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Executive Order 10995
Executive Order 10995
WHEREAS telecommunications is vital to the security and welfare of this Nation and to
the conduct of its foreign affairs;
WHEREAS it is imperative that the United States maintain an efficient and well-planned
national and international telecommunications program capable of stimulating and
incorporating rapid technological advances being made in the field of
telecommunications;
WHEREAS the radio spectrum is a critical natural resource which requires elective,
efficient and prudent administration in the national interest;
WHEREAS there is an immediate and urgent need for an examination of ways and means
of improving the administration and utilization of the radio spectrum as a whole;
WHEREAS there is an immediate and urgent need for integrated short and long-range
planning with respect to national and international telecommunications programs, for
continuing supervision over the use of the radio frequency spectrum by the executive
branch of the Government and for the development of national policies in the field of
telecommunications;
SEC. 2. Subject to the authority and control of the President, the Director of
Telecommunications Management shall:
(a) Coordinate telecommunications activities of the executive branch of the Government
and be responsible for the formulation, after consultation with appropriate agencies, of
overall policies and standards therefor. He shall promote and encourage the adoption of
uniform policies and standards by agencies authorized to operate telecommunications
systems. Agencies shall consult with the Director of Telecommunications Management in
the development of policies and standards for the conduct of their telecommunications
activities within the overall policies of the executive branch.
(b) Develop data with regard to United States Government frequency requirements.
(c) Encourage such research and development activities as he shall deem necessary and
desirable for the attainment of the objectives set forth in section 6 below.
(d) Contract for studies and reports related to any aspect of his responsibilities.
SEC. 3. The authority to assign radio frequencies to Government agencies, vested in the
President by section 305 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (47 U.S.C.
305), including all functions heretofore vested in the Interdepartment Radio Advisory
Committee, is hereby delegated to the Director of the Office of Emergency Planning, who
may redelegate such authority to the Director of Telecommunications Management. Such
authority shall include the power to amend, modify, or revoke frequency assignments.
SEC. 4. The functions and responsibilities vested in the Director of the Office of
Emergency Planning by Executive Order No. 10705 of April 17, 1957, as amended, may
be redelegated to the Director of Telecommunications Management Executive Orders No.
10695A of January 16, 1957, and No. 10705, as amended are hereby further amended
insofar as they are with the present order. Executive Order No. 10460 of June 16, 1953, is
hereby revoked.
SEC. 6. In carrying out functions under this order, the Director of Telecommunications
Management shall consider the following objectives:
(b) Development of telecommunications plans, policies, and programs under which full
advantage of technological development will accrue to the Nation and the users of
telecommunications; and which will satisfactorily serve the national security; sustain and
contribute to the full development of world trade and commerce; strengthen the position
and serve the best interests of the United States in negotiations with foreign nations; and
permit maximum use of resources through better frequency management;
(c) Utilization of the radio spectrum by the Federal Government in a manner which
permits and encourages the most beneficial use thereof in the public interest;
(d) Implementation of the national policy of development and effective use of space
satellites for international telecommunications services.
SEC.7. Nothing contained in this order shall be deemed to impair any existing
authority or jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission.
SEC.9. The Director of Telecommunications Management shall issue such rules and
regulations as may be necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities vested in him
by this order or delegated to him wider this order.
SEC. 10. All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government are
authorized and directed to cooperate with the Director of Management and to furnish him
such information, support and assistance, not inconsistent with the law, as he may require
in the performance of his duties.
JOHN F. KENNEDY