National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is an agency of the United States Department of Commerce that serves as the President's principal adviser on telecommunications policies pertaining to the United States' economic and technological advancement and to regulation of the telecommunications industry. Among its stated goals are: Working to ensure that all Americans have affordable phone and cable TV service. Helping to bring the benefits of advanced telecommunications technologies to millions of Americans in rural and underserved urban areas through its information infrastructure grants. Providing the hardware that enables public radio and television broadcasters to extend and maintain the reach of their programming. Advocating competition and liberalization of telecommunications policies around the world. Participating in international government-to-government negotiations to open markets for U.S. companies. Negotiating with foreign governments to ensure adequate spectrum for national defense, public safety, and U.S. business needs. Promoting efficient use of federal radio spectrum and encouraging the development and implementation of new and emerging telecommunications technologies. Performing long-term research to explore uses of higher frequency spectrum. Working with Federal, state, and local public safety agencies to address future spectrum requirements. The Office of Policy Analysis and Development (OPAD) is the domestic policy division of the NTIA. OPAD is responsible for executing and managing research and analysis and preparing policy recommendations for the Executive Branch. The domestic policy office is responsible for creating policies that promote innovation and growth, both politically and economically, that provide for American businesses and consumers, alike. These policies affect how Americans use and gain access to the wireless services like the Internet, telephone service and video programming.