Input on Proposals and Positions for 2016 World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, 30518-30519 [2016-11609]

Download as PDF jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 30518 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 95 / Tuesday, May 17, 2016 / Notices • Mail: Submit written comments to Cynthia Meyer, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cynthia Meyer, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, telephone: 727–824– 5305; or email: cynthia.meyer@ noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Council recently took action to provide more flexibility in managing the harvest of red snapper by the various components of the Gulf reef fish recreational sector. In 2014, the Council established separate private angling and Federal charter vessel/headboat (forhire) components of the red snapper recreational sector. There has been a decrease over time in the proportion of red snapper harvested by anglers fishing from Federal for-hire vessels and differences in regulatory environments faced by Federal for-hire operators and private anglers. These factors contributed to the Council’s decision to restructure the red snapper recreational sector to increase flexibility for each component. The purpose of Amendment 41 is to develop a management approach for federally permitted Gulf reef fish charter vessels that reduces management uncertainty, provides flexibility and improves economic conditions for the owners and operators of Federal charter vessels, and increases opportunities for anglers who fish from Federal charter vessels to harvest red snapper. NMFS, in collaboration with the Council, will develop a DEIS for Amendment 41 to describe and analyze alternatives to address the management needs described above, including the ‘‘no action’’ alternative. In accordance with the regulations issued by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 40 CFR parts 1500–1508), NMFS, in collaboration with the Council, has VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:32 May 16, 2016 Jkt 238001 identified preliminary environmental issues as a means to initiate discussion for scoping purposes only. These preliminary issues may not represent the full range of issues that eventually will be evaluated in the DEIS. A copy of the Amendment 41 draft options paper is available at: https:// sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_ fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/ index.html. Comments on the scope of the DEIS may be submitted in writing to NMFS (see ADDRESSES) during the 30-day scoping period. After the scoping period and throughout the development of Amendment 41, the Council will accept written comments on the action, and oral comments may be made during the public testimony portion of any Council meeting. The upcoming Council meetings will be in Clearwater Beach, Florida on June 20–24, 2016, and New Orleans, Louisiana on August 15–19, 2016. After the DEIS associated with Amendment 41 is completed, it will be filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). After filing, the EPA will publish a notice of availability of the DEIS for public comment in the Federal Register. Consistent with the CEQ regulations, the DEIS will have a 45-day public comment period. The Council and NMFS will consider public comments received on the DEIS in developing the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) and before adopting final management measures for the amendment. NMFS will submit the consolidated final amendment and supporting FEIS to the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) for review as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. NMFS will announce, through a notification in the Federal Register, the availability of the final amendment for public review during the Department of Commerce Secretarial review period and will consider all public comments. During Secretarial review, NMFS will also file the FEIS with the EPA, and the EPA will publish a notice of availability for the FEIS in the Federal Register. This public comment period is expected to be concurrent with the Secretarial review period and will end prior to final agency action to approve, disapprove, or partially approve the Amendment 41. NMFS will announce, through a document published in the Federal Register, all public comment periods on the final amendment, its proposed implementing regulations, and the availability of its associated FEIS. NMFS will consider all public comments received during the Secretarial review PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 period, whether they are on the final amendment, the proposed regulations, or the FEIS, prior to final agency action. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: May 11, 2016. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016–11574 Filed 5–16–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Telecommunications and Information Administration [Docket No. 160509408–6408–01] RIN 0660–XC026 Input on Proposals and Positions for 2016 World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice and request for public comment. AGENCY: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) seeks input from stakeholders and interested parties to help develop its proposals and positions regarding matters that will be addressed at the upcoming 2016 World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA–2016) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), being held from October 25 to November 3, 2016. The results of this Notice and Request for Public Comment will be reflected in NTIA’s recommendations for U.S. proposals and positions to the U.S. Department of State, which is coordinating the WTSA– 2016 preparatory process. DATES: Comments are due on or before June 16, 2016. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by mail to Vernita D. Harris, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230. Comments may also be submitted electronically to vharris@ ntia.doc.gov or to WTSA2016@ ntia.doc.gov. Comments provided electronically should be submitted in a text searchable format using standard Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF. Comments will be posted to NTIA’s Web site at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/ federal-register-notice/2016/wtsa16-rfccomments. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17MYN1.SGM 17MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 95 / Tuesday, May 17, 2016 / Notices For questions about this Notice contact: Vernita D. Harris, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–4686; email: vharris@ntia.doc.gov. Please direct media inquiries to the Office of Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482–7002. