Nominations for membership on the Technological Advisory Council (TAC) are now being accepted by the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC is asking that nominations be submitted as soon as possible, with a final deadline of Sept. 22, 2023. The first meeting of the TAC is set for December 2023.
The goal of the TAC is to provide technical advice and recommendations to the FCC and to investigate key issues that impact the deployment and development of emerging technologies. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is expected to ask the TAC to evaluate key issues such as 5G, spectrum sharing techniques, the implementation of AI and machine learning to improve use of spectrum and other emerging technologies.
Note that the time commitment for participation in a TAC subcommittee may be substantial since such groups may be asked to provide written recommendations or reports to the commission.
There are a few other items to consider before one is nominated to the board. Members must be willing to commit to a two-year term of service as soon as the council is rechartered, which is expected to take place in September. Members will be asked to attend four one-day committee meetings per year. Members are also encouraged to participate on at least one subcommittee or subgroup.
Members serve at the discretion of the FCC chairwoman and may be removed for failing to regularly participate in a meeting. Meetings of the full council will be open to the public.
Those who are encouraged to apply include individuals from the communications industry such as broadcast radio and TV licensees; providers of internet applications and manufacturers of communications equipment; representatives of state and local government agencies; and individuals from consumer and community organizations, including scientists and engineers from academia or others with relevant expertise.
Although there is no specific nomination form, submissions should include the name, title and organization of the nominee; the nominee’s mailing address, e-mail address and telephone number; a description of the nominee’s business and a statement explaining why they should be admitted to the council. A statement summarizing the nominee’s qualifications — including a narrative explaining why the nominee should be appointed to the council — should also be submitted in addition to a statement by the nominee’s organization indicating a willingness to have the individual serve on the council. (Note that representatives and organizations will not receive reimbursement for expenses from serving on the council.)
All nominations should be submitted by e-mail to [email protected] by Sept. 22, 2023. More information about the TAC can be found here or by contacting Martin Doczkat, the designed federal official for the TAC, at [email protected].
