ITAC-R
The U.S. International Telecommunication Advisory Committee (ITAC) is a Committee chartered by the General Services Administration (GSA) to the U.S. Department of State as an Advisory Committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). This Act was passed in 1972 by Congress formally recognizing the merits of seeking advice and assistance of the nation's people. Incorporated within the FACA itself are guidelines to ensure relevant, objective and open advice; to limit the life of the Committees; to guarantee reasonableness of costs; and to provide appropriate record keeping. It was the intent of Congress that from Advisory Committee expertise, federal officials and the nation have access to information and advice on literally the gamut of issues affecting federal policies and programs. Through these Advisory Committees, the public is afforded the opportunity to participate actively in government decision-making. It is important to note that the function of these Advisory Committees is advisory only. The Department of State is free to accept the advice in full or in part, or to reject advice.
The Office of Communications and Information Policy (CIP) at the Department of State will appoint the Chair of the ITAC as well as establish criteria for eligibility to participate as a member of the Committee, normally comprising one member per company in the private sector. Members of the general public (including foreign nationals) may attend meetings of the ITAC and join in the discussions subject to the instructions of its Chair.
The ITAC for the U.S. Radiocommunication Sector (ITAC-R) is that part of the ITAC that concerns itself with radiocommunication matters relevant to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and CITEL. ITAC-R structure parallels that of the ITU-R, as well as CITEL, and in particular provides the mechanism to assist the U.S. government in preparing for international meetings and negotiations within the ITU-R, and CITEL PCC II. The ITAC-R “National Committee” is the body of ITAC-R that constitutes the formal membership of the ITAC-R. The National Committee reviews draft input documents and makes recommendations to the State Department.
International Spectrum Plans and Policy Division (ISP&PD) Responsibilities