The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA):Policies, Programs, and Funding

Linda K. Moore
Specialist in Telecommunications Policy

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an agency of the Department of Commerce, is the executive branch’s principal advisory office on domestic and international telecommunications and information policies. Its mandate is to provide greater access for all Americans to telecommunications services, support U.S. attempts to open foreign markets, advise on international telecommunications negotiations, and fund research for new technologies and their applications. NTIA also manages the distribution of funds for several key grant programs. Its role in federal spectrum management includes acting as a facilitator and mediator in negotiations among the various federal agencies regarding usage, priority access, causes of interference, and other radio spectrum questions.

During the 112th Congress, programs and issues of particular importance and interest to policy makers might include administration of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)—authorized as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)—plans to improve the efficiency of radio frequency spectrum, and preparations for the next World Radio Conference, scheduled to begin in January 2012.


Date of Report: December 14, 2011
Number of Pages: 8
Order Number: R42052
Price: $19.95

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