National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

Is 5G revolutionizing how government operates? From telehealth advancements to military communication breakthroughs, agencies are harnessing its power to improve missions. Tune in to our latest #GovFocus to learn from top agency officials about next-gen strategies and tools needed to maximize 5G's potential. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eimCgF24 Featuring: - David M. Bezzant, Vice President, T-Mobile for Government - Juan R. Ramírez, Director, 5G Cross Functional Team, United States Department of Defense - Jaisha Wray, Associate Administrator for International Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Information Administration Sponsored by T-Mobile

We are thrilled to see our very own Jennifer Manner celebrated in the International Telecommunication Union’s 2024 photo exhibition, “Not a Woman’s Job.” This series celebrates women who dare to lead, innovate, and forge new paths in science and tech.   Jennifer is the Senior Advisor for Space and Satellite Policy at our Office of Spectrum Management, where she advises on policy matters surrounding space, satellites and spectrum management.     https://lnkd.in/eu4C3bie #WomeninSTEM #Spectrum #Telecommunications #Space

#ICYMI: NTIA participated in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Youth Summit 2.0. Hosted by the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, our Office of Public Engagement hosted “NTIA Jeopardy” and spoke with students about ways to get involved with NTIA. Senior Policy Advisor Lukas Pietrzak also delivered brief remarks about our #InternetforAll programs to a group of college students, graduates, young business owners and professionals. 

Are you a telecommunications and Internet policy expert? We are #Hiring! NTIA seeks an Associate Administrator for Policy Analysis & Development to: ✅ Analyze and develop domestic telecommunications, Internet, and information policy positions; ✅ Provide advice and assistance to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information; ✅ Direct a team of highly skilled, multi-disciplinary professional and support staff. Applications are due online on July 10th, 2024 by 11:59 PM ET. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/exMuvr-4 #Telecommunications #Internet #Policy

High-speed #Internet access can open doors for LGBTQI+ communities, friends, and allies by: 📚 Promoting inclusive learning environments   🤝 Creating a welcoming workplace   👩🏽⚕️ Providing and accessing appropriate healthcare   💞 Building safe online communities   And much more!     Read our #PrideMonth blog to learn how Internet access and digital skills enables participation and inclusion in today’s digitally driven society: https://lnkd.in/eegYVhuk

Team National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is in Kigali this week for #ICANN80 and the High Level Government meeting. We are focused on continuing to develop the Internet: bringing more people online in the U.S. and around the world; ensuring a ever-stronger technical foundation; and promoting evolution of the multistakeholder governance system.

TOMORROW! Registration for ISART closes at 12 PM EST. Don’t miss your opportunity to join the broader community of researchers and system owners to discuss clutter and clutter models. https://lnkd.in/gVP5CSAP #ISART2024 #spectrum #telecommunications

TOMORROW: NTIA and the National Science Foundation (NSF) invite you to participate in a webinar Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 2–4 PM. EST. NTIA and NSF experts will discuss the Innovation Fund, Notice of Funding Opportunity 2, with a focus on Radio Unit (RU) innovation. There will be breakout sessions and a Q+A after the presentation. Register now to secure your spot! https://lnkd.in/eYg9_VkF #WirelessInnovationFund #NOFO2 #5G #OpenRAN #PWSCIF    

