(Pictures)

Members of the FCC's Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) met on May 19 and 20 at FCC Commission Headquarters. IAC attendees included: Jim Dailey (Chair); David Jones (Vice Chair); Denise Bode; Carlito Caliboso; Tom Carpenter (Staff); Jenny Hansen; Dean Kruithof; Chong Liu (Staff for Merita Hopkins); Tim Loewenstein; Gary Resnick; and Sal Sahme. The next meeting of the IAC will be held August 4 and 5 in Washington, DC.

IAC members attended the FCC's Open Meeting and were acknowledged by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. At the Open Meeting, the FCC adopted rules requiring voice over IP providers to offer E911 services. The IAC applauded the FCC's action and pledged its support, noting IAC members' longstanding commitment to ensuring that public safety needs are met in the advent of new technologies.

IAC members had an opportunity to meet with Chairman Martin, Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, and CGB Bureau Chief Monica Desai to discuss shared priorities and possible IAC initiatives. IAC also conducted internal discussions and met with several FCC staff on a variety of issues, including:

• NPRM on Revisions to Cable Television Rate Regulations, cable pricing flexibility (see FCC 02-177). IAC Rights-of-Way Subcommittee Chair, Gary Resnick, discussed comments and recommendations submitted to the FCC on the adopted Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order to update cable television rate regulations. IAC had previously filed comments focusing on FCC's current procedures regarding effective competition showings and the status of DBS competition to cable. IAC discussed the possibility of providing additional input to the FCC.

• Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Designation (see FCC 05-46). IAC received briefing on new FCC requirements that a telecommunications carrier must meet to be designated as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier and thus eligible to receive universal service support. The requirements establish a more specific and rigorous process that carriers must follow and are expected to allow for a more predictable ETC designation process that will also improve the long-term sustainability of the universal service fund. Discussion focused on application of requirements to wireless providers and need for appropriate safeguards and audits. [Possible action item?]

• Public Safety Spectrum Issues (see FCC 05-80). IAC Spectrum Subcommittee Chair Tim Loewenstein provided briefing on comments submitted to FCC pursuant to the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 identifying short-and long-term spectrum needs of emergency response providers. IAC agreed to provide input to FCC based on comments that had been filed to date, with a focus on needs of tribal, state and local governments and public safety officials.

• Intercarrier Compensation (see FCC 05-33). IAC received briefing on Notice of Proposed Rulemaking soliciting comment on options for adopting a unified intercarrier compensation scheme for origination, transport and termination of traffic on a carrier's network. Bode and Caliboso led internal discussion about what position, if any, IAC should take in endorsing any of the proposals that have been submitted.

• Franchising Requirements Regarding Provision of Video Services Over Phone Lines. IAC received briefing on issue of whether FCC rules require telecommunications service providers to seek local franchise agreement for provision of video services over telecommunications infrastructure. Issue is pending and raised in the FCC's IP-enabled services proceeding and pending SBC Petition for Declaratory Ruling. IAC Rights of Way Chair Gary Resnick led internal discussion on the issue and what IAC action may be appropriate.

• Activities of Network Reliability and Interoperability Council (NRIC) and Technological Advisory Council (TAC). Public Safety Chair Jenny Hansen provided overview of activities of the NRIC and TAC, with focus on the critical infrastructure issues both committees are addressing. Focus on how IAC can coordinate with FCC staff and these committees on matters of joint interest.

• Possible Rewrite of the Telecommunications Act. IAC had informal discussion about what input the IAC should provide regarding a possible rewrite of the Telecommunications Act. IAC agreed to further analyze the possible issues that likely will be raised and expertise that IAC could provide in addressing those issues.

• Consumer Truth-in-Billing Issues. IAC received briefing on recent FCC action involving consumer protection and billing issues, particularly as applied to wireless carriers. (see FCC 05-55). The IAC was invited to provide input on additional proposals to further address and tighten consumer billing issues, particularly as it applies to the appropriate role of federal and state governments. (see FCC 05-55).

• 4.9 GHz Spectrum Issues. IAC Spectrum Committee Chair Tim Loewenstein provided a briefing on possible uses and issues relating spectrum available in the 4.9 GHz band.