The FCC’s five seats are full once again, with the U.S. Senate confirming Geoffrey Starks to the Commission and approving Commissioner Brendan Carr to a full term.
The FCC had been split in favor of Republicans 3-1 since former Democratic commissioner Mignon Clyburn stepped down from her position earlier in 2018.
Starks, assistant bureau chief in the FCC’s enforcement bureau, was nominated in June by President Donald Trump to fill the agency’s open Democratic seat. Carr was reconfirmed for a full term after a hold on the full-Senate vote was lifted in late December.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai congratulated Starks, noting in a statement that Starks “brings a wealth of experience and expertise.”
“During his confirmation hearing, I was excited to hear him highlight the need to expand rural broadband and the power of telemedicine,” Pai added.
In regards to Carr’s confirmation, Pai said, “Brendan has done tremendous work on a number of issues, including his leadership on wireless infrastructure modernization. He has also been a staunch advocate for rural broadband deployment, particularly for precision agriculture and advancements in telemedicine.”
Communications industry groups also applauded the confirmations, with CTIA President and CEO Meredith Atwell Baker saying that Commissioner Carr “understands the importance of accelerating the deployment of next-generation networks to America’s economy and is a champion for innovation.”
American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew Polka said in a statement, “ACA members, consisting of hundreds of smaller communications providers, look to the FCC to produce high-level, bipartisan policy that promotes broadband deployment throughout the country, thus advancing economic opportunity, employment, and educational opportunities in a balanced manner. ACA looks forward to working not only with Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks but also Chairman Ajit Pai and Commissioners Michael O’Rielly and Jessica Rosenworcel on building consensus-driven outcomes worthy of widespread support.”
Steven Berry, president and CEO of the Competitive Carriers Association, which represents smaller and rural wireless providers, said it was good to see the FCC back to “full strength” with five members.
“Mr. Starks’ experience and recognition of the need for more spectrum and modernized siting policies make him an excellent addition to the FCC,” said CCA President and CEO Steven Berry in a statement. “Both gentlemen are committed to closing the digital divide and to ensuring no American is left behind in the digital world.”