NTIA celebrates #AANHPI Heritage month with Parul P. Desai, Director of the Office of Congressional Affairs. Q: Tell us about your heritage. A: I’m a first generation Indian American. My family emigrated from the state of Gujarat, and I was born and raised in NJ where there was a substantial Indian—specifically, Gujarati—population. Like most first generationers, I grew up trying to fit into a culture that was new to us, while being raised by parents who wanted me to maintain a connection to their homeland. This meant eating Indian food on a near-daily basis (I always looked forward to Fridays when we had “American” food like pizza or tacos!), celebrating Hindu festivals such as Navratri, and watching Bollywood movies. I didn’t realize my good luck back then, but I now feel privileged to have grown up in such a vibrant community where there were others also navigating dual identities, which made us feel less alone. Q: What brought you to NTIA? What is your role? A: I currently serve as the Director of the Office of Congressional Affairs, which is NTIA’s liaison to Congress on our policies and activities. Just before I joined, Congress gave NTIA over $40 billion to connect everyone in America. This is a goal I and many others have worked on for 15+ years, so I knew I wanted to be a part of NTIA's mission. Not only have I been fortunate to work on the Internet for All initiative, but have also worked on number of NTIA initiatives that impact the digital world, such as the Wireless Innovation Fund, spectrum policy, and AI. Q: How is your community represented and/or underrepresented in your field of work? A: In my specific line of work (tech/telecom policy and advocacy), there are some great people and organizations representing AANHPI communities. I am always excited to see other members of the AANHPI community at the table! When it comes to STEM related work, we are actually well represented. I do think we could benefit from better representation overall. Q: Who inspires you? A: My mother has always inspired me. In her mid-20s, she traveled alone to NY to make a better life for her family. She left behind both my father and her infant son (my brother, who was only 2). This was 1970, and I can only imagine the determination and courage it took for my mom to make this journey (my father and brother later joined her in the U.S.). Not only did she pave the way for us, but when my dad was diagnosed with cancer 15 years later, she supported and sustained our family. She is one of the strongest people I know. My maternal grandparents also inspire me. They were not wealthy, but never wavered in supporting their daughter’s educational goals, which was her path to the U.S. My mom ultimately earned a law degree and a master’s in science. And of course, my father never deterred his wife from leaving India, nor second-guessed her dream to come to the U.S. I remain in awe of the foundation my parents and grandparents have laid for generations to come.

This month NTIA celebrates #AANHPI Heritage Month with the theme “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future”. This week we spoke with Pacific Territories Federal Program Officer Ethan Lake.    Q: Tell us about your heritage.   A: I proudly embrace my American Samoan roots, stemming from a fusion of my father's Iowa upbringing and my mother's lineage hailing from the villages of Nua & Seetaga in American Samoa. This heritage spans two Samoas: Western Samoa, now known as Independent Samoa, and American Samoa, a U.S. Territory. The global Samoan population tallies around 1.2 million, with approximately 200k residing in Samoa, 50k in American Samoa, and the remainder scattered across Australia, New Zealand, and various parts of the U.S. Despite our modest numbers, Samoans have left an indelible mark, excelling notably in the NFL, where they boast a remarkable 40-50 times higher participation rate than non-Samoans, per Sports Illustrated. Additionally, American Samoa claims the highest per capita recruitment rate for the military in the U.S., alongside significant contributions to world rugby. Notably, figures like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson exemplify our proud heritage.     Q: What brought you to NTIA? What is your role?   A: I transitioned into the NTIA after my time as Program Coordinator for FirstNet in American Samoa through the State and Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP). Following the conclusion of that initiative, my Federal Program Officer at the time recommended me for a new program that was about to launch, leading me to my current role as the Federal Program Officer for the BEAD and Digital Equity Program, overseeing the Pacific Territories of American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.     Q: How is your community represented and/or underrepresented in your field of work?   A: Samoans are underrepresented in my field, both in technology and as Federal Program Officers for grants. While our small population contributes to this disparity, even within our community, the percentage engaged in these areas remains low. However, with my involvement in the BEAD and DE program, I aim to change this narrative. By extending Internet access to all Pacific Territories, we not only bridge digital divides but also create more opportunities for Samoans. This access holds the potential to generate local employment, thereby sustaining our culture and preserving traditions by allowing our people to remain rooted in their birthplaces.     Q: Who inspires you?  A: My wife and children serve as profound sources of inspiration, but above all, it is Jesus Christ who guides my path. Amidst the chaos of the world, faith in Jesus and heavenly father serves as my compass. "Fa'a Samoa," or the Samoan way of life, centers on faith and family. Strengthened by our unwavering faith, we also honor the beliefs of others. We all need a guiding light to steer us true, both to ourselves and to others.