[FCC RFC] Preserving the Open Internet NPRM

10/22/09 News Release: Word | Acrobat

In the next chapter of a longstanding effort to preserve the free and open Internet, the Federal Communications Commission is seeking public input on draft rules that would codify and supplement existing Internet openness principles.

In addition to providing greater predictability for all stakeholders, the Notice is aimed at securing the many economic and social benefits that an open Internet has historically provided. It seeks to do so in a manner that will promote and protect the legitimate needs of consumers, broadband Internet access service providers, entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses of all sizes that make use of the Internet.

The Commission has addressed openness issues in a variety of contexts and proceedings, including: a unanimous policy statement in 2005 , a notice of inquiry on broadband industry practices in 2007 , public comment on several petitions for rulemaking , conditions associated with significant communications industry mergers, the rules for the 700 MHz spectrum auction in 2007 , specific enforcement actions, and public en banc hearings. During this time period, opportunities for public participation have generated over 100,000 pages of input in approximately 40,000 filings from interested parties and members of the public.

The process today's Notice initiates will build upon the existing record at the Commission to identify the best means to achieve the goal of preserving and promoting the open Internet.

Recognizing that the proposed framework needs to balance potentially competing interests while helping to ensure an open, safe, and secure Internet, the draft rules would permit broadband Internet access service providers to engage in reasonable network management, including but not limited to reasonable practices to reduce or mitigate the effects of network congestion.

Under the draft proposed rules, subject to reasonable network management, a provider of broadband Internet access service:

1. would not be allowed to prevent any of its users from sending or receiving the lawful content of the user's choice over the Internet;
2. would not be allowed to prevent any of its users from running the lawful applications or using the lawful services of the user's choice;
3. would not be allowed to prevent any of its users from connecting to and using on its network the user's choice of lawful devices that do not harm the network;
4. would not be allowed to deprive any of its users of the user's entitlement to competition among network providers, application providers, service providers, and content providers;
5. would be required to treat lawful content, applications, and services in a nondiscriminatory manner; and
6. would be required to disclose such information concerning network management and other practices as is reasonably required for users and content, application, and service providers to enjoy the protections specified in this rulemaking.

The draft rules make clear that providers would also be permitted to address harmful traffic and traffic unwanted by users, such as spam, and prevent both the transfer of unlawful content, such as child pornography, and the unlawful transfer of content, such as a transfer that would infringe copyright. Further, nothing in the draft rules supersedes any obligation a broadband Internet access service provider may have -- or limits its ability -- to deliver emergency communications, or to address the needs of law enforcement, public safety, or national or security authorities, consistent with applicable law.

The Commission is also seeking comment on how it should address “managed” or “specialized” services, which are Internet-Protocol-based offerings provided over the same networks used for broadband Internet access services. While the proceeding will seek input on how best to define and treat such services, managed services could include voice, video, and enterprise business services, or specialized applications like telemedicine, smart grid, or eLearning offerings. These services may provide consumer benefits and lead to increased deployment of broadband networks.

The Notice asks how the Commission should define the category of managed or specialized services, what policies should apply to them, and how to ensure that broadband providers' ability to innovate, develop valuable new services, and experiment with new technologies and business models can co-exist with the preservation of the free and open Internet on which consumers and businesses of all sizes depend.

The Notice affirms that the six principles it proposes to codify would apply to all platforms for broadband Internet access, including mobile wireless broadband, while recognizing that different access platforms involve significantly different technologies, market structures, patterns of consumer usage, and regulatory history. To that end, the Notice seeks comment on how, in what time frames or phases, and to what extent the principles should apply to non-wireline forms of broadband Internet access, including mobile wireless.

Recognizing that the Commission's decisions in this rulemaking must reflect a thorough understanding of current technology and future technological trends, the Chief of the Commission's Office of Engineering & Technology will create an inclusive, open, and transparent process for obtaining the best technical advice and information from a broad range of engineers.

The adoption of this Notice will open a window for submitting comments to the FCC. Comments can be filed through the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System, and are due on Thursday, January 14. Reply comments are due on Friday, March 5. In addition, the rulemaking process will include many other avenues for public input, including open workshops on key issues; providing feedback through openinternet.gov, which will include regular blog posts by Commission staff; and other new media tools, including IdeaScale, an online platform for brainstorming and rating solutions to policy challenges.

Action by the Commission, October 22, 2009, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 09-93). Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners Copps and Clyburn; Commissioner McDowell and Commissioner Baker concurring in part, dissenting in part. Separate statements issued by Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker.

GN Docket No.: 09-191 - WC Docket No.: 07-52

10/22/09 Commission Seeks Public Input on Draft Rules to Preserve the Free and Open Internet. NPRM: Word | Acrobat

News Release: Word | Acrobat
Genachowski Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
Clyburn Statement: Word | Acrobat
Baker Statement: Word | Acrobat
Staff Presentation: Acrobat

Notice of Inquiry: Empowering Parents and Protecting Children in an Evolving Media Landscape

Washington, D.C.: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today released a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) asking how children can be served and protected and parents can be further empowered in the new digital media landscape. The NOI comes almost 20 years after enactment of the Children's Television Act and follows the Commission's recently issued Child Safe Viewing Act Report, which examined parental control technologies for video and audio programming.

Children live in a dramatically different media environment from the one their parents and grandparents grew up in decades ago. From television to mobile devices to the Internet, electronic media today offer an array of opportunities to, among other things, access educational content, communicate with family and peers, and acquire the skills and technological literacy necessary to compete in a global economy. However, digital media can also pose risks of harm to children, including exposing them to exploitative advertising, inappropriate content, and cyberbullying, as well as potentially contributing to childhood obesity and other negative health impacts. The NOI asks to what extent children are using electronic media today, the benefits and risks this presents, and the ways in which parents, teachers, and children can help reap the benefits while minimizing the risks of using these technologies.

The NOI also recognizes that a wealth of academic research and studies exists on these issues and asks commenters to identify additional data and studies, and to indicate where further study is needed. The NOI additionally seeks comment about the effectiveness of media literacy efforts in enabling children to enjoy the benefits of media while minimizing the potential harms. The NOI recognizes that other federal agencies are addressing similar issues, at least with respect to online safety, and asks what the Commission can do to assist with these efforts. The deadline for filing comments is 60 days after publication in the federal register and the deadline for filing reply comments is 90 days after publication in the federal register.

