The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is holding a number of workshops designed to promote an open dialogue with service, equipment and applications providers, as well as community and other groups on a variety of topics important to the creation of a national broadband plan. Workshops began in late August and, as of now, are scheduled through Oct. 20. Remaining topics range from health care to cyber security to broadband accessibility for those with disabilities.

All interested parties are encouraged to suggest topics and questions for panelists. Meetings will be broadcast live over the Internet when possible, but for those who can’t attend or view meetings the day of, the FCC said all sessions would be archived to ensure that everyone has access to the content.

While the workshops are relatively new, the idea of the FCC reaching out to the American public for suggestions is not. The FCC released a Notice of Inquiry April 8 asking for public input regarding what a national broadband plan should include. FCC broadband advisor Blair Levin said he was surprised at the poor quality of filings received in response to the April 8 Notice of Inquiry, specifically criticizing some of the industry input as “long on philosophy and short on details on how to get the plan done.”

Since the initial inquiry, the FCC has released two additional Notices, the first regarding whether broadband is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion, and the second addressing wireless innovation and investment. Due dates to comment on these Notices are Oct. 2 and Oct. 12, respectively.

While the FCC said workshops being conducting are allowing staff to take ownership of parts of the plan and narrow down action items on broader issues, Levin stated the commission will be requesting more information through hearings and “very narrow [and] very focused” public notices this fall.

Needless to say, the FCC is giving the public a host of opportunities to engage in meaningful debate on how a national broadband plan should be put together. These workshops and notices are ideal for public forum, and those who want their voices heard should take advantage of the chance to provide clear and poignant insight.

Check the FCC workshops schedule for a complete list of upcoming workshops and take some time to suggest topics and questions. Also, be sure to follow the Knight Center of Digital Excellence blog for more information and insight on the national broadband plan.