important DTV education and outreach work of both agencies. These outreach efforts are critical to ensuring that households are ready for the DTV transition on June 12, 2009.

4/8/09
FCC Launches Development of National Broadband Plan.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Notice of Inquiry: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat

3/31/09
Comment Sought on International Comparison and Consumer Survey Requirements in the Broadband Data Improvement Act.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat

3/24/09
Bureaus Establish Procedures Regarding the Commission’s Consultative Role in the Broadband Provisions of the Recovery Act.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat

3/10/09
Vilsack, Copps and Wade Kick Off American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's Broadband Initiative.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat

3/10/09
Bureaus Establish Comment Date for Report on Rural Broadband Strategy.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat

3/3/09
FCC, NTIA and RUS to Hold Joint Meeting March 10, 2009 on Broadband Initiatives Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Recovery Act Broadband Initiatives Kick Off Meeting Page

Plans and reports will be published as they become available.

Weekly Updates
Weekly reports providing a breakdown of funding, major actions taken to date and major planned actions.

• May 5, 2009
• April 28, 2009
• April 21, 2009
• April 14, 2009
• April 7, 2009
• March 31, 2009
• March 24, 2009
• March 17, 2009
• March 10, 2009
• March 3, 2009

Information about the FCC’s programs which implement the Recovery Act will be provided in the near future.