Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps has announced Friday afternoon that Blair Levin will return to the FCC to coordinate development of the new national broadband plan starting Monday. The following comments can be attributed to Ed Black, President & CEO of the Computer & Communications Industry Association.
“It’s a very wise decision to appoint someone with such a deep background in this area to have responsibility for integrating policy on an issue that is so critical to innovation and our economy.
“Levin has experience in both government and business, serving as chief of staff to former Chairman Reed Hundt and he was the chief telecom, media and tech regulatory and strategy analyst at Stifel Nicolaus. We’re glad the Administration recognized the importance of this depth of experience. Levin was largely responsible for implementation of the 1996 Telecommunications Act on an expedited statutory timetable. The quality of our new National Broadband Plan will benefit greatly from his direct involvement.
“As Acting Managing Director, Mary Beth Richards is also a superb addition to the 8th floor team with stellar public service credentials in telecommunications and consumer protection.”