UPDATE More reaction is coming in about FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s announcement he intends to step down in January. The former telecom lobbyist and Obama appointee submitted his resignation last Thursday, December 15.
USTelecom President/CEO Walter B. McCormick Jr. thanked Wheeler for expanding next-generation broadband access. “Under his leadership, the FCC made historic reforms to universal service, focused on the importance of technology transitions, modernized the way the commission looks at the voice market by eliminating archaic regulations, and committed the agency to a public-private partnership approach to cybersecurity that will serve as a model for years to come. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Consumer Technology Association President/CEO Gary Shapiro says Wheeler will appear at CES 2017 on January 5, in Las Vegas in one of his last public appearances. “We thank Chairman Wheeler and Commissioner Rosenworcel for their service, particularly their leadership in implementing the world’s first TV broadcast spectrum voluntary incentive auction. As our world becomes more connected and devices become powerful hubs for our connected lives – from wearable technology to smart home devices to self-driving cars – we need additional licensed and unlicensed spectrum now more than ever. Chairman Wheeler and Commissioner Rosenworcel have been key drivers of freeing up the spectrum we need, and consumers will benefit from their legacy.”
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. Roger Wicker, chairman of the Communications Subcommittee wished Wheeler well. “No one who worked with him can doubt his tenacity and passion for telecommunications policy,” said Thune. “His public departure announcement follows longstanding precedent and helps the incoming administration transition the FCC to reflect the outcome of the November election.”
Wicker, too praised the outgoing chairman “for following the tradition of stepping down in advance of a new administration.” He added: “I look forward to working with President-elect Trump to appoint and confirm well-qualified nominees to the Commission who are committed to acting within the statutes and avoiding regulatory overreach.”
Presumably the last part referred to issues like network neutrality, preemption of state laws limiting municipal broadband, and broadband privacy rules; issues on which Republicans and the Wheeler-led agency squabbled.
December 19, 2016
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