81_FR_30613 81 FR 30518 - Input on Proposals and Positions for 2016 World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly

81 FR 30518 - Input on Proposals and Positions for 2016 World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 95 (May 17, 2016)

Page Range30518-30519
FR Document2016-11609

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) seeks input from stakeholders and interested parties to help develop its proposals and positions regarding matters that will be addressed at the upcoming 2016 World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-2016) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), being held from October 25 to November 3, 2016. The results of this Notice and Request for Public Comment will be reflected in NTIA's recommendations for U.S. proposals and positions to the U.S. Department of State, which is coordinating the WTSA-2016 preparatory process.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 95 (Tuesday, May 17, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 95 (Tuesday, May 17, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30518-30519]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11609]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

[Docket No. 160509408-6408-01]
RIN 0660-XC026


Input on Proposals and Positions for 2016 World Telecommunication 
Standardization Assembly

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice and request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration 
(NTIA) seeks input from stakeholders and interested parties to help 
develop its proposals and positions regarding matters that will be 
addressed at the upcoming 2016 World Telecommunication Standardization 
Assembly (WTSA-2016) of the International Telecommunication Union 
(ITU), being held from October 25 to November 3, 2016. The results of 
this Notice and Request for Public Comment will be reflected in NTIA's 
recommendations for U.S. proposals and positions to the U.S. Department 
of State, which is coordinating the WTSA-2016 preparatory process.

DATES: Comments are due on or before June 16, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by mail to Vernita D. 
Harris, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of International 
Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230. Comments 
may also be submitted electronically to [email protected] or to 
[email protected]. Comments provided electronically should be 
submitted in a text searchable format using standard Microsoft Word or 
Adobe PDF. Comments will be posted to NTIA's Web site at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/federal-register-notice/2016/wtsa16-rfc-comments.

[[Page 30519]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about this Notice 
contact: Vernita D. Harris, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of 
International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue 
NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-4686; email: 
[email protected]. Please direct media inquiries to the Office of 
Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482-7002.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Background: The WTSA, which occurs every four years, sets the 
overall strategic direction and activities for upcoming ITU 
Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) work; defines the 
general policy for the ITU-T; approves, modifies or rejects ITU-T 
Standards (known as ``recommendations''); and establishes the structure 
for the ITU-T study groups, approves their expected work program for 
the next four-year period, and appoints their Chairmen and Vice-
Chairmen. The next WTSA conference will be held from October 25 to 
November 3, 2016, in Yasmine Hammamet, Tunisia. Participants 
historically include ministers, ambassadors, government delegates, 
regional and international organizations, and representatives from 
academia, civil society, and the private sector.
    The U.S. Department of State initiated U.S. preparations for WTSA-
2016 in January 2016, which are focused on developing formal U.S. 
priorities for WTSA-2016.\1\
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    \1\ See Department of State, Notice of Meeting of the 
International Telecommunication Advisory Committee and Preparations 
for Upcoming International Communications and Information Policy 
Meetings, Public Notice: 9399, 81 FR 847 (Jan. 7, 2016).
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    NTIA, as the principal adviser to the President on 
telecommunications and information policy, seeks input from 
stakeholders and other interested parties to develop its 
recommendations to the U.S. Department of State and to inform any NTIA 
delegates who will attend the WTSA. NTIA's participation in the U.S. 
WTSA-2016 preparatory process is intended to ensure that U.S. proposals 
and positions support the nation's telecommunications, converged 
communications infrastructure, information and technology policies to 
promote economic growth and digital innovation, and do not duplicate 
the standards development processes of other bodies.
    Discussion: There are numerous standards organizations and fora 
around the globe focused on various aspects of telecommunication and 
information policies. No single organization can cover all ground, nor 
should it try or claim to do so.
    The purpose of this Notice and Request for Public Comment is to 
seek input from stakeholders and other interested parties to share 
their perspectives as to whether and how the work of the ITU-T results 
in standards that meet their needs. We are interested in particular on 
input related to ITU-T restructuring and work methods and rules of 
procedure.