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: The WTSA, which occurs every four years, sets the overall strategic direction and activities for upcoming ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU–T) work; defines the general policy for the ITU– T; approves, modifies or rejects ITU–T Standards (known as ‘‘recommendations’’); and establishes the structure for the ITU–T study groups, approves their expected work program for the next four-year period, and appoints their Chairmen and ViceChairmen. The next WTSA conference will be held from October 25 to November 3, 2016, in Yasmine Hammamet, Tunisia. Participants historically include ministers, ambassadors, government delegates, regional and international organizations, and representatives from academia, civil society, and the private sector. The U.S. Department of State initiated U.S. preparations for WTSA–2016 in January 2016, which are focused on developing formal U.S. priorities for WTSA–2016.1 NTIA, as the principal adviser to the President on telecommunications and information policy, seeks input from stakeholders and other interested parties to develop its recommendations to the U.S. Department of State and to inform any NTIA delegates who will attend the WTSA. NTIA’s participation in the U.S. WTSA–2016 preparatory process is intended to ensure that U.S. proposals and positions support the nation’s telecommunications, converged communications infrastructure, information and technology policies to promote economic growth and digital innovation, and do not duplicate the standards development processes of other bodies. Discussion: There are numerous standards organizations and fora around the globe focused on various aspects of telecommunication and information jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 1 See Department of State, Notice of Meeting of the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee and Preparations for Upcoming International Communications and Information Policy Meetings, Public Notice: 9399, 81 FR 847 (Jan. 7, 2016). VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:32 May 16, 2016 Jkt 238001 policies. No single organization can cover all ground, nor should it try or claim to do so. The purpose of this Notice and Request for Public Comment is to seek input from stakeholders and other interested parties to share their perspectives as to whether and how the work of the ITU–T results in standards that meet their needs. We are interested in particular on input related to ITU–T restructuring and work methods and rules of procedure. Questions for Public Comment NTIA requests comment on the questions below. NTIA also welcomes input and comments on any specific issues being advanced by other countries, private sector organizations, and stakeholders for WTSA–2016. (1) Are there overarching objectives and priorities that the U.S. delegation should adopt for WTSA–2016 and the ITU–T? What is the best way for the U.S. delegation to advance and ultimately achieve these objectives and priorities? (2) In an environment with a wide range of industry led, multistakeholder standards development organization (SDOs) leading the development of telecommunications and information standards, does an intergovernmental organization, such as the ITU, provide any unique value? How does ITU involvement in global standards development influence, or affect U.S. industry interests in engaging in and promoting the international digital economy? (3) What do you believe is the percentage of participation of relevant organizations or companies in the ITU– T study groups? What is the value of this participation in the ITU–T study groups? Does this participation meeting the needs of relevant organizations or companies? (4) Is there a wide implementation of the ITU–T recommendations in the United States or elsewhere by relevant organizations or companies? Why or why not? Can you provide examples of these implementations, if any? (5) The WTSA–12 Action Plan (see https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/ WTSA16/WTSA-12-Action-Plan.pdf) identified issues that will be discussed during WTSA–2016. Which of these issues are the most important to focus on in the upcoming WTSA–2016? What positions should be taken with respect to these issues? (6) Are the ITU–T work methods and/ or rules of procedure effective? Why or why not? What, if any, modifications to ITU–T Resolutions and Recommendations (see https:// PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 30519 www.ntia.doc.gov/page/wtsa-12resolutions-and-opinions) or to the ITU– T working methods or rules of procedure would you recommend to improve efficiency and effectiveness? Are there structural changes to the ITU– T that could make the organization more relevant? (7) What are the most important international standardization public policy issues and topics? And why? In what areas or subjects do you believe the ITU–T has a particular role or expertise? (8) Assuming the ITU–T study group structure remains as it is today, in which study groups and activities should NTIA prioritize its participation and why? (9) How could cooperation and collaboration between ITU–T and other SDOs be strengthened? How could cooperation and collaboration among the three ITU sectors be strengthened? (10) The ITU and its membership have identified a standardization gap between developed and developing countries and a need to bridge that gap to ensure greater participation by all countries in the work of the ITU–T. What is the best way to address this gap? Would ITU programs on this topic be better placed within the ITU–D or the ITU–T? What other steps can be taken to bridge this gap? NTIA invites comment on the questions set forth in this Notice and Request for Public Comment as well as input on any other issues relevant to NTIA’s participation in the ITU–T that will assist NTIA in its consultations with the U.S. Department of State and other U.S. government agencies in preparation for WTSA–2016. Dated: May 12, 2016. Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information. [FR Doc. 2016–11609 Filed 5–16–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–60–P COMMITTEE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TEXTILE AGREEMENTS Determination Under the Textile and Apparel Commercial Availability Provision of the Dominican RepublicCentral America-United States Free Trade Agreement (‘‘CAFTA–DR Agreement’’) The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements. ACTION: Determination to add a product in unrestricted quantities to Annex 3.25 of the CAFTA–DR Agreement. AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\17MYN1.SGM 17MYN1

