View this ex parte as a pdf here.

August 19, 2019

Ms. Marlene H. Dortch
Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street NW
Washington, DC 20554

Re: Ex Parte Disclosure Pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 1.1206(b) in WC Docket Nos. 19-195 and 11-10

Dear Ms. Dortch:

Next Century Cities is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) coalition comprised of over 200 member municipalities across the United States that work to bring fast, affordable, reliable broadband to their constituents. Our organization represents local broadband leaders and advocates for telecommunications policies that support local connectivity initiatives.

On August 15, 2019, I met with Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and her Media Policy Advisor, Kate Black, to discuss the data collection framework described in the report and order and second notice of proposed rulemaking, WC Docket Nos. 19-195 and 11-10, Establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection and Modernizing the FCC Form 477 Data Program.

As I stated in the meeting, Next Century Cities’ members share the Commission’s concerns about the need to improve broadband mapping data as well as the collection process. Local leaders are uniquely positioned to identify disconnected areas and directly impacted by resource allocations based on flawed data. I also reiterated the importance of including local and municipal leaders in planning discussions with the Commission to ensure that the new federal data collection framework incorporates local perspectives.

Respectfully submitted,

Francella Ochillo
Executive Director