By Executive Order No. 13038, President Clinton established the Advisory Committee on Public Interest Obligations of Digital Television Broadcasters (PIAC). The Committee studied and recommended the public interest responsibilities that should accompany the broadcasters' receipt of digital television licenses. NTIA serves as the Secretariat for the Advisory Committee.

The Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) seeks to promote a better understanding between businesses and consumers, to help businesses improve the quality of their services, to educate consumers to make wise purchasing decisions, and to provide the consumer viewpoint in the development of policy. The office: assists consumers with marketplace issues and educates them about resources that are available to help them; publishes guides to help businesses respond to consumer needs; and represents and coordinates the Department's consumer affairs activities with consumer groups, other Federal, state, county, and municipal government agencies, and international organizations.