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US: As telecom changes underway, Obama chooses new FCC leader

By  |  May 1, 2013

Former lobbyist Tom Wheeler has been tapped by President Barack Obama to head the Federal Communications Commission, according to sources, who noted that the nomination may be announced this week. According to reports, Wheeler has a strong background within the telecommunications sector, but his personal blog suggests an openness to have the FCC play a strong role in the future of the industry. For example, his thoughts on a 2011 proposal for AT&T to acquire T-Mobile USA in 2011 for $39 billion included strong-headed concessions if the deal were to play out. The FCC has been headed the last four years by Julius Genachowski. FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn would serve as interim chairman until Wheeler is confirmed by the Senate, say reports. If confirmed, Wheeler would be at the front of major changes for the industry, which include potential new legislation affecting Internet traffic and controversies stemming from cable companies’ practice of tying and bundling television channels for consumers.

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