Action by the Commission October 23, 2009, by Notice of Inquiry (FCC 09-94). Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker issuing separate statements. MB Docket No. 09-194.

10/23/09 Commission Seeks Input on Empowering Parents and Protecting Children in an Evolving Media Landscape.
NOI: Word http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-09-94A1.doc
Acrobat http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-09-94A1.pdf
News Release: Word http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-294197A1.doc
Acrobat http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-294197A1.pdf

Comments Sought On Broadband Study Conducted By The Berkman Center For Internet And Society

GN Docket Nos. 09-47, 09-51, 09-137 Comment Due:  November 16, 2009

On July 14, the Commission announced in a press release that
Harvard University's Berkman Center for Internet and Society would
conduct an expert review of existing literature and studies about broadband deployment and usage throughout the world to inform the Commission's development of a National Broadband Plan. 

A draft of the study has now been completed.  The
Commission is seeking public comment on the study, and has posted the draft for public review at the following Internet address:  http://www.fcc.gov/stag/pdf/Berkman_Center_Broadband_Study_13Oct09.pdf.

Specifically, the Commission seeks comment on the following:

1.       Does the study accomplish its intended purposes?

2.       Does the study provide a complete and objective survey of the subject matter?

3.       How accurately and comprehensively does the study summarize the broadband experiences of other countries?

4.       How much weight should the Commission give to this study as it develops a National Broadband Plan?

5.       Are additional studies needed along the lines of the Berkman study?

6.       Please provide any other comments on the Berkman study that you deem relevant.

. . . . .

All comments should refer to GN Docket Nos. 09-47, 09-51 and 09-137. 
Please title comments responsive to this Notice as "Comments – NBP
Public Notice # 13."  Further, we strongly encourage parties to develop responses to this Notice that adhere to the organization and structure of the questions in this Notice. 

Comments may be filed using (1) the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), (2) the Federal Government's eRulemaking Portal, or (3) by filing paper copies.[1]  Comments can be filed through the Commission's ECFS filing interface located at the following Internet address: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/.  Comments can also be filed via the Federal eRulemaking Portal:  http://www.regulations.gov.[2] 

. . . . .

For further information about this Public Notice, please contact Randy
Clarke at (202) 418-1500.

- FCC -

NBP Public Notice # 13 DA 09-2217 Released:  October 14, 2009

10/14/09 Comments Sought on Broadband Study Conducted by The Berkman
Center for Internet and Society. Public Notice:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-2217A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-2217A1.pdf

 

It's Cyber Security Awareness Month!

DHS or the National Cyber Security Alliance or someone has declared October National Cyber Security Awareness Month. So if you aren't already aware of your personal information getting pillaged on Facebook by the "What Star Trek Character Are You" application -- or having your computer infected by the "Your Computer May Already be Infected - Download This Tool Now" pop up add," -- or that there is a deposed leader in Nigeria that wants to share $10 million with you -- NOW it a good time to become aware of such things!

And what better time to point out that the good folks at OnGuard Online (a joint effort of a bunch of federal agencies and NGOs) have just released their latest: NetCetera: Chatting with Kids about Being Online.

In Net Cetera: Chatting With Kids About Being Online, OnGuard Online gives adults practical tips to help kids navigate the online world.

Kids and parents have many ways of socializing and communicating online, but they come with certain risks. This guide encourages parents to reduce the risks by talking to kids about how they communicate – online and off – and helping kids engage in conduct they can be proud of. Net Cetera covers what parents need to know, where to go for more information, and issues to raise with kids about living their lives online.

OnGuard Online encourages you to use this guide with your kids, in your school, at your PTA meeting, or anywhere else parents might gather. Feel free to order as many free copies as you’d like, put your own sticker on it, reprint sections in a newsletter or on a website, download a button or link to it, or even reprint it with your own logo. These materials are in the public domain.

To order free copies of Net Cetera, visit bulkorder.ftc.gov. To find out more about reprinting the guide, contact OnGuardOnline@ftc.gov.

OnGuard Online is seeking to partner with school districts on a pilot program using this guide. If your school district might be interested, please contact us at OnGuardOnline@ftc.gov.

There are lots of worms, viruses and other beasties out there on the Internet. You can do a lot to protect yourself and decrease your risks. But ya gotta be smart. I am always amazed by my friends who get lots of telemarketing calls and then complain about them. I ask, "well, at the check out stand when they ask for your phone number, do you give it to them??" They pause with a dumb look on their faces. "Well sure, but..." I shake my head. Dont give no personal information to no one. Dont use your correct birthday. Dont list your actual height. In fact, pretty much make up an entirely fictional character and then live vicariously through it! (okay, joking). Be smart out there; it a dangerous marvelous Internet.

Press Release: Commerce's NTIA and ICANN Establish a Long-Lasting Framework for the Technical Coordination of the Internet’s Domain Name and Addressing System

For Immediate Release: September 30, 2009
Contact:  Shannon Gilson at 202-482-4883

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that it has reached an agreement with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) that establishes a long-lasting framework for the technical coordination of the Internet's domain name and addressing system (DNS).

NTIA and ICANN co-signed an Affirmation of Commitments that completes the transition of the technical management of the DNS to a multi-stakeholder, private-sector-led model. The Affirmation ensures accountability and transparency in ICANN's decision-making with the goal of protecting the interests of global Internet users.  The Affirmation also establishes mechanisms to address the security, stability, and resiliency of the Internet DNS as well as promote competition, consumer trust, and consumer choice.

"Today's announcement bolsters the long-term viability of the Internet as a force for innovation, economic growth, and freedom of expression," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling.  "This framework puts the public interest front and center, and it establishes processes for stakeholders around the world to review ICANN's performance. The Affirmation of Commitments also reinforces a long-standing relationship between ICANN and the Department of Commerce. The Department looks forward to playing an active role along with other stakeholders in ensuring that ICANN is successful, accountable, and transparent."

The Affirmation is consistent with public comments submitted to NTIA earlier this year that reflected strong support for the model of multi-stakeholder, private-sector-led coordination of the DNS that ICANN represents, but also expressed continuing concerns about ICANN's transparency and accountability in decision-making.