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[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 95 (Tuesday, May 17, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30518-30519]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11609]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

[Docket No. 160509408-6408-01]
RIN 0660-XC026


Input on Proposals and Positions for 2016 World Telecommunication 
Standardization Assembly

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice and request for public comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration 
(NTIA) seeks input from stakeholders and interested parties to help 
develop its proposals and positions regarding matters that will be 
addressed at the upcoming 2016 World Telecommunication Standardization 
Assembly (WTSA-2016) of the International Telecommunication Union 
(ITU), being held from October 25 to November 3, 2016. The results of 
this Notice and Request for Public Comment will be reflected in NTIA's 
recommendations for U.S. proposals and positions to the U.S. Department 
of State, which is coordinating the WTSA-2016 preparatory process.

DATES: Comments are due on or before June 16, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by mail to Vernita D. 
Harris, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of International 
Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230. Comments 
may also be submitted electronically to vharris@ntia.doc.gov or to 
WTSA2016@ntia.doc.gov. Comments provided electronically should be 
submitted in a text searchable format using standard Microsoft Word or 
Adobe PDF. Comments will be posted to NTIA's Web site at https://www.ntia.doc.gov/federal-register-notice/2016/wtsa16-rfc-comments.

[[Page 30519]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about this Notice 
contact: Vernita D. Harris, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of 
International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue 
NW., Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-4686; email: 
vharris@ntia.doc.gov. Please direct media inquiries to the Office of 
Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482-7002.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Background: The WTSA, which occurs every four years, sets the 
overall strategic direction and activities for upcoming ITU 
Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) work; defines the 
general policy for the ITU-T; approves, modifies or rejects ITU-T 
Standards (known as ``recommendations''); and establishes the structure 
for the ITU-T study groups, approves their expected work program for 
the next four-year period, and appoints their Chairmen and Vice-
Chairmen. The next WTSA conference will be held from October 25 to 
November 3, 2016, in Yasmine Hammamet, Tunisia. Participants 
historically include ministers, ambassadors, government delegates, 
regional and international organizations, and representatives from 
academia, civil society, and the private sector.
    The U.S. Department of State initiated U.S. preparations for WTSA-
2016 in January 2016, which are focused on developing formal U.S. 
priorities for WTSA-2016.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See Department of State, Notice of Meeting of the 
International Telecommunication Advisory Committee and Preparations 
for Upcoming International Communications and Information Policy 
Meetings, Public Notice: 9399, 81 FR 847 (Jan. 7, 2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NTIA, as the principal adviser to the President on 
telecommunications and information policy, seeks input from 
stakeholders and other interested parties to develop its 
recommendations to the U.S. Department of State and to inform any NTIA 
delegates who will attend the WTSA. NTIA's participation in the U.S. 
WTSA-2016 preparatory process is intended to ensure that U.S. proposals 
and positions support the nation's telecommunications, converged 
communications infrastructure, information and technology policies to 
promote economic growth and digital innovation, and do not duplicate 
the standards development processes of other bodies.
    Discussion: There are numerous standards organizations and fora 
around the globe focused on various aspects of telecommunication and 
information policies. No single organization can cover all ground, nor 
should it try or claim to do so.
    The purpose of this Notice and Request for Public Comment is to 
seek input from stakeholders and other interested parties to share 
their perspectives as to whether and how the work of the ITU-T results 
in standards that meet their needs. We are interested in particular on 
input related to ITU-T restructuring and work methods and rules of 
procedure.

