FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski formally announced on Friday morning a move he’d hinted at for weeks: leaving the post he’s held since President Barack Obama appointed him as head of the telecommunication regulatory agency.
Recently Genachowski told FCC employees that he would be stepping down sometime in the next few weeks. Friday morning brought the official announcement.
Genachowski has overseen some large changes to the industry during the four years he’s held the top post. He presided over the recent merger between T-Mobile and MetroPCS, after having fought T-Mobile’s last possible merger with AT&T in 2010.
Cable provider Cablevision purchased NBC Universal under his watch.
Verizon purchased a large wireless license deal during his term as well. The company offered kind parting words.
"Chairman Genachowski's leadership at the FCC has been marked by his commitment to encourage expansion and adoption of broadband - both wireless and wireline - as a transformative technology that is critical to our nation's global competitiveness, our economy and our standing as global leader in wireless innovation" Craig Silliman, Verizon's senior vice president for public policy and government affairs said in a statement. "We commend him for modernizing outdated policies, including reforms to the antiquated intercarrier compensation system and the Universal Service Fund. He was also successful in keeping the Agency focused on the needs of consumers in today's marketplace, including addressing the surging demand for wireless spectrum. We wish him well as he embarks on the next stage of his career."
Genachowski also oversaw the development and initial implementation of the country’s first National Broadband Plan, a series of goals to be achieved by 2020 with plans to reach them. The plan was primarily written by Blair Levin, a former FCC chief of staff who is one of the finalists in the running to replace Genachowski.
Some are not as pleased with his performance. Public Knowledge, a digital-focused consumer advocacy group, released a statement on the announcement explaining its hopes, past and present.
"For those of us who represent the public, Chairman Genachowski's term can best be described as one of missed opportunities," Public Knowledge said in a statement. "We urge the President to appoint a new FCC Chair who will put the public interest first, and who will restore the agency's ability to protect the values so critical to our communications system and to our democracy - service to all Americans, openness, competition and diversity. The nation cannot afford another four years of missed opportunities."
