On February 6, 2019, Francella Ochillo and Daiquiri Ryan represented the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) in a meeting with civil rights groups and Federal Communications Commissioner (FCC) Geoffrey Starks. This was the Commissioner’s first external meeting at the agency. The discussion identified several ways in which advocates and the FCC can work together.
As stated in the letter, NHMC reiterated its request for the FCC to appoint an independent commission to both examine and document telecommunications failures in Puerto Rico. "Considering the mass devastation and death toll caused by Hurricane Maria, NHMC implores the Commission to help rebuild resilient networks that can withstand natural disasters in the future in addition to ensuring that Puerto Ricans are given the same resources and oversight as their fellow Americans on the mainland." Additionally, NHMC joined other advocates in requesting that the FCC reaffirm its commitment to strengthening the Lifeline program. It is imperative that the Commission brainstorm new, innovative ways to connect the disconnected.
Click here to review the letter.
