Cable lobbyists roll out welcome mat for FCC nominees

Cable industry lobbyists rolled out the welcome mat Tuesday for Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Varadaraj Pai, who were nominated to join the FCC as commissioners by President Obama Monday night.

NCTA's Powell: "Both Jessica and Ajit share extensive telecommunications policy experience"

"Both are talented individuals with a deep understanding of the digital economy and the vital role played by small and mid-sized cable operators in providing world-class communications services to hometown America," American Cable Association president Matt Polka said in a prepared statement.  "The FCC requires leadership that understands and appreciates the needs of independent cable operators participating in a broadband-driven marketplace. This marketplace is characterized by convergence, rapid technological change and, quite frankly, ongoing efforts by some market participants to use their economic power and incumbent regulatory preferences to limit choice and competition in both traditional and online distribution channels," he added.

NCTA president Michael Powell, who is a former chairman of the FCC, also welcomed the nominees. "Both Jessica and Ajit share extensive telecommunications policy experience, a deep understanding of the agency that is informed by their prior service, and a profound appreciation for the continuing investment needed to promote innovation and sustain today's dynamic and competitive telecommunications marketplace," Powell said in a prepared statement.

Rosenworcel, currently an adviser to Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), would replace Michael Copps when his term as commissioner expires at the end of the year. Pai is an FCC veteran in left the commission in April to join a Washington, D.C. law firm. He would succeed Meredith Attwell Baker, who left the commission in May to join Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA).

For more:
- Politico has this story

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