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About
NTIA
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration
is an agency in the U.S. Department of Commerce that
serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible
for advising the President on telecommunications and
information policies. In this role frequently works
with other Executive Branch agencies to develop and present
the Administration's position on these issues. Since its
creation in 1978, NTIA has been at the cutting edge of
critical issues. In
addition to representing the Executive Branch in both
domestic and international telecommunications and information
policy activities, NTIA also manages the Federal use
of spectrum; performs cutting-edge telecommunications
research and engineering, including resolving technical
telecommunications issues for the Federal government
and private sector; and administers infrastructure
and public telecommunications facilities grants.
The Office
of Spectrum Management (OSM) formulates
and establishes plans and policies that ensure the effective,
efficient, and equitable use of the spectrum both nationally
and internationally. Through the development of long
range spectrum plans, the OSM is prepared to address
future Federal government spectrum requirements, including
public safety operations and the coordination and registration
of Federal government satellite networks. The OSM also
satisfies the frequency assignment needs of the Federal
agencies and provides spectrum certification for new
Federal agency radio communication systems.
The Office
of Policy Analysis and Development (OPAD)
is the domestic policy division of the NTIA. OPAD supports
NTIA's role as principal adviser to the Executive Branch
and the Secretary of Commerce on telecommunications and
information policies by conducting research and analysis
and preparing policy recommendations. The domestic policy
office generates policies that promote innovation, competition,
and economic growth for the benefit of American businesses
and consumers.
The Office
of International Affairs (OIA) develops
and implements policies to enhance U.S. companies' ability
to compete globally in the information technology and
communications (ICT) sectors. In consultation with other
U.S. agencies and the U.S. private sector, OIA participates
in international and regional fora to promote policies
that open ICT markets and encourage competition.
The Institute
for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) is
the research and engineering laboratory of the NTIA.
ITS provides technical support to NTIA in advancing telecommunications
and information infrastructure development, enhancing
domestic competition, improving U.S. telecommunications
trade opportunities, and promoting more efficient and
effective use of the radio spectrum. ITS also serves
as a principal Federal resource for investigating the
telecommunications challenges of other Federal agencies,
state and local governments, private corporations and
associations, and international organizations.
The Office
of Telecommunications and Information Applications (OTIA)
assists public and non-profit entities in effectively
using telecommunications and information technologies
to better provide public services and advance other national
goals. In addition, the office is administering programs
that are helping the nation's transition to digital television.
- The U.S. Congress has appropriated $4.7 billion to
establish a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program for awards to eligible entities to develop and expand
broadband services to rural and underserved areas and
improve access to broadband by public safety agencies.
Of these funds, $250 million will be available for
innovative programs that encourage sustainable adoption
of broadband services; at least $200 million will be
available to upgrade technology and capacity at public
computing centers, including community colleges and
public libraries; $10 million will be a transfer to
the Office of Inspector General for the purposes of
BTOP audits and oversight. Up to $350 million of the
BTOP funding is designated for the development and
maintenance of statewide broadband inventory maps.
- The Public
Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) is
a competitive grant program that helps public
broadcasting stations, state and local governments,
Indian Tribes, and nonprofit organizations construct
facilities to bring educational and cultural
programs using broadcast and nonbroadcast telecommunications.
Under PTFP's authority, funds also support the Pan-Pacific
Educational and Cultural Experiments by Satellite
(PEACESAT) which provides satellite-delivered
education, medical, and environmental emergency
telecommunications to many small-island nations
and territories in the Pacific Ocean region.
- The Digital
TV Converter Box Coupon Program was
authorized in the Digital Television Transition
and Public Safety Act of 2005. Between Jan. 1,
2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households
will be eligible to request up to two coupons,
worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase
of digital-to-analog converter boxes. Up to $1.5
billion will be available in funding.
- The Public Safety
Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program assists
state, local and federal first responders better
communicate during a natural or man-made disaster.
NTIA, in consultation with DHS, shall make payments
not to exceed $1 billion in the aggregate through
fiscal year 2010 to carry out the PSIC program.
- The Low Power
Television and Translator Assistance Programs include
the Low-Power TV and Translator Digital-to-Analog
Conversion (Conversion) Program and the Low-Power
TV and Translator Upgrade (Upgrade) Program.
The Conversion Program will provide funds to
assist low-power TV broadcast stations, Class
A television stations, television translator
stations, and television booster stations ("low-power
facilities") to broadcast in analog after the
June 12, 2009 digital conversion deadline
for full power television stations. The Upgrade
Program will reimburse the costs to upgrade these
types of facilities in rural communities to digital
transmission.
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