[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 52 (Friday, March 18, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13196-13197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-5403]


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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 
[email protected].

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