After nearly half a year functioning as a three-member body, the Federal Communications Commission could soon be fully staffed again.
In an expected move, President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening nominated Brendan Carr to fill the open Republican seat on the Commission. The move comes around two weeks after Trump tapped FCC alum Jessica Rosenworcel to retake the open Democratic seat. Both Carr and Rosenworcel will need to be approved by the Senate before assuming their seats on the Commission.
“I congratulate Brendan Carr on the President’s announcement that he will be nominated to serve as an FCC Commissioner,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said. “Brendan’s expertise on wireless policy and public safety will be a tremendous asset to the Commission. I look forward to working with him in his new role and wish him all the best during the confirmation process.”
Carr has served as Pai’s Wireless, Public Safety, and International legal advisor for the past several years, moving to that role from a position in the FCC’s Office of the General Counsel. Prior to joining the Commission, Carr worked as an attorney for the law firm Wiley Rein LLP. There, he specialized in telecommunications, representing clients including carriers like AT&T and Verizon as well as industry associations like USTelecom and CTIA.
It comes as little surprise, then, that the latter was quick to praise his nomination.
“CTIA and the wireless industry congratulate Brendan Carr on his nomination as an FCC Commissioner. He is an accomplished and talented attorney who understands the importance of wireless to consumers and the U.S. economy,” CTIA President and CEO Meredith Attwell Baker commented. “The FCC is focused on a range of wireless issues, including infrastructure siting for next generation 5G wireless networks, and we hope his nomination will be swiftly approved by the Senate.”
WiFiForward also hailed Trump’s pick.
“Brendan Carr gets spectrum, and WiFiForward is eager for Congress to put him on the job at the FCC as soon as possible,” the group said in a statement.
CCA CEO Steven Berry similarly lauded Carr’s knowledge of spectrum issues.
“In this pivotal time in the communications industry, decisions made by the FCC certainly impact competitive carriers, and Brendan’s understanding of the importance of spectrum, Universal Service Fund support and competition issues will allow him to hit the ground running as Commissioner,” he said. “I congratulate Brendan on his nomination and support his confirmation by the Senate.”
Filed Under: Industry regulations