Industry Reactions to Tom Wheeler’s Nomination to Be FCC Chairman: CCIA, NCTA, CTIA, NTCA, CEA and MPAA

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 – The following are reactions from President Barack Obama’s Announcement that Tom Wheeler would be Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission from several of the leading major telecommunications, media and technology industry trade groups.

Ed Black, President and CEO of the Computer and Communications Industry Association:

“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.”

Michael Powell, President and CEO of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association:

“We congratulate Tom Wheeler on his nomination as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. With his significant experience in both the private and public sector, Tom is an exceptional choice to lead the Commission during a time when the telecommunications marketplace is experiencing significant innovation and incredible change. We welcome the pending appointment of Mignon Clyburn as interim chairman as she is a distinguished and able public servant. We will continue working closely with the entire Commission as they tackle important issues facing America’s dynamic media, technology and telecommunications landscape.”

Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA – The Wireless Association:

“On behalf of the wireless industry, we congratulate Tom on today’s announcement. Tom has a deep understanding of communications issues, a passion for hard work and creative thinking, a diverse background that spans the realm of the Internet world and a keen understanding of how mobile wireless broadband can drive our economy and innovation. His leadership of the FCC’s Technological Advisory Council, combined with his private sector experience means he will hit the ground running. We look forward to working with Tom, once he completes the Senate confirmation process, on the breadth of spectrum and other wireless telecom matters which are pending at the Commission and critical to the maintenance of our position as global leader in mobile communications.”

Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of the NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association:

“NTCA congratulates Mr. Wheeler upon his nomination to serve as the next chairman of the FCC. Small rural carriers have worked diligently to deliver on the President’s vision of universal broadband access, and we know that Mr. Wheeler appreciates the need for a stable, well-defined regulatory climate to facilitate investment in and upgrade of broadband-capable, IP-enabled networks. This is particularly important in the hard-to-serve areas in which NTCA members operate, and we look forward to working with Mr. Wheeler to fulfill the promise of high-quality, affordable and sustainable broadband access for all Americans.”

Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association:

“President Obama has made an excellent choice in nominating Tom Wheeler. As the former president of the National Cable Television Association (NCTA) and the former CEO of CTIA – The Wireless Association, he understands the impact of government actions on innovation and competitiveness.

“As the chairman of the U.S. State Department Advisory Committee on International Communications Policy and Information Policy, Wheeler helped develop the unprecedented unified position of the U.S. government, Congress and industry opposing the International Telecommunication Union’s effort to encourage countries to wall off their citizens’ Internet access. Wheeler also helped coordinate the U.S. response to the Haiti disaster which quickly restored basic telecommunications service to Haiti and put into place a strategy for future responses to areas hit by a telecommunications breakdown.

“The FCC plays a vital role in the lives of all Americans. CEA and its 2,000 technology industry member companies look forward to working with Wheelerand his colleagues to help the FCC advance technology innovation through spectrum reallocation and other groundbreaking issues. Wheeler is experienced, qualified and certain to make a difference as FCC chairman.”

Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America:

“I’d like to congratulate Tom Wheeler on his nomination today by President Obama to be FCC Chairman. Tom has demonstrated strong leadership skills at a time of major change in the telecommunications, cable, and wireless industries.  I look forward to working with Tom, an entrepreneur and experienced policy expert,  to ensure the smooth delivery of American content over a variety of devices and networks, both here and abroad.”font