The DNS is a critical component of the Internet infrastructure that works like a telephone directory, allowing users to send e-mail and to reach Web sites using easy-to-understand domain names (e.g., http://commerce.gov) rather than the numeric network server addresses (e.g., http://170.110.225.163) of the computers on the Internet.

U.S. Department of Commerce's NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy.  For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

# # #

• Affirmation of Commitments (Acrobat PDF 1.9Mb)

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/ICANN_Affirmation_090930.html

FTC Seeks Public Comments on the Future of the News Media in the Internet Age

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments in advance of upcoming workshops that will explore the Internet's impact on the news media, including the new avenues for innovation and the financial challenges that it has created for the industry. The workshops on Dec. 1-2, 2009 will consider a wide range of issues, such as Internet-related changes in advertising and the way people receive news, ideas for reducing costs and restructuring news organizations, potential for-profit and non-profit models for journalism, and the evolving competition among news organizations.

In a notice to be published in the Federal Register, the FTC is asking for input on a series of questions to be addressed in the workshops, including:

    • How is the Internet changing the way consumers access news and how advertising dollars are spent?

    • What economic challenges do news organizations face today?

    • What cost-cutting measures have news organizations considered? Which have they adopted, and how have they affected the provision of news to consumers?

    • What collaborations are news organizations undertaking or considering to deal with financial challenges brought about by the Internet?

    • How is the Internet changing the way news organizations and others research, write, edit, produce, and distribute news?

    • What innovative forms of journalism have emerged due to the Internet?

    • What are the business models, including the revenue sources, for journalism on the Internet?

    • How are news organizations likely to compete for audience and advertising in the future?

    • Are new or changed government policies needed to support optimal amounts and types of journalism, including public affairs coverage?

    • Should the tax code be modified to provide special status or tax breaks to all or certain types of news organizations?

    • Do current U.S. copyright protections provide enough incentive to create news content?

    • Should the federal government provide additional funding for news organizations?

The Commission will consider comments received by November 6, 2009, in preparing for the workshops; later comments will be accepted as well.

Participants in the FTC workshops will include journalists, editors, owners, and other representatives of news organizations, online advertisers, new media representatives (such as bloggers and local news Web sites), consumer advocates, academics, economists, and government officials. The FTC will post an agenda for the workshops at a later time.

The workshops will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the FTC's satellite building conference center, located at 601 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC. All attendees will be required to display a current driver's license or other form of photo identification for entry.

For more information about the workshops, please visit http://www.ftc.gov/opp/workshops/news/index.shtml. To file comments, visit: http://public.commentworks.com/ftc/newsmediaworkshop. The Commission vote approving the Federal Register notice announcing the workshops and soliciting public comments was 4-0.

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Requests for such accommodations should be submitted via e-mail to: cmcglothin@ftc.gov or by calling Carrie McGlothin at 202-326-3388. Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodations needed and a way to contact you if we need more information.

Copies of the documents mentioned in this release are available from the FTC's Web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC's Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580. The FTC works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC's online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,700 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC's Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

MEDIA CONTACT:
    Office of Public Affairs
    202-326-2180
STAFF CONTACT:
    Jessica Hoke
    Office of Policy Planning
    202-326-3291

(FTC File No. P091200)
(MediaWorkshop) For Release: 09/30/2009
FTC Seeks Public Comments on the Future of the News Media in the Internet Age

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments in advance of upcoming workshops that will explore the Internet's impact on the news media, including the new avenues for innovation and the financial challenges that it has created for the industry. The workshops on Dec. 1-2, 2009 will consider a wide range of issues, such as Internet-related changes in advertising and the way people receive news, ideas for reducing costs and restructuring news organizations, potential for-profit and non-profit models for journalism, and the evolving competition among news organizations.

In a notice to be published in the Federal Register, the FTC is asking for input on a series of questions to be addressed in the workshops, including:

    • How is the Internet changing the way consumers access news and how advertising dollars are spent?

    • What economic challenges do news organizations face today?

    • What cost-cutting measures have news organizations considered? Which have they adopted, and how have they affected the provision of news to consumers?

    • What collaborations are news organizations undertaking or considering to deal with financial challenges brought about by the Internet?

    • How is the Internet changing the way news organizations and others research, write, edit, produce, and distribute news?

    • What innovative forms of journalism have emerged due to the Internet?

    • What are the business models, including the revenue sources, for journalism on the Internet?

    • How are news organizations likely to compete for audience and advertising in the future?

    • Are new or changed government policies needed to support optimal amounts and types of journalism, including public affairs coverage?

    • Should the tax code be modified to provide special status or tax breaks to all or certain types of news organizations?

    • Do current U.S. copyright protections provide enough incentive to create news content?

    • Should the federal government provide additional funding for news organizations?

The Commission will consider comments received by November 6, 2009, in preparing for the workshops; later comments will be accepted as well.

Participants in the FTC workshops will include journalists, editors, owners, and other representatives of news organizations, online advertisers, new media representatives (such as bloggers and local news Web sites), consumer advocates, academics, economists, and government officials. The FTC will post an agenda for the workshops at a later time.

The workshops will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the FTC's satellite building conference center, located at 601 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC. All attendees will be required to display a current driver's license or other form of photo identification for entry.

For more information about the workshops, please visit http://www.ftc.gov/opp/workshops/news/index.shtml. To file comments, visit: http://public.commentworks.com/ftc/newsmediaworkshop. The Commission vote approving the Federal Register notice announcing the workshops and soliciting public comments was 4-0.

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Requests for such accommodations should be submitted via e-mail to: cmcglothin@ftc.gov or by calling Carrie McGlothin at 202-326-3388. Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodations needed and a way to contact you if we need more information.

Copies of the documents mentioned in this release are available from the FTC's Web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC's Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580. The FTC works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC's online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,700 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC's Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

MEDIA CONTACT:
    Office of Public Affairs
    202-326-2180
STAFF CONTACT:
    Jessica Hoke
    Office of Policy Planning
    202-326-3291

(FTC File No. P091200)
(MediaWorkshop)

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/media.shtm

Flag this message Invitation to Oct 8, 2009, meeting of the National Academies' Computer Science and Telecommunications Board

Dear friend of CSTB,

We hope you'll be able to join us on October 8, 2009, for the fall
meeting of the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board (CSTB) of
the National Academies.

