OVERNIGHT TECH: Congratulations pour in for new FCC commissioners

THE LEDE: The long-awaited Senate confirmation of Republican Ajit Pai and Democrat Jessica Rosenworcel to the Federal Communications Commission on Monday was accompanied by a deluge of press releases from telecom trade associations and companies with nothing but effusive praise for the newly minted commissioners and excitement at the prospect of a full five-member commission.

Former FCC chairman and National Cable and Telecommunications Association CEO Michael Powell offered “sincere congratulations” to both Pai and Rosenworcel. “We know that they will each prove to be valuable additions to the Commission, and we look forward to working with them to promote continued investment and innovation in the communications marketplace,” he said.

{mosads}National Association of Broadcasters CEO and former Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith (R) said the pair are “well-respected public servants who bring years of expertise and a unique perspective to the FCC.” 

CTIA President Steve Largent said, “Their knowledge of communications issues and their experience in Washington will make them great assets for the Commission.”

{mosads}AT&T vice president for regulatory affairs Bob Quinn said, “Both Commissioner Rosenworcel and Commissioner Pai are widely respected for their knowledge and depth of experience on communications issues.  

“All of us at AT&T are enthused that they’ll be joining the FCC, where we expect them to have an immediate and constructive impact,” he said.

Consumer groups were equally enthused. Free Press CEO Craig Aaron said, “Both Ajit Pai and Jessica Rosenworcel are extremely knowledgeable policy experts and well qualified for their new positions.” Aaron lamented a loss of public confidence in institutions like the FCC, but added that “we hope the newest commissioners will use both the bully pulpit and their votes to ensure that media and technology benefit the vast majority of Americans and not just a few powerful moguls.”

And Public Knowledge President Gigi Sohn said her group “welcomed” the new commissioners. “We look forward to working with them on the many challenging issues confronting the public, from major transactions to the disposition of spectrum,” she said.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski also congratulated and welcomed his new colleagues.

“They bring deep knowledge of our sector, and proven track records of accomplishment. President Obama made an outstanding choice in their nominations, and I look forward to working with them,” he said.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) said he was “elated” by the confirmation.

“While this confirmation process was not easy, I am confident that Jessica and Ajit are ready to step into what I feel is one of the most difficult jobs in Washington,” he said.

“Ajit Pai has experience in both the private and public sectors and brings a deep understanding of the communications challenges in rural America to his new role as FCC Commissioner,” he said.

But Rockefeller reserved his most enthusiastic praise for Rosenworcel, who worked as one of his aides on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

“Jessica Rosenworcel has spent nearly fifteen years working on communications issues, and I believe there is no better-qualified person for this position,” he said. “… I am going to miss her terribly on the Commerce Committee.”

No comment from FCC pick’s rocker brother: On a lighter note, music lovers might have noted Hillicon Valley’s observation of Rosenworcel’s connection to Guster, the Boston-based alt-rock band that boasts Jessica’s brother Brian Rosenworcel as its drummer. Imagine our surprise when Brian took the time to write an email thanking Hillicon Valley for our coverage last week.

While Brian was nice enough to point out that Hillicon Valley has become a favorite of the Rosenworcel clan — his mother forwarded him last week’s posts — he politely declined our equally polite invitation to comment on his sister’s fortunes before any Senate action.

We reached out to the real rock star for comment on his sister’s meteoric rise as a telecom policy rock star, but Brian, known as “Thundergod” to fans for his distinctive drumming style, hadn’t yet responded at our deadline.

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— Brendan Sasso contributed