The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, is the Executive Branch's principal voice on domestic and international telecommunications and information technology policy issues. NTIA's Office of International Affairs, OIA, acts as an advocate of U.S. commercial interests overseas. OIA promotes the need for competition and liberalization of telecommunications and information policies around the world. OIA's goal is to provide policy analyses, technical guidance, and representation in international fora, so as to advance the strategic interests and the international competitiveness of the United States before a diverse, world-wide audience.
OIA's wide variety of activities are designed to further advance and promote these U.S. interests by advocating: 1) telecommunications and information standards consistent with U.S. objectives; 2) regulations governing the international use of the radio frequency spectrum; 3) regulatory policies pertaining to the provision of information and telecommunications services both within and between U.S. and foreign markets; and, 4) the deployment of new technologies in these markets, to improve global communications and expand trade opportunities for our citizens.
OIA advocates Executive Branch policy perspectives in bilateral and multilateral consultations with foreign governments, in international regulatory conferences, and in other fora dealing with Global Information Infrastructure issues. Specific oversight responsibilities include, in cooperation with the State Department and with the FCC, the COMSAT Corporation's activities in the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT) and the International Mobile Satellite Organization (Inmarsat), along with other developments in the satellite industry.
To improve U.S. competitiveness in international markets, OIA provides policy and technical counsel to diverse U.S. interests. OIA helps NTIA in its mission to champion greater foreign market access, by: 1) advocating competition and liberalization of telecommunications and information technology policies around the world; 2) participating in international government-to-government negotiations to open markets for U.S. companies; and 3) negotiating with foreign governments to ensure that there is adequate spectrum for national defense, public safety, and U.S. business needs. OIA also provides information to the general public on a wide variety of telecommunications and information policy subjects, with links to foreign telecommunications ministries and licensing authorities.
