Wheeler Resigning From FCC January 20

Posted: December 22, 2016

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has been a polarizing person as the head of our industry’s highest regulatory body. When Wheeler announced this month that he would be resigning, the coverage reflected the mixed legacy he will leave behind.

FCC Statement:

Chairman Wheeler announces his plans to step down
Chairman Wheeler:
“Serving as F.C.C. Chairman during this period of historic technological change has been the greatest honor of my professional life. I am deeply grateful to the President for giving me this opportunity. I am especially thankful to the talented Commission staff for their service and sacrifice during my tenure. Their achievements have contributed to a thriving communications sector, where robust investment and world-leading innovation continue to drive our economy and meaningful improvements in the lives of the American people. It has been a privilege to work with my fellow Commissioners to help protect consumers, strengthen public safety and cybersecurity, and ensure fast, fair and open networks for all Americans.”

NTCA:

NTCA extends well wishes to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler
Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield:
“NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association wishes Chairman Tom Wheeler well in his future endeavors. He repeatedly demonstrated great resolve in taking action on some very difficult issues, and we appreciate the agency’s willingness under his leadership to engage with interested and affected stakeholders throughout these debates.”

TDS:

Drew Petersen, vice president of External Affairs and Communications for TDS Telecommunications Corp.:
“FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler represented the interests of consumers and communities during his tenure on the commission. Chairman Wheeler recognized the importance of investing in broadband services in rural areas. He also understood the economic and civic benefits those investments have on our country. Wheeler was pragmatic in his approach and his support for lifting up rural America with improved broadband services.

“The proposed Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) for rural rate-of-return carriers is a great illustration of Wheeler’s leadership on matters of rural broadband expansion. This program, once approved, will result in hundreds of thousands of rural citizens receiving upgraded, broadband connections.

“Chairman Wheeler should be commended for dedicating the time and effort to solve this vexing problem — the lack of sufficient and reliable access to broadband. TDS hopes Chairman Wheeler’s last FCC action will be approving and ordering a revised A-CAM model to benefit rural Americans. This will be an important legacy for Chairman Wheeler and his tenure at the FCC.”

More reaction from around the web:

Washington Post: FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is stepping down, setting the stage for a GOP majority on Trump’s first day
Wired: Tom Wheeler resigns from the FCC — So long, net neutrality
Wall Street Journal: Tom Wheeler has left the group chat
Digital Trends: The end of net neutrality? FCC chairman Tom Wheeler will resign in January
Politico: FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to resign
Variety: FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to step down after Trump takes office