Today:  New FCC Commissioner, Missouri Broadband Deployment 

New FCC Commissioner 

The President announced that he intends to nominate Geoffrey Starks to serve as an FCC Commissioner, replacing Commissioner Mignon Clyburn who recently announced her intent to leave the FCC. 

Reacting to the announcement, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued a statement saying: “I congratulate Geoffrey Starks on his forthcoming nomination to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission. He has a distinguished record of public service, including in the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, and I wish him all the best during the confirmation process.”

The other Commissioners weighed in as well:

Commissioner O’Rielly said: “I congratulate Geoffrey Starks on his selection by the Administration for this key role at such an exciting time in communications policy. While I haven’t had a great deal of interactions with Mr. Starks, I know he will bring a new voice to important debates before the Commission. I look forward to getting to know him and working beside him in this new capacity, pending consideration of the nomination by the U.S. Senate.” 

Commissioner Carr said: “I want to extend my congratulations to Geoffrey Starks on his nomination by the White House to serve on the Commission. Mr. Starks’ career evidences a longstanding commitment to public service, including at both the Department of Justice and as a staffer in the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau. I would welcome the chance to work together on policies that will protect consumers and promote the interests of all Americans.”

Commissioner Rosenworcel said: “Congratulations to Geoffrey Starks on the announcement of his forthcoming nomination to serve as Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission. He will be a welcome addition. I look forward to working with him to advance the public interest and ensure that everyone has access to modern communications and a fair shot at 21st century success. In the meantime, I wish him a speedy confirmation.”

Commissioner Clyburn said: “I congratulate Geoffrey Starks on his nomination to become the next FCC Commissioner. He is a sharp communications attorney committed to public service. I wish him all the best during the confirmation process.” 

Missouri Broadband Deployment

A new law in Missouri will authorize rural electric co-ops to use their fiber optic facilities to provide broadband services to their members.  If they do so, they must offer the services to any property that is traversed by the co-op’s fiber optic network within reasonable amount of time from the initiation of the provision of broadband services.  They are also authorized to contract with other entities to use their facilities to provide broadband services. HB 1880 becomes effective August 28, 2018.

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s daily blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.