IP: Ch. Kennard Resigns

[Dave Farber <farber@cis.upenn.edu>]

>Washington, DC ­ Today FCC Chairman William E. Kennard announced his
>resignation from the Federal Communications Commission, effective
>January 19, 2001. The Chairman said he leaves the office with great
>pride in the FCC's accomplishments and with deep gratitude for having
>had an opportunity to serve the American public.
>
>Chairman Kennard presided over the FCC during a momentous time in the
>agency's history, as the FCC implemented historic legislation to bring
>competition to communications markets. During his three-year tenure,
>Chairman Kennard succeeded in promoting competition and consumer choice
>in the telecommunications marketplace; encouraging the rollout of
>broadband and digital technologies; expanding access to technology for
>all Americans; and streamlining and revamping the Commission for the
>Digital Age.
>
>Chairman Kennard has implemented the 1996 Telecommunications Act to
>benefit consumers and to create a market where "monopoly is ended,
>innovation and entrepreneurship are cherished, and consumers have
>competitive choice." As such he reduced telephone rates domestically and
>internationally, and aggressively promoted the benefits of competition
>and deregulation the world over. For his efforts, Kennard has been
>labeled the "Broadband Chairman" and a "Consumer Champion for the
>Digital Age."
>
>In addition, the Chairman made bridging the Digital Divide a top
>priority. During his tenure, the FCC successfully implemented the E-Rate
>program, which connected 95% of the nation's schools and over one
>million classrooms to the Internet. Chairman Kennard also worked to
>expand access to all Americans, including minorities, Native Americans,
>persons with disabilities, and the disadvantaged in rural and remote
>areas. His achievements include establishing a Disabilities Rights
>Office at the FCC, bringing telephone service to over one million new
>low-income Native Americans on tribal lands, and creating a new
>low-power radio service for school, church, and community use.
>
>"We must bring the benefits of the Digital Age to all Americans," said
>Kennard. "From the business districts to the barrios; from those with
>every advantage to those with disabilities; from the young to the old;
>from suburban enclaves to the rural heartland."
>
>In the letter of resignation to President Clinton, Kennard wrote, "I
>feel very privileged that I was able to serve as Chairman of the FCC at
>a time when communications technologies are so dramatically changing the
>way the American people live, work, and learn."
>
>For the next few months, Chairman Kennard will serve as a Senior Fellow
>of the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program in Washington,
>D.C. There, he will advise on leadership, communications policy, and
>program activities and operations. He will also become the first
>chairman of the program's new advisory board.
>
>The Aspen Institute is a global, impartial forum for leveraging the
>power of leaders to improve the human condition. Through its seminar and
>policy programs, the Institute fosters enlightened, morally responsible
>leadership and convenes leaders and policy makers to address the
>foremost challenges of the new century.
>
>** www.cybertelecom.org **



For archives see: http://www.interesting-people.org/