WCAI Issues Statement on FCC Chairman Genachowski’s Remarks on Universal Service Reform

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski Monday addressed the Universal Service reform at an event hosted by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. His remarks came in advance of the Feb. 8 FCC vote on modernizing the Universal Service Fund and intercarrier compensation system.

“WCAI lauds the commitment of Chairman Genchowski and the Commission to reforming the Universal Service Fund,” WCAI President and CEO Fred Campbell said in a press statement. “For America to remain competitive in a global economy, it must connect everyone to wireless and other broadband networks. Fundamental reform of USF is a necessary step in reaching this goal.”

FCC Official Urges WCAI Conference Attendees to Weigh In on Issues

Bruce Gottlieb, chief counsel and senior legal adviser to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, was the opening keynote speaker at the WCAI’s Annual International Symposium at 4G World Sept. 15 in Chicago. Addressing WCAI members and others in the wireless broadband industry, he said in the converged communications landscape, the FCC needs input from a wide variety of parties in order to make the best decisions on wireless issues, according to TR Daily coverage. “The bottom line is simple: The FCC is not hearing from the growing universe of companies in wireless, and as the wireless world expands, so must the FCC’s thinking about wireless.” He compared WCAI conference participants with parties that filed comments in last year’s wireless competition proceeding, noting that most of the latter were carriers and trade organizations. He urged input from a variety of stakeholders, as the FCC works to craft a national broadband plan by a statutory deadline of next February, as well as in its wireless innovation, wireless competition, and consumer disclosure proceedings. He said “one focus of the Commission’s attention will be looking at spectrum availability, and considering ways to ensure that all spectrum bands are being put to their highest and best use.”

FCC Chief Counsel Bruce Gottlieb to Keynote WCAI Symposium

It’s with great pleasure that we announced today that Bruce Gottlieb, FCC Chief Counsel and Senior Legal Advisor to Chairman Julius Genachowski, will kick off the WCAI’s Annual International Symposium with an opening keynote address on September 15, 2009 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

I had the privilege of working with Bruce at the FCC for many years. (If I were still a Bureau Chief at the FCC, I’d be working for him.) Bruce now manages the Commission’s overall agenda and has responsibility for policy coordination among all of the FCC’s Bureaus, with particular responsibility for wireless, engineering and technology, and public safety issues.

FCC Chairman Genachowski has demonstrated a commitment to wireless broadband very early in his tenure through new initiatives addressing wireless innovation and competition issues. In this keynote presentation, Bruce, the Chairman’s Chief Counsel, will discuss the Chairman’s priorities for wireless broadband in the coming year and the role of wireless broadband in the National Broadband Plan.

We at WCAI look forward to Bruce’s presentation and invite everyone in the industry to join us for this important regulatory update.

WCAI Congratulates Julius Genachowski, Robert McDowell and Lawrence Strickling on Confirmation to FCC, NTIA

Last night, the Senate voted to confirm Julius Genachowski as FCC Chairman, Robert McDowell as an FCC Commissioner, and Lawrence Strickling as NTIA Administrator. On behalf of the wireless broadband industry, I want to congratulate Chairman Genachowski, Commissioner McDowell and Assistant Secretary Strickling on their confirmations to serve on the FCC and at NTIA. These confirmations come at a critical time, when the FCC is crafting a national broadband plan for our future, and NTIA is poised to disburse $4.7 billion in broadband stimulus funds to bring additional broadband services to America.

The confirmation of Chairman Genachowski is great news for both the industry and users of wireless broadband services. His proven record of success in both public policy and business development is a harbinger of great things to come at the FCC.

A strong advocate for supporting competition in the marketplace, Commissioner McDowell has been a long-time friend of the wireless broadband industry. His deep knowledge and significant experience in the communications industry will continue to serve the FCC well during his second term.

A leader in the communications sector with deep knowledge of the industry and extensive experience in public policy and business development, Assistant Secretary Strickling is an excellent choice to head NTIA as it works to promote innovation, create jobs and achieve universal broadband access in the United States through the broadband stimulus program.

We at WCAI look forward to working with Chairman Genachowski, Commissioner McDowell and Assistant Secretary Strickling to promote innovative wireless broadband services and achieve universal wireless broadband access in the United States.

WCAI Congratulates Robert McDowell on Nomination for Second Term on FCC

President Barack Obama has announced his intention to nominate FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell for a second term on the FCC. Commissioner McDowell’s longtime support for a pro-competitive marketplace and understanding of the role wireless platforms can play in achieving universal broadband access make him an excellent choice to continue as an FCC Commissioner. We at WCAI congratulate him on renomination and look forward to his confirmation. Nominated by President George Bush and unanimously confirmed by the Senate, McDowell was sworn in as FCC Commissioner on June 1, 2006. During his tenure he has worked to create rules governing wireless auctions, establish a framework for unlicensed use of TV "white spaces" spectrum, and develop incentives to encourage the development of new broadband technologies, the White House said. Details. According to TR Daily, Meredith A. Baker, former NTIA acting administrator, is expected to be nominated for the other Republican seat at the FCC. Julius Genachowski is President Obama’s choice to be the next Chairman of the FCC, and President Obama has announced his intention to nominate Mignon Clyburn, a member of the South Carolina Public Service Commission, to another Democratic seat.

WCAI Congratulates Julius Genachowski on Nomination as FCC Chairman

Today, President Barack Obama nominated Julius Genachowski to be the next FCC Chairman. WCAI applauds President Obama’s selection of Mr. Genachowski to head the Commission. Mr. Genachowski’s proven experience in public policy and business development is great news for the industry and users of wireless broadband services. We look forward to working with the new Chairman to promote innovative wireless broadband services and achieve universal wireless broadband access in the United States