New FCC Chair Welcomed

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Commissioner Kevin J. Martin made the following statementtoday:

"I am deeply honored to have been designated as the next Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, and I thank President Bush for this distinct privilege.

I look forward to working with the Administration, Congress, my colleagues, and the FCC's talented staff to ensure that American consumers continue to enjoy the benefits of the best communications system in the world.

I thank Chairman Powell for his excellent stewardship of this agency, and I look forward to continuing his efforts in bringing the communications industry into the 21st Century."

President Bush today announced his intention to designate Commissioner Kevin Martin as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.In a separate release:

FCC Chairman Michael Powell Congratulates Kevin MartinOn Selection as Next FCC Chairman

I would like to congratulate Commissioner Martin on being named FCC Chairman by President Bush.

He will soon take a front seat at the technology revolution. His wide knowledge of telecommunication policy issues and insight into the rapidly changing nature of communications technology will serve the agency well. Ultimately, everything the FCC does must serve the public interest and benefit consumers, and I am confident he will be vigilant in pursuing these goals.

I pledge my complete cooperation to ensure a smooth transition, and wish him all the best for every success. In a separate release:

Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy issued the following statement today:

“I congratulate my colleague Kevin Martin on his appointment as FCC Chairman. Commissioner Martin, who has served with distinction over the past four years, has been a strong voice for broadband deployment and for rationalizing the rules that apply to broadband services. He has also focused on ensuring that new technologies and services are delivered to rural America.

There are many significant challenges ahead as technology continues to change the way we live and work. I look forward to working with Commissioner Martin in his new capacity as Chairman and I am confident he will effectively steer the agency into the new broadband future.”

In a separate release:

STATEMENT BY FCC COMMISSIONER MICHAEL COPPS ON DESIGNATION OF KEVIN MARTIN AS FCC CHAIRMAN

I congratulate my colleague and friend, Kevin Martin, on his designation by President Bush as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. I have enjoyed working with Commissioner Martin over the past three and a half years and look forward to working together with him on the important unfinished agenda of the FCC.

In a separate release:

COMMISSIONER JONATHAN S. ADELSTEIN CONGRATULATES KEVIN J. MARTIN ON SELECTIONAS FCC CHAIRMAN

I am very pleased for Kevin and for the Commission. Commissioner Martin has proven himself a dedicated public servant, a thoughtful policymaker, and an energetic colleague during our time together on the Commission. He has the experience and the skills to make an outstanding Chairman, and I look forward to working with him as we address the many challenging issues before us. In a separate release:

The following statement may be attributed to Herschel Abbott, BellSouth Vice President Governmental Affairs:

"As a commissioner, Kevin Martin has shown both a willingness and ability to work in a collegial fashion with his fellow commissioners and an understanding of the complex issues before the FCC. His focus on enabling the rollout of broadband for consumers demonstrates a 21st Century view of the communications marketplace. His skill and energy make him an outstanding choice to take over the chairmanship at this time when so many critical issues are before the commission."In a separate release:

In working with Kevin Martin over the past few years, one thing is clear - he understands that our nation’s rules need to reflect the new communications landscape if all consumers are to receive the innovative products and services now coming to market.

SBC is optimistic that Chairman Kevin Martin, with his understanding of the issues and his experience at the FCC, will lead the agency in resolving the central policy issue of our new century – advancing innovation and investment in broadband IP networks, applications and equipment.

We look forward to working with the new Chairman and the entire Commission to accomplish this vitally important goal.

In a separate release:

The American Cable Association (ACA) welcomed news that current Commissioner Kevin Martin has been chosen by the White House to be the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

“We appreciate that Commissioner Martin has taken significant time to know and understand the issues important to independent cable operators, and we look forward to continuing this discussion with him,” said Matt Polka, president and CEO of ACA. “Commissioner Martin is well qualified and able to lead the FCC into the next exciting and expanding chapters of telecommunications development and deployment. We sincerely congratulate Chairman Martin and his staff in their new role and wish them every success in the days ahead.”

