“When President Obama nominated Tom Wheeler to lead the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in May 2013, there was widespread concern the new chairman would push the interests of telecommunications companies instead of standing up for the American people,” Jon Brodkin reports for Ars Technica.
“After all, Wheeler had been the top lobbyist for both the cable and cell phone industries, having worked for the National Cable Television Association (NCTA) from 1976 to 1984 and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) from 1992 to 2004,” Brodkin reports. “Though he had left those jobs years before, people wondered if a former lobbyist would properly regulate the industries he once represented.”
“The companies Wheeler would regulate applauded Obama’s choice. AT&T called the nomination an ‘inspired pick,’ while Comcast praised Wheeler for his “proven leadership,'” Brodkin reports. “Three years later, Wheeler is being cheered by consumer advocates even as he is reviled by many Internet service providers (ISPs) and their Republican supporters in Congress.”
Read more in the full article here.
SEE ALSO:
U.S. FCC proposes stricter privacy rules for Internet service providers – March 11, 2016
FCC proceeds with proposal aiming to make subscription TV available via any set-top box – February 18, 2016
FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai: Obama’s plan a monumental shift toward government control of the Internet – February 10, 2015
Congress launches investigation as Republicans claim Obama had ‘improper influence’ over so-called ‘net neutrality’ – February 7, 2015
FCC chairman proposes to regulate ISP’s under Title II – February 4, 2015
U.S. congressional Republicans’ bill aims to head off Obama’s so-called ‘net neutrality’ plan – January 17, 2015
U.S. Congressional proposal offers Internet rules of the road – January 15, 2015
U.S. FCC says it will vote on so-called ‘net neutrality’ in February – January 3, 2015
FCC hopes its rules for so-called ‘net neutrality’ survive inevitable litigation – November 22, 2014
Obama-appointed FCC chairman distances himself from Obama on so-called ‘net neutrality’ – November 12, 2014
What does so-called ‘net neutrality’ mean for Apple? – November 12, 2014
AT&T to pause fiber investment until net neutrality rules are decided – November 12, 2014
There’s no one to root for in the debate over so-called ‘net neutrality’ – November 11, 2014
U.S. FCC plays Russian Roulette with so-called ‘net neutrality’ – November 11, 2014
U.S. House Speaker John Boehner: Republicans will continue efforts to stop misguided scheme to regulate the Internet – November 10, 2014
Tech Freedom: Obama cynically exploits confusion over Title II, misses opportunity to lead on legislative deal – November 10, 2014
Obama want FCC to regulate the Internet; Cruz calls it ‘Obamacare for the Internet’ – November 10, 2014
Can’t republikans ever get on the right side of a social issue?
Can’t Democrats ever evince some understanding of economics or technology? Net neutrality is a chimera.
Don’t assume that all who criticize republikans are democrats…
Unfortunately ‘free stuff’ is not in the GOPe vocabulary. Unless you’re talking about their perks and special interests partners.
Why Trump is making ’em whine like baby DemoMarxists….
I don’t care who does it, but please, please, please bring REAL broadband to those of us in rural America. And satellite, with the fairly low data caps, is NOT the answer. In the evening, our DSL is barely above dialup speeds. And their are not enough DSL ports from Verizon for all out neighbors who want the service. This should be a bipartisan issue.
Yo should consider doing what a group of people did for their island in Alaska – contract for a high-speed line and build out your own WiFi service. Bypass your current provider for the last distance gap and set up a coop to collect fees to cover the service.
*there* (autocorrect strikes again).
Tom Wheeler’s appointment is probably the best thing done by President Obama.