Questions for Public Comment

    NTIA requests comment on the questions below. NTIA also welcomes 
input and comments on any specific issues being advanced by other 
countries, private sector organizations, and stakeholders for WTSA-
2016.
    (1) Are there overarching objectives and priorities that the U.S. 
delegation should adopt for WTSA-2016 and the ITU-T? What is the best 
way for the U.S. delegation to advance and ultimately achieve these 
objectives and priorities?
    (2) In an environment with a wide range of industry led, 
multistakeholder standards development organization (SDOs) leading the 
development of telecommunications and information standards, does an 
intergovernmental organization, such as the ITU, provide any unique 
value? How does ITU involvement in global standards development 
influence, or affect U.S. industry interests in engaging in and 
promoting the international digital economy?
    (3) What do you believe is the percentage of participation of 
relevant organizations or companies in the ITU-T study groups? What is 
the value of this participation in the ITU-T study groups? Does this 
participation meeting the needs of relevant organizations or companies?
    (4) Is there a wide implementation of the ITU-T recommendations in 
the United States or elsewhere by relevant organizations or companies? 
Why or why not? Can you provide examples of these implementations, if 
any?
    (5) The WTSA-12 Action Plan (see https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/WTSA16/WTSA-12-Action-Plan.pdf) identified issues that will be 
discussed during WTSA-2016. Which of these issues are the most 
important to focus on in the upcoming WTSA-2016? What positions should 
be taken with respect to these issues?
    (6) Are the ITU-T work methods and/or rules of procedure effective? 
Why or why not? What, if any, modifications to ITU-T Resolutions and 
Recommendations (see https://www.ntia.doc.gov/page/wtsa-12-resolutions-and-opinions) or to the ITU-T working methods or rules of procedure 
would you recommend to improve efficiency and effectiveness? Are there 
structural changes to the ITU-T that could make the organization more 
relevant?
    (7) What are the most important international standardization 
public policy issues and topics? And why? In what areas or subjects do 
you believe the ITU-T has a particular role or expertise?
    (8) Assuming the ITU-T study group structure remains as it is 
today, in which study groups and activities should NTIA prioritize its 
participation and why?
    (9) How could cooperation and collaboration between ITU-T and other 
SDOs be strengthened? How could cooperation and collaboration among the 
three ITU sectors be strengthened?
    (10) The ITU and its membership have identified a standardization 
gap between developed and developing countries and a need to bridge 
that gap to ensure greater participation by all countries in the work 
of the ITU-T. What is the best way to address this gap? Would ITU 
programs on this topic be better placed within the ITU-D or the ITU-T? 
What other steps can be taken to bridge this gap?
    NTIA invites comment on the questions set forth in this Notice and 
Request for Public Comment as well as input on any other issues 
relevant to NTIA's participation in the ITU-T that will assist NTIA in 
its consultations with the U.S. Department of State and other U.S. 
government agencies in preparation for WTSA-2016.

    Dated: May 12, 2016.
Lawrence E. Strickling,
Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information.
[FR Doc. 2016-11609 Filed 5-16-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-60-P
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