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Handing Out the Stimulus Funds...Who Is It?

The main governmental office tasked with administering those portions of the stimulus monies earmarked for broadband and telecommunications is the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. A part of the US Department of Commerce, the NTIA is Executive Branch representative on telecommunications and information issues.

The NTIA is comprised of several offices assigned a portion of the work overseen by the organization.

  • Office of Spectrum Management (OSM): Administers the use of spectrum, including public, governmental and private usage. OSM works nationally and internationally to coordinate not only spectrum, but also satellite networks used for government operations
  • Office of Policy Analysis and Development (OPAD): Provides advisory work to the Executive Branch and the Secretary of Commerce on telecommunications and information policy development. OPAD also oversees research and analysis related to those topics, and drafts policies based upon the findings.
  • Office of International Affairs (OIA): Serves as the policy leader for guiding the US role in the global telecommunications market. Consults with government agencies and private companies to craft policy that encourages innovation and competition.
  • Institute for Telecommunication Services (ITA): Provides research and engineering work and technical support for the NTIA. ITA also supports the telecommunications and information needs of other governmental agencies, as well as state and local governments, private sector corporations and associations, and international organizations.
  • Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications (OTIA): Interfaces with the public and non-profits on telecommunications and information usage. OTIA projects include the DTV converter box coupon program, as well as various national non-profit and international endeavors.

Since the NTIA is a part of the Department of Commerce, the Secretary of Commerce is tasked with its oversight. As of February 25, 2009, the Commerce Secretary is former Washington Governor Gary Locke.