Our first speaker will be Vivek Kundra, Federal Chief Information
Officer & Administrator for E-Gov & IT, Office of Management and Budget.

Our second speaker will be CSTB chief scientist Herb Lin who will
present CSTB's new report, "Technology, Policy, Law, and Ethics
Regarding U.S. Acquisition and Use of Cyberattack Capabilities." The
report concludes that although cyberattack capabilities are an important asset for the U.S., the current policy and legal framework for their use is ill-formed, undeveloped, and highly uncertain and recommends that U.S. policy be informed by an open and public national debate on technological, policy, legal, and ethical issues they pose.

The session will run from 3:30 to 5:15 at the National Academies' Keck
Center at 500 5th St, NW, in Washington D.C. A reception will
immediately follow the talks.

The Keck Center is located between the Gallery Place and Judiciary
Square Metro stations. Free parking is available in the Academies'
garage (entrance on 6th St. between E and F Streets).

If you plan to attend, we would appreciate it if you would pre-register
at
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/isc-registration/public/default.asp?ev
ent=619F8F10

Please feel free to forward this invitation to colleagues who might also be interested.

Job Opening: ICANN VP Govt Affairs Wash DC

Vice President, Government Affairs (Americas)
Tracking Code
OHVPGOVTAFFRS
Job Description

http://tinyurl.com/y8oyst5

The newly created position of Vice President, Government Affairs (Americas) will have primary responsibility for policy development and advocacy before the U.S., Latin America, and Canadian governments. This position will oversee all levels of government affairs activities for both legislative and regulatory issues.

He/she must have extensive leadership and political experience as well as the ability to successfully organize and execute ICANN's policy, political and business objectives at the federal and international levels.

The successful candidate will lead the design and execution of government affairs strategies to advise and educate Members of Congress, Congressional staffers, key policy makers, and federal regulatory officials about ICANN.

The Vice President will be required to develop and implement an aggressive strategic plan for successfully achieving specific legislative and policy results that are favorable to ICANN. The successful candidate must possess significant political acumen and have established bi-partisan contact with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, agency legislative affairs offices, and have contacts in the Administration specifically in the Department of Commerce and at The White House. He/She must have a proven ability to build strong internal working relationships while serving as an advocate for Government Affairs and supporting ICANN's business objectives.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of telecommunications, technology, and internet policy. A keen familiarity with intellectual property and intelligence issues is also highly desirable. Moreover, the Vice President, Government Affairs will be charged with preserving and enhancing ICANN's critically important relationships on Capitol Hill, with federal agencies, as well as with relevant trade associations and top policy makers.

Specific Responsibilities include:

• Serving as head of government affairs responsible for the direction and supervision of the organization's government affairs staff, and outside vendors/contractors.

• Ensuring that activities are in full compliance with applicable laws, and adhering to the highest ethical standards.

• Identifying public policy issues, opportunities and challenges of interest and concern to ICANN and developing programs and actions in response to those issues.

• Providing sensible counsel to senior management on the impact of North American government policies, laws, and regulations.

• The ability to research and identify political operational risks and reputational risks to the organization arising from federal political discourse and policy changes.

• Advise management on any legislative and regulatory policy changes requiring management action to implement new organization-wide policies.

• Serving as the main spokesperson for ICANN government affairs activities.

• Providing significant organizational brand visibility with key government decision makers in Washington, DC. This includes the responsibility for assuring effective government affairs communications with key politicians, regulators, federal agencies, trade associations and other influential individuals and groups in order to listen to their concerns about ICANN and to provide them with timely and effective, credible communications on policy issues and legislation.

• Acting as a visionary who can formulate and communicate the public policy and government affairs direction of the organization, set strategy and manage the government affairs division's continued evolution and growth. Must have the ability to translate the overall vision into practical plans that promote the organization's objectives through compelling advocacy and consensus building in government affairs.

• The ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts and programs at the highest levels of government and business.

• A proven ability to work comfortably and effectively with top-level government officials along the entire political spectrum.

• Executive presence, a dynamic professional style and the ability to inspire confidence in senior managers within the organization and with external constituencies.

• Providing leadership and mentoring to one professional staff member, as well as overseeing the administrative management of the department; i.e. staffing, budgeting and office operations. Developing an annual budget, review/approve expenses.

Computers Freedom and Privacy 2010

Smart phones, social networking, and the "internet of things" let us integrate the online world and computers more deeply into our lives. Should we have to give up our freedom and privacy in to reap the benefits of a constant connection to friends and information?  How are attitudes towards freedom and privacy changing for those who have grown up so accustomed to an always-connected environment?  What about those who aren't participating because they lack access to technology and knowledge -- or who simply prefer more traditional forms of connection? How do we take advantage of the power of computers to improve freedom and privacy online and off? To address those critical questions and more, the 20th annual ACM Computers, Freedom and Privacy conference converges for the first time ever in Silicon Valley. *CFP 2010.  June 15-18, 2010, in San Jose California and cyberspace.* Please save the date -- and pass the word.  CFP has spent the last ten years describing itself as "the best conference you've never heard of." We'd much rather be "the best conference everybody's talking about!" We're still discussing potential themes and speakers for CFP 2010.  If you've got ideas, or would like to help with the planning, please share them on the CFP blog at http://cfp.acm.org/wordpress/?p=6 Once we nail down the theme, we'll get the official call for participation out ... stay tuned! Jon Pincus and Dorothy Glancy, CFP 2010 co-chairs http://www.cfp2010.org/

NIST Computer Security Resource Center Special Publications (NIST 800-XX) Update

NIST Compuber Security Division Released 4 Publications - 1 Draft Special Publication (SP) and 3 Final Special Publications

Publication #1: Draft SP 800-127 --
NIST announces the public comment release of Draft Special Publication 800-127, Guide to Security for WiMAX Technologies. Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is a wireless metropolitan area network communications technology based on the IEEE 802.16 standard. WiMAX technologies were originally developed to provide last-mile broadband wireless access, but are now more focused on cellular-like mobile architectures. Draft SP 800-127 explains the basics of WiMAX, provides information on the security capabilities of WiMAX, and gives recommendations on securing WiMAX technologies effectively. It also explains the security differences among the major versions of the IEEE 802.16 standard.

NIST requests comments on draft SP 800-127 by October 30, 2009. Please submit comments to 800-127comments@nist.gov with "Comments SP 800-127" in the subject line.

