National Coordinating Center for Communications

In 1983, the National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications (NCC), which is operated by the "National Communications System" and staffed by government employees and representatives from major telecommunications service providers, was created by Executive Order 12472 as a joint industry and government organization to handle emergency requests related to the physical telecommunications network.

The NCC’s industry and government representatives’ specific functions include:
 * advising executives and senior officials,
 * maintaining points of contact with the parent organizations,
 * coordinating and directing prompt restoration of telecommunications services in support of national security and emergency preparedness needs during crises such as natural disasters or war, and
 * producing emergency response plans and procedures as a result of lessons learned during actual events.

In January 2000, the NCC was recognized by the President’s National Security Council as the information sharing and analysis center (ISAC) for the telecommunications sector. As such, the NCC is responsible for facilitating the exchange of information among government and industry participants regarding computer-based vulnerability, threat, and intrusion information affecting the telecommunications infrastructure. Also, it analyzes data received from telecommunications industry members, government, and other sources to avoid or lessen the impact of a crisis affecting the telecommunications infrastructure.

Since its recognition as an ISAC, NCC’s membership has expanded beyond traditional telecommunications entities, such as telephone companies, to include other technology companies involved in the telecommunications infrastructure.