FCC Heads to L.A. to Boost Broadband Awareness Among Asian Communities

WASHINGTON, August 24, 2010 – The Federal Communications Commission is headed out to Los Angeles next week (pdf) to host a forum, a consumer awareness fair and release translations of the National Broadband Plan’s executive summary in six Asian languages.

The agency expects the translations will assist in efforts to raise awareness of broadband and “its ability to help all Americans find jobs, get an education, and connect with their communities,” according to an FCC statement. The translations will be in Chinese, Samoan, Tagalog, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese.

At a forum preceding the Aug. 31 consumer fair, officials will speak, including Phoebe Yang, a senior advisor to the FCC chairman; Rachelle Chong, special counsel for California Chief Information Officer Teri Takai; and Lester Wong, senior advisor to the California Public Utility Commission president.

The FCC says the fair will provide useful information on telecommunications, natural gas, and electric utility services, including information about California LifeLine and CARE, discount phone and energy programs for low income consumers; and information on utility programs and equipment for persons with disabilities. Utility and phone company representatives will also be available to explain consumer services.