Martin takes FCC's reins

As many had predicted, President George W. Bush today appointed Kevin Martin as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. What may be unpredictable, however, is how Martin deals with upcoming issues regarding competition in the telecom marketplace.

Although generally known for pushing tougher enforcement of indecency laws against the broadcast community, Martin is best known within telecom for breaking ranks with his predecessor and fellow Republican Michael Powell and voting to maintain rules that required the Bell companies to resell their networks to competitors. Those rules have since been revised and severely curtailed.

But other major issues loom, including revision of Universal Service, intercarrier compensation and determination of how IP video services should be regulated.

Because he is already a member of the FCC, Martin will not need to be confirmed.

Both sides rushed to congratulate the new chairman.

"The competitive communications industry welcomes new leadership at the FCC," said J. Sherman Henderson III, chairman of CompTel/ALTS, which represents competitive carriers, in a prepared statement. "We remain hopeful that the commission will promote pro-competitive policies that enable our member companies to provide consumers and small businesses with innovative broadband services. We are particularly gratified that the White House has chosen the best possible candidate for this important position. Commissioner Martin has distinguished himself over the last four years by demonstrating a courageous commitment to intellectual honesty."

"As a commissioner, Kevin Martin has shown both a willingness and ability to work in a collegial fashion with his fellow commissioners and an understanding of the complex issues before the FCC," said Herschel Abbott, BellSouth vice president, governmental affairs, also in a prepared statement. "His focus on enabling the rollout of broadband for consumers demonstrates a 21st century view of the communications marketplace. His skill and energy make him an outstanding choice to take over the chairmanship at this time when so many critical issues are before the commission."