Communications trade associations congratulated FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr on the news that President-elect Donald Trump selected Carr to chair the FCC. They all pledged to work with Carr and his staff to advance communications industries.
Todd Schlekeway, president and CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, said: “Brendan is a champion for the tower technicians and contractor companies who do the tough, gritty work to enable connectivity in the United States. During his tenure serving as an FCC Commissioner, Brendan has invested a great amount of time and energy visiting NATE member companies on the front lines of deployment, including personally climbing many towers with America’s finest tower techs from around the country.”
“Commissioner Carr’s leadership has been instrumental in enacting policies that have eliminated bureaucratic red tape and streamlined wireless and broadband deployment activities so that more citizens and businesses in the country have access to the internet and mobile connectivity,” Schlekeway added. “NATE and our member companies from coast to coast stand ready to support Commissioner Carr’s agenda at the FCC and collaborate with the agency on the many policy and regulatory issues facing our dynamic industry.”
“Commissioner Carr has been a steadfast champion for the deployment of wireless networks, consistently leading reforms to streamline the wireless infrastructure siting process and calling for an accelerated path to a spectrum pipeline,” said Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) President/CEO Patrick Halley. “He recognizes that the key to America’s economic success, the safety of our communities, and the welfare of all Americans depends on the infrastructure that powers the best wireless networks in the world. WIA congratulates Commissioner Carr on his appointment as FCC Chairman and we look forward to continuing to work with him and his staff to advance wireless connectivity in every community.”
CTIA President/CEO Meredith Attwell Baker congratulated Carr on behalf of the entire wireless industry. “For years, he has been a vital, leading voice on wireless policy, championing the infrastructure reforms and spectrum action needed to spur investment, grow our economy, create jobs, and drive innovation across industries. We look forward to continuing to work closely together to secure America’s 5G leadership and economic competitiveness.”
“Carr’s deep understanding of communications policy, especially the unique needs of rural America and the importance of ensuring access to robust mobile broadband services, is key to maximizing innovation and our nation’s competitiveness,” said Competitive Carriers Association President/CEO Tim Donovan. “We look forward to continuing to work with Carr to promote policies that enhance competition, expand connectivity, and provide solutions for all Americans.”
USTelecom President/CEO Jonathan Spalter called Carr “a proven leader and an important partner in our shared goal to connect all Americans. With his deep experience and expertise, Commissioner Carr clearly understands the regulatory challenges and opportunities across the communications landscape.”
“Commissioner Carr has long been a champion of rural broadband who understands the importance of getting and keeping communities connected,” said Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. “He has consistently supported improvements and enhancements to the FCC’s essential universal service programs, and his interest in ensuring Big Tech platforms contribute a fair share to the availability and affordability of rural broadband networks could be critical to the sustainability and longevity of these programs.” Bloomfield added that NTCA and its members “have particularly appreciated his commitment to taking a firsthand look at the benefits of deploying and delivering broadband through his frequent ‘Carr Trips’ across rural America.”
Fiber Broadband Association CEO Gary Bolton said, “Our country still has quite a lot of work to do to ensure every community can access the valuable applications that high-speed broadband connects them to, and we will continue our unwavering support to all policymakers, providing them the research, resources, and expertise to make the best decisions for Americans.”
David Zumwalt, President and CEO of WISPA – The Association for Broadband Without Boundaries, called Carr “a strong proponent of ‘light-touch’ regulation, which has helped the U.S. communications market grow exponentially, thrive, and lead the world in pro-consumer innovation. In particular, WISPA believes Carr’s longstanding leadership on a balanced approach to spectrum allocation; his vocal and fierce stance against government micro-management of ISPs, as seen in needless Title II net neutrality mandates and elsewhere; and his call to properly target Universal Service programs so that they benefit those who truly lack broadband – these principles among others will help guide the U.S. communications marketplace to renewed vitality and prosperity, all in service of the average household consumer.”
NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, “Commissioner Carr has been a steadfast leader in holding Big Tech accountable and supporting policies that will allow local broadcast stations to better compete with these behemoths and thrive. We are excited to continue our work with the chairman-designate to level the playing field and remove regulatory barriers that impede investment in local broadcast newsrooms. Together we will ensure local television and radio stations can innovate and continue to serve communities across the country.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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