[Federal Register: July 7, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 129)]
[Notices]               
[Page 36688-36689]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07jy99-75]                         

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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

 
Federal Advisory Committee

June 28, 1999.
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Technological Advisory Council (TAC) was established to 
provide technical advice to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 
and to make recommendations on the issues and questions presented to it 
by the FCC. In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 
Public Law 92-463, as amended, this notice advises interested persons 
that the charter for the Technological Advisory Council (TAC) has been 
amended to reflect minor changes in phrasing and a minor change in the 
original charter filing date from November 30, 1998 to December 11, 
1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stagg Newman, Designated Federal 
Officer of the Technological Advisory Council, 445 12th St. S.W., Room 
7-A325, Washington, D.C. 20554; telephone (202) 418-2046. Press 
Contact, Audrey Spivak, Office of Public Affairs, 202-418-0512, 
aspivak@fcc.gov.

Supplementary Information:

Technological Advisory Council Charter

A. The Committee's Official Designation

    The official designation of this federal advisory committee is the 
``Technological Advisory Council'' (``TAC'').

B. The Committee's Objective and Scope of its Activity

    Rapid advances in technology have resulted in innovations in how 
telecommunications services are provided to, and are accessed by, users 
of those services. Many of these advances are increasing the rate of

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convergence among categories of services that have traditionally been 
viewed as distinct, such as cable television services, telephony, data 
services, and Internet services. Regulations must be examined in light 
of these technology advances, and the Federal Communications Commission 
(``FCC'') must remain abreast of new developments in technology so that 
it can effectively fulfill its responsibilities under the 
Communications Act. The purpose of the TAC is to provide technical 
advice to the Federal Communications Commission and to make 
recommendations on the issues and questions presented to it by the FCC. 
The TAC will address questions referred to it by the FCC Chairman, or 
by the FCC Chief Technologist or Chief Engineer. The questions referred 
to the TAC will be directed to technological and technical issues in 
the field of communications.

C. Period of Time Necessary for the Committee to Carry Out its Purpose

    Initially, the TAC shall convene for a period that terminates two 
(2) years from the date on which the charter was filed. Not later than 
eighteen (18) months from the original date of filing of this Charter, 
the TAC shall report as to whether this Charter should be renewed and, 
if so, the period of time for which such a renewal should be granted.

D. Official to Whom the Committee Reports

    Chairman, Federal Communications Commission.

E. Agency Responsible for Providing Necessary Support

    The Federal Communications Commission will provide the facilities 
and staff support necessary to conduct meetings in Washington, D.C. 
Private sector members of the committee will serve without any 
government compensation, and will not be entitled to travel expenses, 
per diem or subsistence allowances.

F. Description of the Duties for Which the Committee is Responsible

    The duties of the TAC will be to gather data and information and 
perform those analyses that are necessary to respond to the questions 
referred to it. In addition, as noted above, not later than six (6) 
months prior to the termination of this Charter, the Council shall 
provide a recommendation as to whether the Council's charter should be 
renewed and, if so, for what period.

G. Estimated Annual Operating Costs in Dollars and Staff Years

    Annual operating costs associated with supporting the TAC's 
functions are estimated to be $100,000 and one full-time regular 
government employee.

H. Estimated Number and Frequency of Committee Meetings

    The Council will meet two to three times per year, with the 
possibility of more frequent meetings by informal subcommittees.

I. Committee's Termination Date

    The Council will terminate two years from the date on which this 
charter was filed, unless renewed before that date for an additional 
term.

J. Membership

    Members will be selected to balance the expertise and viewpoints 
that are necessary to address effectively the new technology issues 
that will be referred to the TAC. Members will be recognized experts in 
their fields and, for private sector companies, individuals who hold 
technical executive positions such as Chief Technical Officer or Senior 
Technical Manager.
    Members should be prepared to attend two to three meetings per year 
in Washington D.C. and are responsible for all associated expenses. The 
TAC will maintain a website and members are expected to be able to 
devote some time each week to electronic deliberations. As members of a 
collegial federal advisory committee, members should be prepared for 
vigorous debate with their peers on TAC as well as with FCC 
Commissioners and staff.
    Members will have an initial and continuing obligation to disclose 
any interests in, or connections to, persons or entities who are, or 
will, be regulated by or who have interests before the FCC.

K. Date Original Charter Filed

    December 11, 1998.

Federal Communications Commission.
Magalie Roman Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-17232 Filed 7-6-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P