The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must have a strong focus on broadband development, competition, and advancements in mobile technology, Julius Genachowski, President Obama's pick for FCC chairman, told the Senate Commerce Committee.
“In the 21st century, communications has the potential to unleash new waves of innovation: increasing opportunity and prosperity, driving American competitiveness and leadership, connecting our country, strengthening our democracy—and transforming lives for the better," Genachowski said during his Tuesday confirmation hearing.
Obama nominated Genachowski for the chairman post back in March. He served on the president's transition team and most recently worked as a venture capitalist in Washington. He was chief counsel at the FCC under Reed Hundt, who was FCC chairman from 1993 to 1997, and held executive positions at Internet firm IAC/InteractiveCorp.
If confirmed, broadband deployment would be a major priority, Genachowski said.
“A world-leading broadband infrastructure in America can be an ongoing engine for innovation and job creation throughout the country, from our rural towns to our inner cities, while helping address vital national challenges such as public safety and education, health care and energy independence—ultimately helping give all of our country's children the future we dream for them," he said.
The Commerce and Agriculture Departments are charged with distributing $7.2 billion in broadband grants, and Congress has charged the FCC with developing a national broadband plan by September 2010.
Genachowski has not yet been privy to any non-public information about these plans, but said it was “more than appropriate" for the FCC to be involved and said it was something he definitely wanted to “jump into" if confirmed.
Another area ripe for innovation is the mobile
“In the 21st century, communications has the potential to unleash new waves of innovation: increasing opportunity and prosperity, driving American competitiveness and leadership, connecting our country, strengthening our democracy—and transforming lives for the better," Genachowski said during his Tuesday confirmation hearing.
Obama nominated Genachowski for the chairman post back in March. He served on the president's transition team and most recently worked as a venture capitalist in Washington. He was chief counsel at the FCC under Reed Hundt, who was FCC chairman from 1993 to 1997, and held executive positions at Internet firm IAC/InteractiveCorp.
If confirmed, broadband deployment would be a major priority, Genachowski said.
“A world-leading broadband infrastructure in America can be an ongoing engine for innovation and job creation throughout the country, from our rural towns to our inner cities, while helping address vital national challenges such as public safety and education, health care and energy independence—ultimately helping give all of our country's children the future we dream for them," he said.
The Commerce and Agriculture Departments are charged with distributing $7.2 billion in broadband grants, and Congress has charged the FCC with developing a national broadband plan by September 2010.
Genachowski has not yet been privy to any non-public information about these plans, but said it was “more than appropriate" for the FCC to be involved and said it was something he definitely wanted to “jump into" if confirmed.
Another area ripe for innovation is the mobile
