WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) – Geoffrey Blackwell was appointed to lead the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) efforts to work with Native Nations, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced on Tuesday.

“It is essential that the FCC work closely with Native communities to address the unique communications challenges they face,” Genachowski said.

Blackwell will also carry out the National Broadband Plan’s recommendations for bringing broadband to all Native communities, establishing a new office dedicated to address Native needs, and implementing a robust policy of meaningful dialogue and consultation with Tribal entities.

“No one is better positioned to lead our efforts than Geoff. I look forward to working with him to ensure that all Americans, especially those living in Native communities, can enjoy the benefits of a modern communications infrastructure.”

Blackwell is a recognized expert in the fields of Tribal economic infrastructure development. In 2009, Blackwell was the FCC’s Federal Advisory Committee on Diversity for Communications in the Digital Age. In September 2009, he was elected as Commissioner for the U.S. on the Indigenous Commission for Communications Technologies in the Americas.

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