FCC chief Martin resigns, plans move to think tank

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin today announced his resignation, marking an ending to a turbulent tenure in which he often found himself at odds with the mobile-phone industry and the Democratic-controlled Congress.
Martin, chairman since March 2005, said the agency under his leadership ushered a new wireless era of broadband connectivity. The FCC chief oversaw the largest revenue-making spectrum auctions: advanced wireless services-1 in 2006 ($13.7 billion) and 700 MHz ($19.4 billion) last year. In addition, he pushed through a controversial rule to open up vacant broadcast channels – white spaces – for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed devices.
In his letter of resignation to President Bush, Martin wrote, “I have had the privilege of serving at the Federal Communications Commission for almost 8 years, including 4 years as the agency’s chairman. During this period, we have seen a telecommunications industry undergoing rapid and unprecedented change. As a result of the market-oriented and consumer focused policies we have pursued the American people are now reaping the rewards of convergence and the broadband revolution including new and more innovative technologies and services at ever-declining prices.”
Martin bumped heads with the mobile phone industry over such high-profile wireless issues as open access, cell site backup power, 700 MHz public safety/commercial rules and an ill-fated attempt to approve a free national wireless broadband plan.
At the same time, the Martin FCC approved every major wireless merger that came before the agency and shielded wireless Internet services from cumbersome common carrier regulations. In addition, Martin attempted – albeit unsuccessfully – to craft a national early termination fee policy that might have preempted states from intervening in the fee disputes.
Martin came under heavy fire from Democrats on Capitol Hill and the wireless industry over his management of the agency, prompting a congressional investigation and culminating in a scathing report by the House Commerce Committee late last year.
The FCC said Martin will serve as a senior fellow at the Aspen Institute in the nation’s capital.
Martin likely will be succeeded by Julius Genachowski, a former FCC official and high tech entrepreneur whom President-elect Barack Obama has settled on as the next FCC chairman.