IP: Ch. Kennard Resigns

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

> Washington, DC ­ Today FCC Chairman William E. Kennard announced his
> resignation from the Federal Communications Commission, effective
> January 19, 2001. The Chairman said he leaves the office with great
> pride in the FCC's accomplishments and with deep gratitude for having
> had an opportunity to serve the American public.
>
> Chairman Kennard presided over the FCC during a momentous time in the
> agency's history, as the FCC implemented historic legislation to bring
> competition to communications markets. During his three-year tenure,
> Chairman Kennard succeeded in promoting competition and consumer choice
> in the telecommunications marketplace; encouraging the rollout of
> broadband and digital technologies; expanding access to technology for
> all Americans; and streamlining and revamping the Commission for the
> Digital Age.
>
> Chairman Kennard has implemented the 1996 Telecommunications Act to
> benefit consumers and to create a market where "monopoly is ended,
> innovation and entrepreneurship are cherished, and consumers have
> competitive choice." As such he reduced telephone rates domestically and
> internationally, and aggressively promoted the benefits of competition
> and deregulation the world over. For his efforts, Kennard has been
> labeled the "Broadband Chairman" and a "Consumer Champion for the
> Digital Age."
>
> In addition, the Chairman made bridging the Digital Divide a top
> priority. During his tenure, the FCC successfully implemented the E-Rate
> program, which connected 95% of the nation's schools and over one
> million classrooms to the Internet. Chairman Kennard also worked to
> expand access to all Americans, including minorities, Native Americans,
> persons with disabilities, and the disadvantaged in rural and remote
> areas. His achievements include establishing a Disabilities Rights
> Office at the FCC, bringing telephone service to over one million new
> low-income Native Americans on tribal lands, and creating a new
> low-power radio service for school, church, and community use.
>
> "We must bring the benefits of the Digital Age to all Americans," said
> Kennard. "From the business districts to the barrios; from those with
> every advantage to those with disabilities; from the young to the old;
> from suburban enclaves to the rural heartland."
>
> In the letter of resignation to President Clinton, Kennard wrote, "I
> feel very privileged that I was able to serve as Chairman of the FCC at
> a time when communications technologies are so dramatically changing the
> way the American people live, work, and learn."
>
> For the next few months, Chairman Kennard will serve as a Senior Fellow
> of the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program in Washington,
> D.C. There, he will advise on leadership, communications policy, and
> program activities and operations. He will also become the first
> chairman of the program's new advisory board.
>
> The Aspen Institute is a global, impartial forum for leveraging the
> power of leaders to improve the human condition. Through its seminar and
> policy programs, the Institute fosters enlightened, morally responsible
> leadership and convenes leaders and policy makers to address the
> foremost challenges of the new century.
>
> ** www.cybertelecom.org **



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