The cable industry has turned out in force to laud the Senate’s confirmation of Ajit Pai to another term as FCC commissioner, tipping their caps to the Republican who has been chasing away set-top box reform, Title II and other pieces of regulation they have not liked.
“Throughout his over five years at the FCC as a commissioner and during his nine-month tenure as Chairman, Ajit Pai has favored deregulatory policies aimed at encouraging innovation, investment, job creation and economic growth—all in an effort to best serve consumers,” said David L. Cohen, senior executive VP and chief diversity officer for Comcast, in a statement.
“His commitment to policies that spur innovation and investment in broadband technology will connect more people and businesses of all sizes, including those in rural America, to high-speed Internet, create jobs and help grow the U.S. economy,” added Catherine Bohigian, executive VP of government affairs for Charter.
Of course, the cable industry’s top lobbying groups piled on, too.
“Hailing from Kansas, he knows first-hand what quality and affordable communications mean to rural communities, and we are eager to continue working with the Chairman and his colleagues on removing barriers to investment and advancing and sustaining our nation’s universal service goals,” said NCTA, keeping with a very active political trend of describing as populists lawmakers who tirelessly work to strip away consumer protection.
For its part, the American Cable Association got in a back slap, too: “Since he took the reins of the FCC this past January, Chairman Pai has been implementing a forward-looking agenda by promoting investment in broadband networks, particularly in unserved areas, eliminating barriers that hinder private investment, and ensuring that public funds are distributed efficiently in areas that would most benefit,” ACA said. “He also has focused on easing or eliminating outdated and unnecessary rules. This will enable small businesses throughout the country to spend time serving their customers instead of navigating the red tape of bureaucracy.”