Questions for Public Comment

    NTIA requests comment on the questions below. NTIA also welcomes 
input and comments on any specific issues being advanced by other 
countries, private sector organizations, and stakeholders for WTSA-
2016.
    (1) Are there overarching objectives and priorities that the U.S. 
delegation should adopt for WTSA-2016 and the ITU-T? What is the best 
way for the U.S. delegation to advance and ultimately achieve these 
objectives and priorities?
    (2) In an environment with a wide range of industry led, 
multistakeholder standards development organization (SDOs) leading the 
development of telecommunications and information standards, does an 
intergovernmental organization, such as the ITU, provide any unique 
value? How does ITU involvement in global standards development 
influence, or affect U.S. industry interests in engaging in and 
promoting the international digital economy?
    (3) What do you believe is the percentage of participation of 
relevant organizations or companies in the ITU-T study groups? What is 
the value of this participation in the ITU-T study groups? Does this 
participation meeting the needs of relevant organizations or companies?
    (4) Is there a wide implementation of the ITU-T recommendations in 
the United States or elsewhere by relevant organizations or companies? 
Why or why not? Can you provide examples of these implementations, if 
any?
    (5) The WTSA-12 Action Plan (see https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/WTSA16/WTSA-12-Action-Plan.pdf) identified issues that will be 
discussed during WTSA-2016. Which of these issues are the most 
important to focus on in the upcoming WTSA-2016? What positions should 
be taken with respect to these issues?
    (6) Are the ITU-T work methods and/or rules of procedure effective? 
Why or why not? What, if any, modifications to ITU-T Resolutions and 
Recommendations (see https://www.ntia.doc.gov/page/wtsa-12-resolutions-and-opinions) or to the ITU-T working methods or rules of procedure 
would you recommend to improve efficiency and effectiveness? Are there 
structural changes to the ITU-T that could make the organization more 
relevant?
    (7) What are the most important international standardization 
public policy issues and topics? And why? In what areas or subjects do 
you believe the ITU-T has a particular role or expertise?
    (8) Assuming the ITU-T study group structure remains as it is 
today, in which study groups and activities should NTIA prioritize its 
participation and why?
    (9) How could cooperation and collaboration between ITU-T and other 
SDOs be strengthened? How could cooperation and collaboration among the 
three ITU sectors be strengthened?
    (10) The ITU and its membership have identified a standardization 
gap between developed and developing countries and a need to bridge 
that gap to ensure greater participation by all countries in the work 
of the ITU-T. What is the best way to address this gap? Would ITU 
programs on this topic be better placed within the ITU-D or the ITU-T? 
What other steps can be taken to bridge this gap?
    NTIA invites comment on the questions set forth in this Notice and 
Request for Public Comment as well as input on any other issues 
relevant to NTIA's participation in the ITU-T that will assist NTIA in 
its consultations with the U.S. Department of State and other U.S. 
government agencies in preparation for WTSA-2016.

    Dated: May 12, 2016.
Lawrence E. Strickling,
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information.
[FR Doc. 2016-11609 Filed 5-16-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-60-P

