The Federal Communications Commission took a large step to finalizing new leadership as President Barak Obama was set to nominate a Republican Michael O’Rielly as a commissioner, replacing outgoing Republican Commissioner Robert McDowell.
The nomination of O’Rielly is expected to go hand-in-hand with the congressional approval process that is to include recently nominated FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, who is set to replace recently departed FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. FCC watchers have noted that it is common for both a Democrat and Republican member of the FCC to be replaced on the commission at the beginning of a new presidential term. Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn has been heading up the FCC on a temporary basis.
Published reports indicate that O’Rielly is a long-time Congressional staffer, having most recently served as a top aide to Texas Senator John Cornyn.
With a Democrat administration in the White House, the FCC is headed by a Democrat, and joined by two Democrats and two Republicans. The new-look FCC will be tasked with executing the highly contentious incentive auction of spectrum assets in the 600 MHz band that is set to have proceeds funneled to help build out a nationwide public-safety network through the FirstNet initiative. In addition, the FCC will be taking a look at AT&T’s recent bid to acquire regional operator Leap Wireless, which is a continuation of the robust industry consolidation that has swept across the domestic wireless space.
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