In a move following past protocol, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said he would step down on the same day President-elect Donald Trump is to assume the White House.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler announced plans to leave the agency on Jan. 20, the same day President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be sworn into office replacing current President Barack Obama, who had initially appointed Wheeler to the post in 2013.
“Serving as FCC 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,” Wheeler noted in a statement. “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.”
The move was not unexpected as a change in presidential political affiliation typically includes a change at the head of many government agencies. Former FCC Chairman Kevin Martin stepped down from the position in 2009, in line with President Obama being sworn in.
While serving for just under four years, Wheeler oversaw a number of impactful decisions by the FCC in regards to the telecommunications space.
These included the successful of two spectrum auctions covering the AWS-3 and H-Block bands, though he will likely not be in office to see the conclusion of the ongoing 600 MHz incentive auction proceedings. Wheeler’s FCC also moved on plans to open up spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band and earlier this year announced the Spectrum Frontiers initiative designed to open up gigahertz of high-band spectrum in support of planned “5G” services.
Wheeler also headed the FCC’s controversial Open Internet ruling, which continues to see lobbying resistance, and shot down a potential merger of Sprint and T-Mobile US, which now may be back on the table.
Prior to joining the FCC, Wheeler served as a member of President Obama’s initial transition team and head of wireless industry trade association CTIA.
Along with Wheeler’s departure, the FCC could see a new Democrat commissioner as standing member Jessica Rosenworcel has yet to see her term extended. Rosenworcel’s current term is set to expire on Dec. 31. Should replacements for Rosenworcel and Wheeler not be named by Jan. 20, the FCC will be reduced to just three members and a 2-1 party advantage for Republicans.
Gaps in past FCC leadership changes have typically led to a sitting commissioner from the President’s political party taking over on an interim basis until a new chairman is approved.
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