Uh-oh: AT&T and Comcast are ecstatic about the FCC’s new chairman

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Not surprisingly, the cable and telecom companies that Tom Wheeler springs from are ecstatic about the nomination to be Federal Communications chair.

AT&T called Wheeler an "inspired pick to lead the FCC." In congratulating Wheeler, AT&T said it hopes the new FCC chairman will help get rid of "outdated laws" and "antiquated rules." "Mr. Wheeler will face daunting challenges at the FCC," AT&T Senior Executive VP Jim Cicconi said. "Already the pace of technological change is clashing with outdated laws, antiquated rules, and approaches more rooted in the past than the present. The dedicated career staff at the FCC are grappling with these challenges now. If the pace of change is to continue, along with the investment and job creation that fuel it, the mission of the FCC in the 21st Century must be re-examined, and its rules and methods modernized. In this situation, I can think of no nominee more talented or whose leadership skills are more needed. Moreover, Mr. Wheeler will be joining a complement of fellow commissioners who are equally formidable and well suited for this important moment in the FCC’s history."

A similarly positive statement came from Comcast. "We congratulate Tom Wheeler on his nomination as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission," Comcast said. His vast knowledge of the communications industry, as well as his proven leadership, will be invaluable as the Commission sets its course for our nation’s digital future. We applaud President Obama's nomination and we look forward to working with the Commission under Tom's leadership."

The NCTA called Wheeler "an exceptional choice to lead the Commission" and the CTIA said it looks forward to working with Wheeler "on the breadth of spectrum and other wireless telecom matters which are pending at the Commission."

Wheeler led the NCTA from 1979 to 1984 and the CTIA from 1992 to 2004.


Uh-oh: AT&T and Comcast are ecstatic about the FCC’s new chairman