SpectrumTalk

FCC Chairman Martin Reconfirmed

Chairman Martin was reconfirmed by the Senate today, November 17, for a second 5 year term. He issued this statement:

"I am deeply honored to have been confirmed by the Senate for a second term as Commissioner and Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. I thank President Bush and the Congress for the privilege to continue to serve in his Administration and alongside my colleagues on the Commission.

I look forward to working with the Administration and Congress, as well as with my fellow Commissioners and the incredibly able staff at the FCC to ensure that all Americans share in the benefits and opportunities offered by the best communications system in the world. I will continue to work to provide a regulatory environment that promotes competition and drives investment and innovation while protecting consumers and promoting public safety."

Note that this statement mentions nothing about spectrum issues except implicitly in the context of public safety. Chairman Martin, congratulations on your reconfirmation, but if you want to "drive investment and innovation" in the rather large wireless sector of the FCC's jurisdiction, please consider the advice at the end of the recent entry here:

Please pay attention to

1. Emptying the inbox better
2. Telling industry what your spectrum strategy is
3. Considering initiatives to make new technologies available without waiting for petitions in every case.

Commissioner Copps issued the following statement:

I congratulate my colleague and friend, Kevin Martin, on his reconfirmation by
the Senate last night. One of the true pleasures I have had at the Commission is getting to
know Kevin since we came here together in 2001 and working with him on a wide
variety of matters. Much of the time we agree, some of the time we don't, but I continue
to value the frank discussions we have, the intellect and character he brings to the
Commission and his ability to maintain cordial personal relations amidst all of the
difficult issues moving here. Having been through several confirmation processes
myself, I know how pleased Kevin must feel today and I am happy for him and his fine
family.