URL to DRAFT:
http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/PubsDrafts.html#800-127

Publication #2: SP 800-41 Revision 1 --
NIST announces the release of Special Publication 800-41 Revision 1, Guidelines on Firewalls and Firewall Policy. It provides recommendations on developing firewall policies and on selecting, configuring, testing, deploying, and managing firewalls. The publication covers a number of firewall technologies, including packet filtering, stateful inspection, application-proxy gateways, host-based, and personal firewalls. SP 800-41 Revision 1 updates the original publication, which was released in 2002.

URL to SP 800-41 Rev. 1:
http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/PubsSPs.html#800-41

Publication #3: SP 800-102 --
NIST announces the completion of Special Publication 800-102, Recommendation for Digital Signature Timeliness. Establishing the time when a digital signature was generated is often a critical consideration. A signed message that includes the (purported) signing time provides no assurance that the private key was used to sign the message at that time unless the accuracy of the time can be trusted. With the appropriate use of digital signature-based timestamps from a Trusted Timestamp Authority (TTA) and/or verifier-supplied data that is included in the signed message, the signatory can provide some level of assurance about the time that the message was signed.

URL to SP 800-102:
http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/PubsSPs.html#800-102

Publication #4: SP 800-120 --
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is pleased to announce the release of Special Publication 800-120. Recommendation for EAP Methods Used in Wireless Network Access Authentication. This Recommendation formalizes core security requirements for EAP methods when employed by the U.S. Federal Government for wireless authentication and key establishment.

URL to SP 800-120:
http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/PubsSPs.html#800-120

=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
Cybertelecom :: Federal Internet Law & Policy :: www.cybertelecom.org
bobArlington :: Bunkum from bArlington :: http://barlington.blogspot.com
Twitter & Facebook: rcannon100
=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=

Event Oct. 1: "The Future of the U.S. Government's Role in ICANN, Internet Addressing and Internet Governance"

The Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee invites you to attend a briefing on "The Future of the U.S. Government's Role in ICANN, Internet Addressing and Internet Governance"

Thursday, October 1, 2009
11:45 am - 1:30 pm, Luncheon Briefing and Q&A
U.S. Capitol Visitor's Center, Congressional North Meeting Room (CVC-268)
Please RSVP to rsvp@netcaucus.org.

Save the date for an important briefing, "The Future of the U.S. Government's Role in ICANN, Internet Addressing and Internet Governance." The briefing will feature the top government officials responsible for managing the relationship between the U.S. and ICANN,* the non-profit body that manages the Internet's domain name system, including IP address space allocation. Presenters will represent the NTIA** within the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State respectively. We will include a robust question and answer session as part of the discussion.

The briefing is incredibly timely as the current agreement, the Joint Project Agreement (JPA), between the U.S. government and ICANN will expire the day before this briefing on September 30, 2009. There may or may not be a successor agreement to the JPA in place on October 1. Regardless, the U.S. government representatives will discuss the future of Internet addressing and domain name management with or with such an agreement. It promises to be interesting.

The presenters will be posted at NetCaucus.org shortly.

What: Luncheon Briefing and Q&A (Lunch will be served; this is a widely attended event)
Where: U.S. Capitol Visitor's Center, Congressional North Meeting Room
(CVC-268)
When: Thursday, October 1, 2009, from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm
RSVP: Please send RSVPs to rsvp@netcaucus.org or via phone to 202-638-4370.

Please send RSVPs to rsvp@netcaucus.org. For more information visit www.netcaucus.org or contact Cat Matsuda at 202-638-4370 for more details.

* Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
** National Telecommunications and Information Administration

This widely attended educational briefing is hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee (ICAC), part of a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Congressional staff and Members of the press welcome. The ICAC is a private sector organization comprised of public interest groups, trade associations, non-profits, and corporations. More information on the ICAC is available at www.netcaucus.org.

FCC Requests Additional Nominations By September 30, 2009 For Membership On The Technological Advisory Council

On April 8, 2009, the Commission issued a public notice soliciting nominations for the Technical Advisory Council (TAC) and nominations were received in response to this notice.  Concurrent with the establishment of the TAC, the Commission was charged by Congress to develop a plan that seeks to ensure that people of the United States have access to broadband capability.  In support of this and related efforts, the Commission is now seeking additional nominations to the TAC to ensure that its membership best serves the needs of the Commission.               The Commission will accept nominations for the Council through September 30, 2009.  Nominations previously submitted remain in consideration.  The Commission, at its discretion, may consider nominations received after this date, but consideration of late submissions is not guaranteed.  Individuals may apply for, or nominate another individual for, membership on the Council.  Each nomination or application must include:   a.       the name and title of the applicant or nominee and a description of the interest the applicant or nominee will represent; b.      the applicant's or nominee's mail address, e-mail address, telephone number, and facsimile number (where available); c.       reasons why the applicant or nominee should be appointed to the Council; and d.      the basis for determining the applicant or nominee has achieved peer recognition as a technical expert.               Further details on the TAC are provided in the April 8, 2009, public notice available at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-796A1.doc   Nominations and applications should be sent to Walter Johnston, Chief, Electromagnetic Compatibility Division, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW, Room 7-C324, Washington, DC 20554 or e-mail Walter.Johnston@fcc.gov and please include "TAC nomination" in the subject line.   8/31/09 FCC Requests Additional Nominations by September 30, 2009 for Membership on the Technological Advisory Council Public Notice: Word | Acrobat http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-1979A1.doc                                                                               - FCC - =~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~= Cybertelecom :: Federal Internet Law & Policy :: www.cybertelecom.org bobArlington :: Bunkum from bArlington :: http://barlington.blogspot.com Twitter & Facebook: rcannon100 =~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=

OnGuard Online

OnGuard Online "provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information." Check out the games from OnGuard Online: Auction Action :: Beware of Spyware :: Friend Finder :: ID Theft Faceoff :: Invasion of the Wireless Hackers :: Invest Quest :: Online Lineup :: Phishing Scams :: Spam Scan Slam :: The Case of the Cyber Criminal -- Also check out the Phishing videos. (Be sure to scroll down the page)

[FCC] RFC Comment Sought on Defining "Broadband"

In this public notice PDF, we seek tailored comment on defining “broadband” for purposes of the Commission’s development of a National Broadband Plan (Plan) pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), and for related purposes.1

The Recovery Act directs the Commission to create a national broadband plan by February 17, 2010, that seeks to ensure that every American has access to broadband capability and establishes clear benchmarks for meeting that goal.2 To this end, on April 8, 2009, the Commission initiated a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking comment on the approach to developing this Plan, key terms of the statute, and a number of specific policy goals.3 The Recovery Act also provides that the Rural Utilities Service of the Department of Agriculture (RUS) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce (NTIA) distribute grants and loans for broadband. The RUS and NTIA have provided guidance to potential applicants which included a definition of “broadband.”4 In addition, the Commission has begun holding a series of staff workshops “to promote an open dialogue between the FCC and key constituents on matters important to the National Broadband Plan.”5 In light of the record received in response to the National Broadband Plan NOI and the discussions at the workshops that have been held to date, we recognize that we must seek additional, focused comment on certain specific topics.

