Backers and some critics of Ajit Pai agreed he was a particularly effective FCC chairman, leaving behind a legacy of major accomplishments and changes. Pai announced Monday he will step down on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20 (see 2011300020). Supporters said his scorecard includes enacting policies that accelerated broadband deployment and steering the agency through the pandemic.
Backers and some critics of Ajit Pai agreed he was a particularly effective FCC chairman, leaving behind a legacy of major accomplishments and changes. Pai announced Monday he will step down on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20 (see 2011300020). Supporters said his scorecard includes enacting policies that accelerated broadband deployment and steering the agency through the pandemic.
Digital Colony taps from Macquarie Infrastructure Liam Stewart as managing director-chief operating officer, succeeding Jeff Ginsberg, who remains chief administrative officer and on investment committee of Digital Colony Partners inaugural fund ... Macy’s hires Univision Communications' Bobby Amirshahi as senior vice president-corporate communications, succeeding Cheryl Heinonen, leaving "after the Holiday season to relocate back home to the West Coast" ... Sun Capital Partners adds Elizabeth de Saint-Aignan, ex-Jump Capital, for managing director, Transactions team, leading "the firm’s focus on investments in the technology vertical."
Digital Colony taps from Macquarie Infrastructure Liam Stewart as managing director-chief operating officer, succeeding Jeff Ginsberg, who remains chief administrative officer and on investment committee of Digital Colony Partners inaugural fund ... Macy’s hires Univision Communications' Bobby Amirshahi as senior vice president-corporate communications, succeeding Cheryl Heinonen, leaving "after the Holiday season to relocate back home to the West Coast" ... Sun Capital Partners adds Elizabeth de Saint-Aignan, ex-Jump Capital, for managing director, Transactions team, leading "the firm’s focus on investments in the technology vertical."
President-elect Joe Biden’s incoming administration is likely to boost prospects for a major infrastructure spending package, supporters of increased federal broadband spending told us. They welcome that change after hopes for progress were dashed during President Donald Trump’s administration. Lawmakers in both parties are hopeful but believe questions about how to pay for the additional infrastructure will remain a major sticking point amid expectations there will still be divided control of Congress (see 2011040052).
The three Republicans vying to succeed House Commerce Committee ranking member Greg Walden of Oregon told us they intend to largely maintain his approach to telecom policymaking during the next Congress, which is expected to include more debate on net neutrality. Walden announced his retirement plans last year, sparking debate about Communications Subcommittee Republicans’ future path (see 1911260048).
The three Republicans vying to succeed House Commerce Committee ranking member Greg Walden of Oregon told us they intend to largely maintain his approach to telecom policymaking during the next Congress, which is expected to include more debate on net neutrality. Walden announced his retirement plans last year, sparking debate about Communications Subcommittee Republicans’ future path (see 1911260048).
All eligible price cap carriers currently getting Connect America Fund Phase II support based on the Connect America cost model have opted for an additional seventh year of such support, as was allowed in February's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund order (see 2002070031), the FCC Wireline Bureau said in a public notice Monday. It said the Universal Service Administrative Co. now must disburse USF amounts to carriers starting in January.
State and local governments want to reset relationships with the FCC under President-elect Joe Biden in 2021, said officials from NARUC, NATOA and the National Association of State Consumer Advocates (NASUCA) in interviews this week. A new FCC means “new beginnings” and a chance to build bridges, said NARUC President Paul Kjellander, elected association head Tuesday (see 2011100060).
USTelecom urged President-elect Joe Biden’s incoming administration (see 2011090049) and the next Congress to progress on broadband issues next year, including through COVID-19 aid legislation. Also Monday, Biden’s transition team cited “universal broadband” access as among priorities for infrastructure funding to help restore the U.S. economy. Democrats kept their House majority (see 2011050056). Control of the Senate remains unclear. Congress should “advance legislation to rapidly and fully invest in the broadband infrastructure programs required to quickly and permanently close the digital divide in,” USTelecom said. Congress should fund the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act (S-1822) and “fast-track a major initiative that makes public resources available to ensure low-income students and all at-risk Americans have access to broadband at home.” The group appeared to urge an upcoming Democratic majority at the FCC not to seek to again reclassify broadband as a Communications Act Title II service, saying “dusting off policies from the 1930s and even the 1990s doesn’t deliver this across-the-board protection.” USTelecom wants the U.S. government to “reinvigorate its cyber engagement with global allies” and fund efforts like the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act (HR-4998). The group didn't answer questions.