[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 6, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76265-76266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-31082]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[DA 00-2692]


Consumer/Disability Telecommunications Advisory Committee

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This document announces formation of the Consumer/Disability 
Telecommunications Advisory Committee (hereinafter ``the Committee'') 
to make recommendations to the Commission regarding consumer and 
disability issues within the jurisdiction of the Commission and to 
facilitate the participation of consumers (including people with 
disabilities and underserved populations) in proceedings before the 
Commission. The Commission also requests applications of 
representatives to serve on the Committee.

DATES: Applications should be received no later than January 15, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Applications should be sent to the Federal Communications 
Commission, Consumer Information Bureau, Attn: Scott Marshall, 445 12th 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Marshall, Consumer Information 
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, and 445 12th Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20554. Telephone 202-418-2809 (voice) or 202-418-0179 
(TTY).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This public notice, which announces 
formation of the Consumer/Disability Advisory Telecommunications 
Committee, was released November 30, 2000.

Electronic Access and Filing

    A copy of this notice is also available in alternate formats 
(Braille, cassette tape, large print or diskette) upon request. It is 
also posted on the Commission's website at http://www.fcc.gov/cib/dro. 
Applications for membership on the Committee may also be sent to the 
Commission via email addressed to [email protected] or may be 
transmitted via facsimile to 202-418-1414.

Background

    The Telecommunications Act of 1996 paved the way for a new era of 
greater competition and consumer choice in telecommunications for all 
Americans. Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App 
II, the Commission announces the formation of the Consumer/Disability 
Telecommunications Advisory Committee to ensure that all Americans, 
including individuals with disabilities and underserved populations 
such as tribal nations, have equal access to telecommunications 
products and services; and to facilitate consumer involvement and input 
into all activities of the Commission.

Functions

    The Committee will provide general guidance to the Federal 
Communications Commission, and will make specific recommendations on 
issues and questions presented to it through the Commission's Consumer 
Information Bureau (CIB). The issues or questions referred to the 
Committee will include, but are not limited to the following topic 
areas:
     Consumer Protection and Education (e.g., cramming, 
slamming, consumer friendly billing, detariffing, bundling of services, 
Lifeline/Linkup programs, customer service, privacy, telemarketing 
abuses, and outreach to underserved populations).
     Access by People with Disabilities (e.g., 
telecommunications relay services, video description, captioning, 
accessible billing, and access to telecommunications products and 
services).
     Impact of New and Emerging Technologies (e.g., 
availability of Broadband, digital television, cable, satellite, low 
power FM, and the convergence of these and emerging technologies).
     Enforcement and Consumer Participation in the FCC 
Rulemaking Process.
    It is anticipated that the Committee will meet a minimum of two 
times per year in Washington, DC, and that approximately three informal 
subcommittees will be established to facilitate the Committee's work 
between meetings of the full Committee.

Applications for Membership

    The Commission seeks applications from interested individuals or 
organizations from both the public and private sectors that wish to be 
considered for membership on the Committee. Selections will be made on 
the basis of factors such as expertise and viewpoints that are 
necessary to address effectively the questions presented to the 
Committee. Members should be recognized experts in their fields, 
including but not limited to, consumer advocacy organizations, 
organizations representing persons with disabilities, representatives 
of underserved populations, equipment manufacturers, telecommunications 
service providers (including wireless), broadcast/cable providers, 
state/local regulators, and/or other qualified persons serving in their 
individual capacities. Members must be willing to commit to a two-year 
term of service, should be willing and able to attend a minimum of two 
(2) one-day meetings per year of the Committee held in Washington, 
D.C., and are also expected to participate in deliberations of at least 
one subcommittee. The Commission is unable to pay per diem or travel 
costs. 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 that have interests before the FCC. 
The number of Committee members will be limited to effectively 
accomplish the Committee's work. Organizations with similar interests 
are encouraged to submit a single application to represent their 
interests. Although the Committee will be limited in size, there will 
be opportunities for the public to present written information to the 
Committee, participate through subcommittees, and to comment at 
Committee meetings. Applications should be sent to the Commission at 
the address listed at the beginning of this notice, and should be 
received by the Commission no later than January 15, 2001. The 
application should include the representative's name (and for 
organizations, the name of an alternate), title, address and telephone 
number, a statement of the interests represented and the consumer and/
or disability issues of interest to the applicant; and a description of 
the applicant's qualifications. The application should further be 
supported by a statement indicating a willingness to serve on the 
Committee for a two-year period of time; to attend a minimum of two (2) 
one-day meetings per year in Washington DC; and a commitment to work on 
at least one subcommittee, at the applicant's own expense. After the 
applications have been reviewed, the Commission will publish a notice 
in the Federal Register announcing the appointment of the Committee 
members

[[Page 76266]]

and the first meeting date of the Committee. It is anticipated that the 
first Committee meeting will take place in March of 2001.
    The Committee will operate in accordance with the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App II. Each meeting will be open to the 
public. A notice of each meeting will be published in the Federal 
Register at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the meeting. Records 
will be maintained of each meeting and made available for public 
inspection.

Federal Communications Commission.
Karen Peltz Strauss,
Deputy Bureau Chief, Consumer Information Bureau.
[FR Doc. 00-31082 Filed 12-5-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-U