30518 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 95 / Tuesday, May 17, 2016 / Notices • Mail: Submit written comments to identified preliminary environmental period, whether they are on the final Cynthia Meyer, NMFS Southeast issues as a means to initiate discussion amendment, the proposed regulations, Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue for scoping purposes only. These or the FEIS, prior to final agency action. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. preliminary issues may not represent Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Instructions: Comments sent by any the full range of issues that eventually other method, to any other address or will be evaluated in the DEIS. A copy Dated: May 11, 2016. individual, or received after the end of of the Amendment 41 draft options Emily H. Menashes, the comment period, may not be paper is available at: http:// Acting Director, Office of Sustainable considered by NMFS. All comments sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_ Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. received are a part of the public record fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/ [FR Doc. 2016–11574 Filed 5–16–16; 8:45 am] and will generally be posted for public index.html. BILLING CODE 3510–22–P viewing on www.regulations.gov Comments on the scope of the DEIS without change. All personal identifying may be submitted in writing to NMFS information (e.g., name, address, etc.), (see ADDRESSES) during the 30-day DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE confidential business information, or scoping period. After the scoping period otherwise sensitive information and throughout the development of National Telecommunications and submitted voluntarily by the sender will Amendment 41, the Council will accept Information Administration be publicly accessible. NMFS will written comments on the action, and [Docket No. 160509408–6408–01] accept anonymous comments (enter oral comments may be made during the public testimony portion of any Council RIN 0660–XC026 ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). meeting. The upcoming Council Input on Proposals and Positions for FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: meetings will be in Clearwater Beach, Florida on June 20–24, 2016, and New 2016 World Telecommunication Cynthia Meyer, NMFS Southeast Standardization Assembly Regional Office, telephone: 727–824– Orleans, Louisiana on August 15–19, 5305; or email: cynthia.meyer@ 2016. AGENCY: National Telecommunications noaa.gov. After the DEIS associated with and Information Administration, U.S. Amendment 41 is completed, it will be Department of Commerce. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The filed with the Environmental Protection Council recently took action to provide ACTION: Notice and request for public Agency (EPA). After filing, the EPA will more flexibility in managing the harvest comment. publish a notice of availability of the of red snapper by the various DEIS for public comment in the Federal SUMMARY: The National components of the Gulf reef fish Register. Consistent with the CEQ Telecommunications and Information recreational sector. In 2014, the Council regulations, the DEIS will have a 45-day Administration (NTIA) seeks input from established separate private angling and public comment period. stakeholders and interested parties to Federal charter vessel/headboat (for- The Council and NMFS will consider help develop its proposals and positions hire) components of the red snapper public comments received on the DEIS regarding matters that will be addressed recreational sector. There has been a in developing the final environmental at the upcoming 2016 World decrease over time in the proportion of impact statement (FEIS) and before Telecommunication Standardization red snapper harvested by anglers fishing adopting final management measures for Assembly (WTSA–2016) of the from Federal for-hire vessels and the amendment. NMFS will submit the International Telecommunication Union differences in regulatory environments consolidated final amendment and (ITU), being held from October 25 to faced by Federal for-hire operators and supporting FEIS to the Secretary of November 3, 2016. The results of this private anglers. These factors Commerce (Secretary) for review as Notice and Request for Public Comment contributed to the Council’s decision to required by the Magnuson-Stevens will be reflected in NTIA’s restructure the red snapper recreational Fishery Conservation and Management recommendations for U.S. proposals sector to increase flexibility for each Act. and positions to the U.S. Department of component. NMFS will announce, through a State, which is coordinating the WTSA– The purpose of Amendment 41 is to notification in the Federal Register, the 2016 preparatory process. develop a management approach for availability of the final amendment for federally permitted Gulf reef fish charter public review during the Department of DATES: Comments are due on or before vessels that reduces management Commerce Secretarial review period June 16, 2016. uncertainty, provides flexibility and and will consider all public comments. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be improves economic conditions for the During Secretarial review, NMFS will submitted by mail to Vernita D. Harris, owners and operators of Federal charter also file the FEIS with the EPA, and the Deputy Associate Administrator, Office vessels, and increases opportunities for EPA will publish a notice of availability of International Affairs, National anglers who fish from Federal charter for the FEIS in the Federal Register. Telecommunications and Information vessels to harvest red snapper. This public comment period is expected Administration, 1401 Constitution NMFS, in collaboration with the to be concurrent with the Secretarial Avenue NW., Room 4701, Washington, Council, will develop a DEIS for review period and will end prior to final DC 20230. Comments may also be Amendment 41 to describe and analyze agency action to approve, disapprove, or submitted electronically to vharris@ alternatives to address the management partially approve the Amendment 41. ntia.doc.gov or to WTSA2016@ needs described above, including the NMFS will announce, through a ntia.doc.gov. Comments provided jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES ‘‘no action’’ alternative. In accordance document published in the Federal electronically should be submitted in a with the regulations issued by the Register, all public comment periods on text searchable format using standard Council on Environmental Quality the final amendment, its proposed Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF. (CEQ) for implementing the National implementing regulations, and the Comments will be posted to NTIA’s Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 40 availability of its associated FEIS. NMFS Web site at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/ CFR parts 1500–1508), NMFS, in will consider all public comments federal-register-notice/2016/wtsa16-rfc- collaboration with the Council, has received during the Secretarial review comments. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:32 May 16, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\17MYN1.SGM 17MYN1