In this first Public Notice, we seek tailored comment on a fundamental question—how the Plan should interpret the term “broadband” as used in the Recovery Act, recognizing that our interpretation of the term as used in that statute may inform our interpretation of the term in other contexts.6 In particular, the Recovery Act requires the Commission to develop a “national broadband plan” that seeks to ensure “access to broadband capability” for the entire United States.7 An understanding of what constitutes “broadband” thus is essential to evaluating the extent to which “broadband capability” is available, and informs the evaluation of particular policy approaches intended to ensure access to broadband capability. The National Broadband Plan NOI observed that “broadband can be defined in myriad ways,” and sought comment on possible approaches.8 We now seek more targeted comment on three aspects of this issue: (1) the general form, characteristics, and performance indicators that should be included in a definition of broadband; (2) the thresholds that should be assigned to these performance indicators today; and (3) how the definition should be reevaluated over time.

1. Form, Characteristics, and Performance Indicators. Much of the discussion of any proposal to define “broadband” tends to center on download and upload throughput.9 Download and upload throughput are important, but neither is precise or diverse enough to describe broadband satisfactorily.10 For example, advertised throughput rates generally differ from actual rates, are not uniformly measured, and have different constraints over different technologies.11 In addition, it is unclear what the end points of the connection are over which throughput is measured or whether the performance of the end points is reflected in the stated throughput. Moreover, there are network characteristics – such as latency, reliability, and mobility – that are relevant for certain applications but not others. Accordingly, we seek comment on:

a. the form that a definition of broadband should take;

b. whether to develop a single definition, or multiple definitions;

c. whether an application-based approach to defining broadband would work, and how such an approach could be expressed in terms of performance indicators;

d. the key characteristics and specific performance indicators that should be used to define broadband;

e. what segment(s) of the network each performance indicator should measure, such as the local access link to the end user, or an end-to-end path;

f. how factors such as latency, jitter, traffic loading, diurnal patterns, reliability, and mobility should specifically be taken into account;

g. whether different performance indicators or definitions should be developed based on technological or other distinctions, such as mobility or the provision of the service over a wired or wireless network;

h. the feasibility and verifiability of measuring different performance indicators.

2. Thresholds. After identifying key characteristics and performance indicators, a definition of broadband must identify acceptable thresholds – typically minimums.12 Accordingly, we seek comment on:

a. what minimum thresholds should be assigned to the performance indicators;

b. the minimum thresholds necessary for broad classes of applications to function properly;

c. whether we should adopt multiple, escalating tiers of minimum thresholds.

3. Updates. The Internet and broadband networks have been characterized by rapid evolution and change. While a static set of objectively measured thresholds may be useful to compare networks at a given time, or over time, a static definition will fail to address changing needs and habits.13 Accordingly, we seek comment on:

a. what ongoing process should be put in place to update the definition, particularly the threshold levels;

b. how often should such updates should occur;

c. what criteria should be used to adjust thresholds over time;

d. how modifications over time to the definition will affect the Commission’s ability to collect and publish meaningful data on broadband deployment and adoption.

This matter shall be treated as a “permit-but-disclose” proceeding in accordance with the Commission’s ex parte rules. See 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.1200, 1.1206. Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentations must contain summaries of the substance of the presentations and not merely a listing of the subjects discussed. More than a one- or two-sentence description of the views and arguments presented generally is required. See 47 C.F.R. § 1.1206(b). Other rules pertaining to oral and written ex parte presentations in permit-but-disclose proceedings are set forth in section 1.1206(b) of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 1.1206(b).

All comments should refer to GN Docket Nos. 09-47, 09-51, and 09-137. Please title comments and reply comments responsive to this Notice as “Comments (or Reply Comments) – NBP Public Notice #1.” Further, we strongly encourage parties to develop responses to this Notice that adhere to the organization and structure of the questions in this Notice.

Comments may be filed using (1) the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), (2) the Federal Government’s eRulemaking Portal, or (3) by filing paper copies.14 Comments filed through the ECFS can be sent as an electronic file via the Internet to http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ or the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov Generally, only one copy of an electronic submission must be filed. In completing the transmittal screen, commenters should include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket or rulemaking number. Parties may also submit an electronic comment by Internet e-mail. To get filing instructions for e-mail comments, commenters should send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and should include the following words in the body of the message, “get form.” A sample form and directions will be sent in reply. Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and four copies of each filing.

[]

For further information about this Public Notice, please contact Ian Dillner at (202) 418-1191.

- FCC -

1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Pub. L. No. 111-5, 123 Stat. 115 (2009) (Recovery Act); see also Inquiry Concerning the Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Capability to All Americans in a Reasonable and Timely Fashion, and Possible Steps to Accelerate Such Deployment Pursuant to Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as Amended by the Broadband Data Improvement Act, A National Broadband Plan for Our Future, GN Docket Nos. 09-137, 09-51, Notice of Inquiry, FCC 09-65 (rel. Aug. 7, 2009); Comment Sought on International Comparison and Consumer Survey Requirements in the Broadband Data Improvement Act, GN Docket No. 09-47, Public Notice, 24 FCC Rcd 3908 (2009).

2 Recovery Act § 6001(k).

3 See generally A National Broadband Plan for Our Future, GN Docket No. 09-51, Notice of Inquiry, 24 FCC Rcd 4342 (2009) (National Broadband Plan NOI).

