WASHINGTON-National Telecommunications and Information Administration head Michael Gallagher is expected to leave the agency early next year, an agency spokesman said.
Gallagher was confirmed to the post in November 2004 after serving as NTIA deputy administration since August 2003. NTIA, a Commerce Department unit, advises the president on telecom policy and manages the U.S. government’s use of the airwaves. His resignation has been expected for months, with news outlets the past six months reporting on Gallagher’s efforts to land a job at a trade association or with another government agency. NTIA has steadfastly refused to confirm or deny whether Gallagher interviewed for industry vacancies during his tenure as a top U.S. telecom policy-maker.
Gallagher was a key government liaison in negotiating the agreement to provide spectrum for third-generation mobile phone, 5 GHz Wi-Fi and ultra-wideband wireless services. He will leave behind unfinished business on President Bush’s spectrum initiative, whose implementation has been plagued with delays and administrative glitches.
NTIA has not named Gallagher’s successor or said anything about the NTIA chief’s future plans.
“Mike Gallagher is a creative and effective executive who brought fresh ideas to the development of the nation’s telecommunications policy. He orchestrated the development of spectrum policies that will bring wireless broadband services to millions of consumers and pushed hard for government policies that encourage investment in wireline broadband networks and services. He’s served the administration and the American people very well,” said Thomas Tauke, executive vice president for public affairs, policy and communications at Verizon Communications Inc., parent company of Verizon Wireless.
