News
Obama nominates Wheeler to be new FCC chairman
Telecom veteran Tom Wheeler will succeed Julius Genachowski as chairman of the FCC, if the Senate confirms President Barack Obama’s nomination, which was announced yesterday at the White House.
A managing director for Core Capital Partners, a venture-capital firm based in Washington, D.C., Wheeler has been a significant player in the communications arena for several years, previously serving as a leader of the National Cable Television Association (NCTA), the cable-industry trade association, and the CTIA, the trade association for the commercial wireless industry. These experiences help qualify Wheeler to lead the FCC, according to Obama.
“Tom is the only member of both the cable television and the wireless industry hall of fame. So he’s like the Jim Brown of telecom, or the Bo Jackson of telecom,” Obama said yesterday during a speech introducing Wheeler. “And that’s because, for more than 30 years, Tom has been at the forefront of some of the very dramatic changes that we’ve seen in the way we communicate and how we live our lives.
“He was one of the leaders of a company that helped create thousands of good, high-tech jobs. He’s in charge of the group that advises the FCC on the latest technology issues. He’s helped give American consumers more choices and better products. So, Tom knows this stuff inside and out.”
In March,Genachowski announced his plans to resign as chairman of the FCC. When Genachowski formally steps down, Democratic FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn will serve as acting chair of the agency.
Republican FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell also announced his resignation plans in March. No one has been nominated yet to fill his seat, but Beltway sources expect that McDowell’s replacement will be considered by the Senate at the same time as Wheeler. Considering a Republican and Democrat for the FCC simultaneously should alleviate most of the partisan politics from the confirmation process, according to sources.
Another highly paid and in
Another highly paid and in the pocket book telecom lobbyist who will hammer the final nail into the LMR coffin.
We went from the Devil to Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini in just one month.
I guess that the old adage “be careful what you wish for” is true because It may not be long before we all start saying that we sure miss Genachowski.
My guess is that we will see the re-emergence of BPL, more multi watt part 15 devices along with more uncertified noisy LED lighting, all of the wonderful RFI generators all in the name of promoting big buisness.
Additionally what is to happen once more with companies such as Lightsquared who are still lurking in the shadows?
I’d bet that another LS deal is already in the works for a 3AM grant of operation on the next long holiday weekend?
I Vaugely remember Obama making a comment that he would do away with high priced lobbyist but of course like all politicans it didn’t take him long to be as corrupt as those he appoints.