From: Norm Jacknis (norm@jacknis.com)
Date: Mon Jul 15 2002 - 23:09:54 EDT
FYI
-----Original Message-----
Over the years, we've had occasion to make reference to the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) regarding a number of telecommunications
issues affecting nonprofits. Now you have a chance to share your
thoughts about the future direction and activities for the agency.
The FCC Draft Strategic Plan for 2003-2008 is online:
http://www.fcc.gov/omd/strategicplan/strategicplan2003-2008.pdf
and available for public comment, as part of the agency's compliance
with the requirements of the 1993 Government Performance and Results Act.
For those of you unfamiliar with it, the FCC is a U.S. federal
independent executive-branch agency established in 1934 to protect
the public's interest in the communications spectrum through a
regulatory framework. It is governed by a five-member panel, appointed
by the President (with the Senate's approval). Up to three commissioners,
including the President's choice of Chairman, can belong to the same
political party. None of the members can have any financial interests
in any of the matters with which they deal.
The FCC oversees the following basic areas:
· classification of broadcast entities and applications, ranging from
radio and television (commercial and non-commercial); emergency and
navigational services; telephone (cellular, pagers, wireless),
telegraph, and facsimile systems; satellite companies and cable
systems; and new applications (including digital television)
· manages and designates permissible use of broadcast frequencies
· registers licenses for broadcasters
· oversees accessibility mandates, including those for persons with
disabilities, to communications services
· coordinates with international governance bodies and agencies on
spectrum usage
· address competition and opportunity for business, including ownership
by small, minority- and women-owned businesses, and media onsolidation
· administrative law with respect to communications issues
· assessment, evaluation, and experiment with new areas and uses
of spectrum
Given technology convergence, the FCC also is involved in regulatory
matters involving classification of telecommunications service
providers, price setting, and content over the nation's airwaves
and cable systems, broadband deployment, and security around
the homeland defense communications infrastructure.
The FCC is asking for public comments to focus specifically on:
- the strategic direction laid out in the general goals and objectives
- contextual information not covered in the draft document
- approaches the FCC should undertake to accomplish its goals
Comments must be received by August 2, 2002 via e-mail: KWheeles@fcc.gov
or by postal mail to:
Strategic Plan Comments
445 12th Street SW
Karen Wheeless, Room 1-A807
Washington, D.C. 20554
(but make sure to allow for mail delivery timelines when mailing)
Ryan Turner
OMB Watch
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