[Federal Register: March 18, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 52)]
[Notices]
[Page 13196-13197]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18mr05-75]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Technological Advisory Council; Charter Renewal
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Notice of charter renewal.
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SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission has renewed the charter
for the Technological Advisory Council (``TAC'') for a 2-year period,
through November 19, 2006. The Council is a federal advisory committee
under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463).
DATES: Renewed through November 19, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW.,
Commission Meeting Room (TW-C305), Washington, DC 20554.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffery Goldthorp, the Designated
Federal Officer (DFO), Office of Engineering and Technology, (202) 418-
1096 (voice), (202) 418-2989 (TTY), or e-mail
Jeffery.Goldthorp@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
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, by the FCC Chief Office
of Engineering and Technology or by the TAC Designated Federal Officer.
The questions referred to the TAC will be directed to technological and
technical issues in the field of communications.
Each scheduled TAC meeting will be organized according to a
particular technical theme to be decided in advance by the TAC Chairman
and the TAC Designated Federal officer. The TAC Chairman will make the
necessary arrangements to have presenters from different segments of
the telecommunications industry present points of view on the theme.
The objective of the meeting will be to educate the FCC on new
technology trends and to advise the FCC of potential regulatory
obstacles to their development and deployment.
C. Period of Time Necessary for the Committee To Carry Out Its Purpose
Under its renewed charter, the TAC shall convene for a period that
terminates two (2) years from the date on which the renewed charter is
field. The charter may be renewed for an additional two years prior to
the charter termination date.
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, DC.
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.
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 three to five 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
renewed charter is filed, unless renewed before that date for an
additional term. Upon renewal, the present charter termination date is
November 19, 2006.
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 should be prepared to attend three to five meetings per
year in Washington D.C. and are responsible for all associated
expenses. The TAC will maintain a website and members are expected
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 Commission 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. Charter Filing Date
November 19, 2004.
[[Page 13197]]
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 05-5403 Filed 3-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-M