The U.S. Senate has confirmed Geoffrey Starks as an FCC Commissioner and Commissioner Brendan Carr for a full term. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai released the following statement:
"I congratulate Geoffrey on his Senate confirmation. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise, including having served most recently as assistant chief in the Enforcement Bureau. During his confirmation hearing, I was excited to hear him highlight the need to expand rural broadband and the power of telemedicine. I look forward to working with him and having a fellow Kansan on the Commission."
"I also congratulate Brendan on his confirmation to a full term. Brendan has done tremendous work on a number of issues, including his leadership on wireless infrastructure modernization. He has also been a staunch advocate for rural broadband deployment, particularly for precision agriculture and advancements in telemedicine."
Reaction to the confirmations among industry groups has been positive.
NCTA President and CEO Michael Powell said: "We congratulate Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks on their confirmation to serve on the Federal Communications Commission. We deeply appreciate the expertise and unique perspectives that each bring to the agency as well as their shared willingness to serve the public in this capacity. We look forward to working with them and the other members of the Commission on the wide variety of communications, media and technology policy issues that affect the lives of Americans every day."
The NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association - issued the following statement from Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield: "NTCA congratulates Commissioners Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks on their confirmation by the Senate to serve as FCC Commissioners. Both have deep experience in telecom policy issues that can help tackle thorny challenges and identify innovative, practical solutions as we strive for a more connected nation. Commissioner Carr has already demonstrated in his time on the FCC his willingness to roll up his sleeves and examine issues thoroughly through field visits and conversations with stakeholders of all kinds. Meanwhile, Commissioner Starks' long-standing commitment to public service and his family's own connections to rural America and telemedicine applications will suit him well in his new role. NTCA and its membership look forward to working with Commissioners Carr and Starks, as well as the other members of the FCC, to advance the statutory mission of universal service, protect consumers, and promote competitive markets and common-sense rules of the road wherever possible."
