How Commissioner Carr Can Modernize The FCC

[Commentary] Commissioner Carr of the Federal Communications Commission should lead the drive to bring the FCC into the 21st century by adopting necessary and recognized reforms. Fortunately there is already a blueprint on the shelf created some 20 years ago by Democratic Chair Bill Kennard which proposed mirroring the Federal Trade Commission’s structure with greater focus on competition, consumer protection and economics. This common-sense plan is a natural part of the evolution of a telecom regulator, which by design should support the transition the market from monopoly to competition, not invent new things to regulate in an attempt to be relevant.

Over the years, the FCC has created tasks and functions for itself that are duplicative, if in not in conflict with many other government agencies.Reversing this trend won’t be easy, but reorienting the FCC’s mission around economics is a good first step that will help grow the economy, create jobs, and spur innovation. Carr should take the lead to modernize the agency.

[Roslyn Layton is a Visiting Fellow at the Center for Internet, Communications and Technology Policy at the American Enterprise Institute.]