The Computer & Communications Industry Association praised President Obama’s decision to nominate Tom Wheeler as FCC Chairman.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“President Obama has nominated the right leader for the right job at the right time.
“I have known and respected Tom Wheeler for many years, and believe his exceptional understanding of much of the industry, combined with his demonstrated commitment to protecting the public interest, makes him uniquely qualified to lead this important agency facing many complicated and critical decisions
“Tom’s knowledge of the telecom, cable and Internet industries and his experience representing the wireless and cable industries when they were the newest disruptive innovators makes him an excellent choice. A frequent impediment to US innovation is that incumbents too often protect their legacy business models rather than allowing the market to evolve in ways that help consumers. Wheeler’s career backing start ups and promoting disruptive innovators in the wireless and cable industries is an important perspective to have in a Chairman.
“The choice of Wheeler reinforces our belief that President Obama understands the Internet’s role as both a communications tool and as a key for growing the digital economy. We need an FCC Chairman to chart the right course that will boost Internet openness, promote robust competition, innovation and affordable high speed Internet access.”
The following can be attributed to CCIA Vice President Cathy Sloan:
“Commissioner Clyburn will be an excellent interim Chairman during the pendency of the confirmation process. Tom Wheeler had the helm of the cable TV and mobile wireless associations when each were chock full of young upstart entrepreneurs and competitors.
“While those companies originally enjoyed exclusive local franchises and duopoly spectrum assignments, that’s what it took to get started in these hugely capital intensive network businesses, with dominant legacy incumbents. We are confident he appreciates the importance of basic FCC rules of the road on Internet access, interconnection and interoperability to protect consumers and promote competition in the digital age.”