The Federal Communications Commission today announced the formation of the Technological Advisory Council, made up by technical experts who will help the commission identify areas of innovation and develop technology policies supporting the nation’s competitiveness and job creation in the global economy.
“I’m pleased to announce that the FCC has formed a new Technological Advisory Council, comprised of some of the leading technology and business leaders in our country,” FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said. “Under the excellent leadership of Tom Wheeler, these experts will provide counsel on using spectrum and other communications technologies to drive job creation and economic growth, generating concrete ideas, and acting as a spur to FCC to action.”
Wheeler, managing director at Core Capital Partners, will serve as chairman of the council. Doug Sicker, FCC’s chief technologist, will work with the TAC chairman in developing its work program. Walter Johnston, chief of the electromagnetic compatibility division, will serve as the designated federal officer. Julius Knapp, chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology will serve as the alternate designated federal officer.
Among the members of TAC are Vinton Cerf, Google’s vice president and chief internet evangelist; Dr. Ari Juels, chief scientist, RSA Laboratories/EMC; Kevin Kahn, Intel senior fellow, director communications technology, Intel Corporation; Richard Lynch, Verizon’s executive vice president and chief technology officer; and Geoffrey Mendenhall, vice president of Transmission Research & Technology, Harris Corporation.
The council will have its first meeting Nov. 4, 2010, to discuss organizational matters, be briefed on key technical issues facing the commission, and will work to define the issues the council will address.