It’s probably not a surprise to anyone, but President Trump has nominated FCC Chairman Ajit Pai for a second five-year term at the agency. Shortly after taking office, Trump moved Pai up to Chairman at the Commission, which was a good indicator that he wanted him to continue at the FCC. The Senate needs to confirm the renomination, and that process is expected to occur quickly.
“I am deeply honored to have been nominated by President Trump to serve a second term on the Federal Communications Commission,” Pai says in a statement. “If I am fortunate to be confirmed by the Senate, I will continue to work with my colleagues to connect all Americans with digital opportunity, foster innovation, protect consumers, promote public safety, and make the FCC more open and transparent to the American people.”
Among the trade groups congratulating Pai were NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and the American Cable Association.
“In just a few short months, Chairman Pai has embarked on a thoughtful, pro-consumer agenda that focuses on promoting Internet freedom and expanding the benefits of broadband to all Americans,” Michael Powell, president and CEO at NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, comments.
American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka cheered what he said is Pai’s tendency toward “light-touch regulations” and his goals to remove barriers to broadband deployment. “Chairman Pai also has demonstrated that he is committed to closing the digital divide by using efficient mechanisms to bring robust broadband service to unserved areas and to provide service to people who otherwise cannot afford it,” Polka adds.
The news also drew praise from major cable operators.
“FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has already demonstrated his leadership and his commitment to a rational regulatory structure to protect consumers and to encourage investment. He has taken decisive action to reform FCC processes and policies, David L. Cohen, senior executive VP and chief diversity officer at Comcast, says. “With this nomination to another full term as Chairman, consumers can look forward to policies of light regulation that will spur greater investment and innovation and job creation.”
Catherine Bohigian, executive VP, government affairs at Charter, released a statement saying that Chairman Pai “has already put points on the board on behalf of consumers including by increasing regulatory transparency and prioritizing rural broadband deployment.”
“Chairman Pai understands that regulatory stability allows businesses to grow and create jobs, spurs innovation and strengthens our economy all in the public interest,” Bohigian continues. “We look forward to continuing to work with him and his fellow Commissioners to advance broadband infrastructure investment and deployment across the country.”
Filed Under: Industry regulations
