By a 53-45 vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed Republican Olivia Trusty as an FCC commissioner on Tuesday evening. The vote was for President Trump’s nomination of Trusty to serve out the remainder of a term expiring June 30.
Trusty has experience as Republican aide on the U.S. Senate Commerce and Armed Services Committees. She began her career in telecom. Her LinkedIn profile lists stints in D.C. at Qwest as a senior policy representative for federal government relations and Verizon (NYSE: VZ) as a senior consultant for public policy, law and security.
Trusty has proven a commitment to expanding wireless access and has made a positive impact on South Mississippi, according to Jimmy Miller, Vice President., MILLERCO. In an Op Ed for Inside Towers, he wrote, “Olivia has been instrumental in conducting Congressional oversight over the wireless industry during her tenure on staff for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), serving as an advisor to our Senator on the Senate Commerce Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee.”
“Through her work, Olivia also served a key role in workforce development here in Mississippi,” wrote Miller. “Specifically, she was instrumental in setting up the wireless training facility at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Long Beach which prepares local technicians for tech careers. Olivia also amplified local voices in Washington, D.C., inviting small Mississippi broadband companies to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee.”
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said on X that Trusty would be a great addition to the Commission. “Olivia brings years of valuable experience to the agency, including her public service on Capitol Hill and time in the private sector. I am confident that her deep expertise and knowledge will enable her to hit the ground running, and she will be an exceptionally effective FCC Commissioner. I look forward to welcoming Olivia to the Commission as a colleague and advancing an agenda that will deliver great results for the American people.”
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, and the Wireless Infrastructure Association congratulated Trusty. “Olivia brings to the Commission a deep understanding of both telecommunications policy and the real-world infrastructure challenges that shape broadband deployment in America. Her experience on Capitol Hill and with regulatory frameworks uniquely equips her to hit the ground running on day one,” said President/CEO Todd Schlekeway.
“NATE members know firsthand how critical it is to have FCC leadership that appreciates the vital role of our workforce in expanding connectivity. Olivia’s track record demonstrates a strong commitment to closing the digital divide through balanced, pro-growth policies that empower the deployment professionals building out 5G, rural broadband, and emergency communications systems nationwide.
We look forward to working with Commissioner Trusty and the entire Commission to advance shared priorities—streamlining permitting, unlocking more spectrum, enhancing workforce safety, and ensuring America leads the world in wireless innovation,” added Schlekeway.
“With her deep familiarity with spectrum, broadband, and infrastructure policy issues, she is poised to help unlock the full potential of our wireless future,” said WIA President/CEO Patrick Halley. “We look forward to working with her to enable connectivity everywhere, driving economic growth, ensuring national security, and ensuring America remains the leader in wireless innovation.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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