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, or by the FCC Chief Technologist or Chief Engineer. The questions referred to the TAC will be directed to technological and technical issues in the field of communications.

C. Period of Time Necessary for the Committee to Carry Out its Purpose

Initially, the TAC shall convene for a period that terminates two (2) years from the date on which the charter was filed. Not later than eighteen (18) months from the original date of filing of this Charter, the TAC shall report as to whether this Charter should be renewed and, if so, the period of time for which such a renewal should be granted.

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, D.C. 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. In addition, as noted above, not later than six (6) months prior to the termination of this Charter, the Council shall provide a recommendation as to whether the Council's charter should be renewed and, if so, for what period.

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 two to three 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 charter was filed, unless renewed before that date for an additional term.

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 will be recognized experts in their fields and, for private sector companies, individuals who hold technical executive positions such as Chief Technical Officer or Senior Technical Manager.

Members should be prepared to attend two to three meetings per year in Washington D.C. and are responsible for all associated expenses. The TAC will maintain a website and 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 Commissioners 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. Date Original Charter Filed

December 11, 1998