4 See Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Broadband Initiatives Program; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; Notice, 74 Fed. Reg. 33104 (July 9, 2009) (BIP-BTOP NOFA); Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program, Notice, 74 Fed. Reg. 32545 (July 8, 2009).

5 Workshops, http://www.broadband.gov/workshops.html (last visited July 28, 2009); The FCC and Broadband: The Next 230 Days at 10-13, http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-291879A1.pdf (July 2, 2009).

6 See Broadband Data Improvement Act, Pub. L. No. 110-385, 122 Stat. 4096 (2008) (BDIA), codified at 47 U.S.C. § 1301 et. seq.

7 Recovery Act § 6001(k)(2).

8 National Broadband Plan NOI, 24 FCC Rcd at paras. 15-23.

9 See, e.g., International Broadband Electric Communications Comments at 2; MI Public Service Comm’n Comments at 1; National Consumers League Comments at 1–2; Progress & Freedom Foundation Comments at 7.

10 See, e.g., Robert Pepper, Presentation at the FCC Broadband Workshops: International Lessons (Aug. 18, 2009), http://www.broadband.gov/docs/ws_int_lessons/ws_int_lessons_pepper.pdf. See also, e.g., AT&T Comments at 20; Cisco Comments at 10–13; Native Public Media & Native Congress of American Indians Joint Comments at 7; WISPA Comments at 7.

11 See, e.g., NASUCA Comments at 19 (describing a way to measure “actual speed”); AdTran, Defining Broadband Speeds: An Analysis of Required Capacity in Network Access Architectures, White Paper, (describing constraints on different last mile network technologies) and Defining Broadband: Network Latency and Application Performance, White Paper, attached to Letter from Stephen L. Goodman, Counsel for ADTRAN, to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, FCC, GN Docket No. 09-51 (filed June 23, 2009).

12 For example, NTIA and RUS, using an advertised throughput metric, identified a minimum threshold of 768 kbps for the definition of broadband and used a minimum of 3 Mbps to identify “underserved” areas. See BIP-BTOP NOFA at 74 Fed. Reg. 33108-09.

13 See, e.g., CDMA Development Group at 6; Independent Telephone & Telecommunications Alliance Comments at 8; KM Broadcasting Comments at 3; TDS Telecommunications Corporation Comments at 5; Western Telecommunications Alliance Comments at 12–14.

14 See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 Fed. Reg. 24121 (1998).

15 Filers should follow the instructions provided on the Federal eRulemaking Portal website for submitting comments.

DA 09-1842 Released: August 20, 2009

COMMENT SOUGHT ON DEFINING “BROADBAND” NBP Public Notice #1

PLEADING CYCLE ESTABLISHED

GN Docket Nos. 09-47, 09-51, 09-137

Comment Date: August 31, 2009

Reply Comment Date: September 8, 2009

8/20/09
Commission Seeks Targeted Comments on Defining Broadband.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat

[FTC] Extra! Extra! FTC Announces Revised Schedule for Workshop: "From Town Criers to Bloggers: How Will Journalism Survive the Internet Age?"

The Federal Trade Commission today announced December 1 and 2, 2009, as the dates on which it will begin a series of workshops titled "From Town Criers to Bloggers: How Will Journalism Survive the Internet Age?" The workshops previously were scheduled to begin on September 15, 2009.

The workshops will bring competition, consumer protection, and First Amendment perspectives to bear on the financial, technological, and other challenges facing the news industry as consumers increasingly turn to the Internet for free news and information, advertisers increasingly move their ads onto online sites and reduce advertising buys as a result of the recession, and news organizations struggle with large debt that was taken on when times were better.

Several large daily newspapers across the country have declared bankruptcy in the past year, and others have imposed significant cuts in staff and other expenditures to lower their costs dramatically, although some smaller community newspapers may continue to have local monopolies. News magazines also have seen significant drop-offs in advertising revenues, despite relatively stable circulation numbers. Broadcast television news and radio news broadcasts have lost audience shares over the past decade, while cable and Internet audiences have grown. The news media and the practice of journalism are in transition, as evidenced by multiple innovative models for journalism that have emerged in the past few years.

The workshops will consider a wide range of issues, including: the economics of journalism and how those economics are playing out on the Internet and in print; the wide variety of new business and non-profit models for journalism online; factors relevant to the new economic realities for news organizations, such as behavioral and other targeted online advertising, online news aggregators, and bloggers; and the variety of governmental policies – including antitrust, copyright, and tax policy – that have been raised as possible means of finding new ways for journalism to thrive. Witnesses will include journalists and other representatives of news organizations, privacy experts, direct marketers, online advertisers, academics, new media representatives (such as bloggers and local news Web sites), and consumer advocates. An agenda for the December 1 and 2, 2009, workshops will be circulated at a later time.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,500 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180
STAFF CONTACT:
Susan DeSanti
Director, Office of Policy Planning
202-326-2210

http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/news2009.shtm

[FCC] FCC Announces Senior Technologists in Development of Natl Broadband Plan

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission has named a team of senior technologists who will help lead the effort by the Federal Communications Commission to develop a National Broadband Plan.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 directed the FCC to submit a National Broadband Plan to Congress by February 17, 2010 that addresses broadband deployment, adoption, affordability, and the use of broadband to advance solutions to national priorities, including health care, education, energy efficiency, public safety, job creation, investment, and others. The senior technologists helping develop this plan are:

Stagg Newman, Chief Technologist. Dr. Newman was a Principal with Pisgah Comm Consulting, providing telecommunications technical and regulatory expertise. He was Chief Technology Officer and a founder of Frontline Wireless, which was formed to bid for nationwide spectrum licenses in the 700 MHz auction. He was a senior telecommunications expert for McKinsey and Company, where he analyzed the strategic interplay of technology, business and competitive forces. Prior to that, he served as the FCC’s Chief Technologist. He also worked at Bellcore, where he was Vice President, Network Access Technology, Applied Research, the Pacific Telesis Group, and Bell Laboratories. He earned a Ph.D. and M.S. in Mathematics from Cornell University, and a B.S. in Mathematics from Davidson College, where he was salutatorian.

