Tom Wheeler, the FCC's new boss, on consumer rights and network neutrality

More and more, the Federal Communications Commission is a government organization expected to play referee in the online world. As a former high powered lobbyist, new chairman Tom Wheeler has a reputation as a Beltway insider, and critics have derided him for the perception that he is too cozy with the industry. Chairman Wheeler says his detractors should think of him now lobbying on behalf of all Americans in the way he once lobbied for the cable and wireless industries.

"I'm proud of my previous time working with two dynamic and growing industries, and I hope that I was a good advocate for them," he says. "Today, the American people are my client, and I want to be the best possible advocate for the American people." Chairman Wheeler used to lobby for broadcasters and telecom companies. One big challenge he's facing is net neutrality -- whether Internet service providers can restrict or degrade access to online services from competitors. One of the immediate things on his list, though, is the country's shrinking spectrum for our multiplying mobile devices. To address the issue, the FCC voted this fall to re-purpose the spectrum from TV broadcasters for wireless networks. Broadcasters will voluntarily sell their part of the spectrum back to the federal government, which in turn will auction it off to wireless broadband providers.