WASHINGTON-Even as industry and government officials struggle to figure out how to implement the recommendations of the World Radiocommunication Conference held last June in Istanbul, the Federal Communications Commission last week began preparations for WRC 2003.
The industry advisory committee expects to begin meeting Jan. 30 to start developing positions for WRC 2003.
“Our priority during this WRC cycle is to successfully complete the domestic preparatory process in a time frame that allows the U.S. to be a leader at regional and international meetings,” said Donald Abelson, chief of the FCC’s International Bureau.
Brian Fontes, vice president of federal relations for Cingular Wireless Inc., has been chosen to chair the industry advisory committee.
“Obviously I am very honored to be chairing this committee. I believe we can work constructively to develop the industry’s contribution to WRC 2003,” said Fontes.
Fontes is no stranger to the WRC process. In 1995, he led the U.S. delegation.
Starting work two-and-a-half years out is approximately the same schedule that was used to prepare for WRC 2000, said Cheryl Tritt, who was vice-chair of the WRC 2000 industry advisory committee.
“I thought the advisory committee process for WRC 2000 went very well. … We had very tight deadlines for making decisions. … If you don’t have your positions early on, it is really hard to convince the world of your positions,” said Tritt, noting the advisory committee attempted to reach consensus whenever possible while still staying within a tight time frame.
