Rosenworcel to leave position as chair of the US Federal Communications Commission in January
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Jessica Rosenworcel announced her decision to resign from her position effective January 20, coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration. Rosenworcel has been a member of the FCC since 2012 and made history as its first female permanent chair. During her tenure, she spearheaded a significant expansion of the FCC’s focus on space policy, notably establishing a dedicated Space Bureau.
In her role, Rosenworcel prioritized initiatives aimed at enhancing internet access for students and low-income households. She oversaw a government program that provided subsidies to assist approximately 23 million families in obtaining broadband internet. Additionally, she played a key role in addressing national security concerns related to the proliferation of Chinese telecommunications equipment.
Reflecting on her time at the FCC, Rosenworcel expressed that leading the agency during a pivotal moment in communications technology has been an extraordinary privilege. One of her notable achievements was her advocacy for the restoration of net neutrality regulations that were abolished during Trump’s presidency. These regulations mandate that internet service providers treat all data and users equally, prohibiting practices such as restricting access, lowering speeds, or blocking content. Currently, these rules are on hold following a federal appeals court decision that blocked their enforcement amidst ongoing legal challenges from the telecommunications industry.
Rosenworcel’s departure aligns with established convention, as she steps down when a new president takes office. This will leave the FCC with an even split of 2-2 between Democratic and Republican commissioners. Following her resignation, Trump has nominated FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s telecom strategies and large technology firms, to serve as the new chair starting on January 20. Trump will need to submit a nomination to fill Rosenworcel’s vacancy and will require Senate confirmation to ensure that Republicans regain control of the agency.
Rosenworcel’s tenure faced obstacles, particularly the delayed confirmation of a third Democratic commissioner until September 2023, which hindered the FCC’s ability to advance on various initiatives. Moreover, she had a contentious interaction with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, particularly when the FCC retracted $885.5 million intended for rural broadband subsidies aimed at supporting SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service. In a September statement, Rosenworcel emphasized the need for increased competition in the field of space-based internet services.
In summary, Jessica Rosenworcel’s resignation marks the end of a significant chapter at the FCC, characterized by her efforts to expand broadband access, strengthen regulatory frameworks for internet neutrality, and integrate space policy into the commission’s agenda. Her legacy includes notable battles over telecommunications policy and responses to emerging technological challenges, particularly those posed by global competitors like China and innovative private companies like SpaceX. With her exit, the FCC is poised for a potential shift in direction under new leadership.