Ajit Pai, a Federal Communications Commissioner, has been selected by President Donald Trump to lead the telecommunications regulatory agency, Space News reported Tuesday.
Caleb Henry writes Pai succeeded former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and his appointment did not require approval from the Senate because he was confirmed to work at FCC as a commissioner in 2012.
Pai vowed to help the commission address a digital divide between organizations that have access to next-generation communications services and groups without access to those services.
“I look forward to working with the new administration, my colleagues at the Commission, members of Congress, and the American public to bring the benefits of the digital age to all Americans,” Pai added.
Pai previously served as a partner at law firm Jenner and Block and associate general counsel at Verizon.
His past work also includes stints at the Justice Department, Senate Judiciary Committee and U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
As FCC chairman, Pai aims to focus on broadband connection, First Amendment freedoms, public safety, fiscal responsibility and getting results through innovation.
