As widely expected US president Barack Obama has nominated Tom Wheeler to be the next chairman of telecoms regulator the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Providing his appointment is ratified by the Senate he will succeed Julius Genachowski, who…
As widely expected US president Barack Obama has nominated Tom Wheeler to be the next chairman of telecoms regulator the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Providing his appointment is ratified by the Senate he will succeed Julius Genachowski, who announced he was stepping down in March after four years in the role. Obama said he hoped the Senate confirmation process would be speedy.
A former lobbyist and Obama fundraiser, Wheeler will face questions from senators before his nomination is approved.
Obama said: “For more than 30 years Tom has been at the forefront of some of the very dramatic changes that we’ve seen in the way we communicate and how we live our lives.”
Obama also confirmed that sitting Democrat commissioner Mignon Clyburn will be acting chair until Wheeler is confirmed.
Wheeler was seen as the frontrunner for the job alongside another sitting Democrat commissioner, Jessica Rosenworcel.
Commenting on his appointment Rosenworcel said: “This agency will face complex issues during the days ahead, but I am confident that [Tom Wheeler] will be a terrific leader and I look forward to working with him.”
Wheeler’s nomination was greeted by the industry. In a statement the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA), which Wheeler used to head, said: “Tom has a deep understanding of communications issues, a passion for hard work and creative thinking, a diverse background that spans the realm of the internet world and a keen understanding of how mobile wireless broadband can drive our economy and innovation.
“His leadership of the FCC’s Technological Advisory Council, combined with his private sector experience means he will hit the ground running.”