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 95 / Tuesday, May 17, 2016 / Notices 30519 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For policies. No single organization can www.ntia.doc.gov/page/wtsa-12- questions about this Notice contact: cover all ground, nor should it try or resolutions-and-opinions) or to the ITU– Vernita D. Harris, Deputy Associate claim to do so. T working methods or rules of Administrator, Office of International The purpose of this Notice and procedure would you recommend to Affairs, National Telecommunications Request for Public Comment is to seek improve efficiency and effectiveness? and Information Administration, U.S. input from stakeholders and other Are there structural changes to the ITU– Department of Commerce, 1401 interested parties to share their T that could make the organization more Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4701, perspectives as to whether and how the relevant? Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) work of the ITU–T results in standards (7) What are the most important 482–4686; email: vharris@ntia.doc.gov. that meet their needs. We are interested international standardization public Please direct media inquiries to the in particular on input related to ITU–T policy issues and topics? And why? In Office of Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) restructuring and work methods and what areas or subjects do you believe 482–7002. rules of procedure. the ITU–T has a particular role or SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Questions for Public Comment expertise? Background: The WTSA, which (8) Assuming the ITU–T study group occurs every four years, sets the overall NTIA requests comment on the structure remains as it is today, in strategic direction and activities for questions below. NTIA also welcomes which study groups and activities upcoming ITU Telecommunication input and comments on any specific should NTIA prioritize its participation Standardization Sector (ITU–T) work; issues being advanced by other and why? defines the general policy for the ITU– countries, private sector organizations, (9) How could cooperation and T; approves, modifies or rejects ITU–T and stakeholders for WTSA–2016. collaboration between ITU–T and other Standards (known as (1) Are there overarching objectives SDOs be strengthened? How could ‘‘recommendations’’); and establishes and priorities that the U.S. delegation cooperation and collaboration among the structure for the ITU–T study should adopt for WTSA–2016 and the the three ITU sectors be strengthened? groups, approves their expected work ITU–T? What is the best way for the (10) The ITU and its membership program for the next four-year period, U.S. delegation to advance and have identified a standardization gap and appoints their Chairmen and Vice- ultimately achieve these objectives and between developed and developing Chairmen. The next WTSA conference priorities? countries and a need to bridge that gap will be held from October 25 to (2) In an environment with a wide to ensure greater participation by all November 3, 2016, in Yasmine range of industry led, multistakeholder countries in the work of the ITU–T. Hammamet, Tunisia. Participants standards development organization What is the best way to address this historically include ministers, (SDOs) leading the development of gap? Would ITU programs on this topic ambassadors, government delegates, telecommunications and information be better placed within the ITU–D or the regional and international organizations, standards, does an intergovernmental ITU–T? What other steps can be taken and representatives from academia, civil organization, such as the ITU, provide to bridge this gap? society, and the private sector. any unique value? How does ITU NTIA invites comment on the The U.S. Department of State initiated involvement in global standards questions set forth in this Notice and U.S. preparations for WTSA–2016 in development influence, or affect U.S. Request for Public Comment as well as January 2016, which are focused on industry interests in engaging in and input on any other issues relevant to developing formal U.S. priorities for promoting the international digital NTIA’s participation in the ITU–T that WTSA–2016.1 economy? will assist NTIA in its consultations NTIA, as the principal adviser to the (3) What do you believe is the with the U.S. Department of State and President on telecommunications and percentage of participation of relevant other U.S. government agencies in information policy, seeks input from organizations or companies in the ITU– preparation for WTSA–2016. stakeholders and other interested parties T study groups? What is the value of Dated: May 12, 2016. to develop its recommendations to the this participation in the ITU–T study Lawrence E. Strickling, U.S. Department of State and to inform groups? Does this participation meeting any NTIA delegates who will attend the the needs of relevant organizations or Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information. WTSA. NTIA’s participation in the U.S. companies? (4) Is there a wide implementation of [FR Doc. 2016–11609 Filed 5–16–16; 8:45 am] WTSA–2016 preparatory process is intended to ensure that U.S. proposals the ITU–T recommendations in the BILLING CODE 3510–60–P and positions support the nation’s United States or elsewhere by relevant telecommunications, converged organizations or companies? Why or communications infrastructure, why not? Can you provide examples of COMMITTEE FOR THE information and technology policies to these implementations, if any? IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE promote economic growth and digital (5) The WTSA–12 Action Plan (see AGREEMENTS innovation, and do not duplicate the https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/ standards development processes of WTSA16/WTSA-12-Action-Plan.pdf) Determination Under the Textile and other bodies. identified issues that will be discussed Apparel Commercial Availability Discussion: There are numerous during WTSA–2016. Which of these Provision of the Dominican Republic- standards organizations and fora around issues are the most important to focus Central America-United States Free the globe focused on various aspects of Trade Agreement (‘‘CAFTA–DR jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES on in the upcoming WTSA–2016? What telecommunication and information positions should be taken with respect Agreement’’) to these issues? AGENCY: The Committee for the 1 See Department of State, Notice of Meeting of (6) Are the ITU–T work methods and/ Implementation of Textile Agreements. the International Telecommunication Advisory or rules of procedure effective? Why or Committee and Preparations for Upcoming ACTION: Determination to add a product why not? What, if any, modifications to International Communications and Information in unrestricted quantities to Annex 3.25 Policy Meetings, Public Notice: 9399, 81 FR 847 ITU–T Resolutions and of the CAFTA–DR Agreement. (Jan. 7, 2016). Recommendations (see https:// VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:32 May 16, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\17MYN1.SGM 17MYN1


Document Created: 2018-02-07 15:05:37
Document Modified: 2018-02-07 15:05:37
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice and request for public comment.
DatesComments are due on or before June 16, 2016.
ContactFor questions about this Notice contact: Vernita D. Harris, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-4686; email: [email protected] Please direct media inquiries to the Office of Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482-7002.
FR Citation81 FR 30518 
RIN Number0660-XC02
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