Genachowski Appointed FCC Defense Commissioner

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski has been named Defense Commissioner; Commissioner Michael Copps will serve as Alternate Defense Commissioner for a term of one year. The Defense Commissioner "directs the homeland security, national security and emergency preparedness, and defense activities of the Commission." The duties and responsibilities of the Defense Commissioner include, inter alia:

1) representing the Commission in interagency matters pertaining to public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency preparedness, disaster management, and defense and related matters, including matters pertaining to continuity of the essential functions of the Commission under emergency conditions;

2) serving as the principal point of contact for the Commission on all matters pertaining to the Department of Homeland Security;

3) serving as a member of the Joint Telecommunications Resources Board (JTRB);

4) developing emergency programs covering service provision by wireless and wireline telecommunications carriers and broadcast, cable, and satellite facilities, as well as radio frequency assignment, investigation, and enforcement; and

5) assuming the duties of the Commission under certain emergencies.

The Alternate Defense Commissioner is authorized to perform the functions of the Defense Commissioner if he or she is not available.