In a separate release:

Matthew J. Flanigan, president of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), made the following statement today regarding the designation of Kevin J. Martin as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

'TIA congratulates Kevin J. Martin on his appointment as chairman of the FCC. Throughout his nearly four-year term, Commissioner Martin has proved that he understands technology and how its rapid deployment provides the foundation for economic growth in the 21st century. Consequently, he has endorsed policies that accelerate broadband deployment throughout the country. These actions are helping to fulfill President Bush's goal of universal, affordable access to broadband technology by the year 2007. We are confident that Chairman Martin will lead the FCC to help complete this job.

'Chairman Martin has aggressively pursued the 'light hand' of regulation during his tenure at the commission and has been diligent in removing regulatory barriers to investment. Such deregulation continues to be needed to promote investment and innovation in the communications technology sector. He also maintains a firm commitment to ensuring FCC decisions enhance consumer benefits.

'Chairman Martin recognizes the fast-paced nature of the communications technology industry and ensures that regulation and policy maintain the same pace. TIA appreciates Chairman Martin's past participation at TIA events, including board meetings and policy forums. We anticipate his participation at SUPERCOMMR 2005 on June 6-9, and we look forward to continue working with him in the future.'

In a separate release:

CompTel/ALTS today congratulated Commissioner Kevin J. Martin on being appointed Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission by President Bush.

“The competitive communications industry welcomes new leadership at the FCC. We remain hopeful that the Commission will promote pro-competitive policies that enable our member companies to provide consumers and small businesses with innovative broadband services,” said J. Sherman Henderson III, chairman of CompTel/ALTS. “We are particularly gratified that the White House has chosen the best possible candidate for this important position. Commissioner Martin has distinguished himself over the last four years by demonstrating a courageous commitment to intellectual honesty.”

“Kevin Martin has earned a reputation as a thoughtful, fair and open-minded individual, and he has always been willing to listen to all perspectives of an issue to reach the right conclusion. Our member companies look forward to continuing our work with him in his role as Chairman of the FCC,” added H. Russell Frisby, CompTel/ALTS’s CEO.

In a separate release:

The White House today announced that President Bush's choice to lead the Federal Communications Commission is Commissioner Kevin J. Martin. Martin, who has served at the agency since 2001, will replace Michael K. Powell, who has chosen to leave the agency. The following statement about Martin's nomination to be FCC chairman should be attributed to Tom Tauke, Verizon executive vice president for public affairs, policy and communications.

"Commissioner Martin has an excellent grasp of the issues, knows how to move the FCC's decision-making processes, and can hit the ground running as the new chairman. He has a record of supporting the administration's broadband policy, and that is good news for consumers and the communications sector. This is a challenging time to lead the FCC, and I certainly believe he is up to the task."

In a separate release:

Nortel CEO Bill Owens today issued the following statement following President Bush’s appointment of Kevin Martin as Chairman of the FCC:

" Nortel is pleased that President Bush has appointed FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin as chairman of the agency. As Commissioner, he was resolute in his determination to support policies that are leading to increased deployment of broadband capabilities to all Americans. As the new Chairman, he faces formidable challenges as the phenomenon of convergence takes hold across the industry. Disruptive new technologies are coming quickly to the marketplace. The industry is in need of a light regulatory touch as well as regulatory certainty that will encourage investment, and allow these new technologies to thrive. Nortel looks forward to working closely with the new chairman and the rest of the Commission to help ensure that U.S. telecommunications capabilities keep it at the forefront of the global economy."

In a separate release:

Statement from Cisco Systems President and CEO John Chambers on Kevin Martin Being Named Chairman of the FCC

"I am pleased that President Bush has designated Kevin Martin as the next Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. His leadership will be good for the technology industry and good for consumers.

He has been a strong supporter of rules to incent new broadband infrastructure buildout, in pre-empting state regulations of voice over IP, and the allocation of additional spectrum for unlicensed wi-fi service.

His chairmanship will oversee many important rules in the quickly changing communications environment and we look forward to working with him."