Byron J. Neal, Chief Engineer. Mr. Neal is an engineer and manager with over 15 years of network engineering experience in the telecom industry. He was Director of Syniverse Technologies; Vice President, Network Engineering, for Trinsic Communications; Regional Manager, Customer Engineering, for 2^nd Century Communications; Network Design Manager for Intermedia Communications, and Telecommunications Engineer for Transglobal Communications. He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the West Virginia University Institute of Technology.

Julius Knapp, Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology, FCC. Mr. Knapp has been with the FCC for 35 years. He became Chief of OET in 2006, having previously served as the Deputy Chief since 2002. Mr. Knapp has held a variety of management positions in OET, including Chief of the FCC Laboratory. He has been involved in facilitating the introduction of a wide variety of radio services and technologies, including advanced wireless services, mobile satellite services, 3650 MHz broadband services, and many others. He has also been instrumental in adoption of the FCC’s provisions for unlicensed technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Ultra-Wideband, power line communications and TV White Space devices. Mr. Knapp received a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the City College of New York in 1974. He was the 2001 recipient of the Eugene C. Bowler award for exceptional professionalism and dedication to public service and received the FCC’s Silver and Gold medal awards for distinguished service at the Commission

Rashmi Doshi, Chief, Laboratory Division, Office of Engineering and Technology, FCC. Dr. Doshi is currently the Chief of the Laboratory Division in the Office of Engineering and Technology. He is responsible for managing the FCC’s laboratory staff in leading the evaluation of new technologies and the development of measurement procedures for RF compliance in support of the major policy initiatives at the FCC. He also manages the FCC’s Equipment Authorization program, including the oversight of the Telecommunications Certification Bodies in the US and related conformity assessment programs. Mr. Doshi has worked in the telecommunications industry for over 30 years, which included working as Executive Director for Verizon (Bell Atlantic, NYNEX) and various engineering positions at Nortel and British Telecom Research Center. He has been involved in the development of network technologies for voice, data and multi-media services. Mr. Doshi holds a B.Sc. degree from University of London and a Ph.D. in Electronics from University of Southampton, England. He was the recipient of the FCC’s 2008 Gold Medal award for distinguished service at the Commission.

Jeff Goldthorp, Chief, Communications Systems Analysis Division, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, FCC. Mr. Goldthorp leads a technical staff in the analysis of communications systems reliability and security, including the collection and analysis of communications network outage data, establishing statistically meaningful portraits of communications network reliability, and working with industry to facilitate improvements to reliability and security. In times of disaster, Mr. Goldthorp's Division collects and analyzes data that is used to establish more accurate assessments of the condition of communications infrastructure in affected areas. He began his career in 1984 as an electrical engineer with Bell Communications Research, which subsequently became Telcordia Technologies. At Telcordia, Mr. Goldthorp earned a patent for a DSP-based near-end crosstalk simulator that is in use today in Telcordia's laboratories and was General Manager of Network Access Engineering Services. Mr. Goldthorp earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University.

Walter Johnston, Chief, Electromagnetic Compatibility Division, Office of Engineering and Technology, FCC. Mr. Johnston is responsible for the evaluation of new technologies and services. He has served as CTO for several companies focused on data and VoIP services. He has held senior positions in Telcordia and was VP at BellAtlantic/NYNEX (Verizon) where he was responsible for the development of new broadband data services, including the company’s first Internet service offering. He managed the trial of one of the original regional Internets that were connected to the NSFNET, the initial backbone of the modern Internet. He also established one of the largest trial broadband networks, a statewide facility connecting research organizations throughout New York State. He began his career with Bell Laboratories where he was responsible for design and development of a number of systems used for remote operations of the telephone network. He has a B.S./EE and an M.S./CS both from Polytechnic Institute of New York.

Ronald T. Repasi, Deputy Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology, FCC. Mr. Repasi has also served as the Satellite Engineering Branch Chief in the FCC’s International Bureau, where he resolved orbit and spectrum sharing issues between competing satellite systems and managed the satellite network licensing process. Mr. Repasi previously served for several years as the Commission’s Liaison to the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) and has represented the Commission as a delegate or spokesperson in various national and international committees, including two International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conferences and related Study Groups. Mr. Repasi holds a BSEE degree in electronics engineering from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

-FCC-

More information about the National Broadband Plan can be found at www.broadband.gov

8/14/09
FCC Announces Senior Technologists in Development of National Broadband Plan.
News Release: Word | Acrobat

Call for BTOP Reviewers

I did this several times which the program was just "TOP"

July 6, 2009

Call for Reviewers

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
Help America Advance its National Objective of Broadband Access for All
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce is soliciting volunteers to serve as panelists to evaluate grant proposals for the $4.7 billion Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), an important part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NTIA is accepting applications for its first round of BTOP grants from July 14, 2009 until August 14, 2009, and will conduct panel reviews through at least the end of September, 2009. As a reviewer, your evaluations will be an important factor considered by NTIA in determining whether to award grant funding. To be considered as a reviewer you must have significant expertise and experience in at least one of the following areas:

1) the design, funding, construction, and operation of broadband networks or public computer centers;
2) broadband-related outreach, training, or education; and
3) innovative programs to increase the demand for broadband services.

In addition you must agree to comply with Department of Commerce policies on conflict of interest and confidentiality.

We are committed to ensuring that reviewers come from diverse backgrounds and areas of the United States. Please feel free to circulate this "Call for Reviewers" to other individuals or organizations that may be sources of qualified reviewers. To apply to be a panel reviewer for BTOP, please email a resume containing the
information below to BTOPReviewers@ntia.doc.gov:
• Name
• Residence (city and state)
• Email/phone number
• Employer
• Position/Title
• Years and types of experience and positions in fields related to BTOP activities
NTIA will examine and approve reviewer applications on a first-come, first-served basis.

Approved reviewers will be contacted to schedule participation in a webinar orientation session and teleconference panel reviews.
Although there will be no direct reimbursement for your time and expertise, you may be assured that you will be making a significant contribution to enhancing broadband services throughout the United States. We appreciate the valuable contribution you will be making to the success of BTOP and look forward to working with you as a reviewer.
If you have questions, please send them by email to: BTOPReviewers@ntia.doc.gov.
For additional information, please see http://www.broadbandusa.gov/

=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
Cybertelecom :: Federal Internet Law & Policy :: www.cybertelecom.org
bobArlington :: Bunkum from bArlington :: http://barlington.blogspot.com
Twitter & Facebook: rcannon100
=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=