NTIA Head Steps Down

The head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the Commerce Department said this week he will step down in early 2006, the New York Times reported.

Michael D. Gallagher had been in the race to head the FCC after Michael Powell resigned; he lost to Kevin J. Martin.

The Times said Gallagher played a major role in negotiations between the wireless industry and the Pentagon over steps to free valuable radio spectrum for use by the industry. He also was part of the Bush administrations efforts to push back against some countries attempts to more tightly regulate the Internet.

The paper said Gallagher told it he would take some time off to consider his next career move. He has been an aide to a representative, a lobbyist and joined the Commerce Department in 2001. He led the telecommunications division for two years.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration   http://www.ntia.doc.gov