Farquhar's absence won't rock boat >BY RENEE SAUNDERS, Special to Telephony

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Bureau will continue with business as usual, despite the scheduled April departure of Bureau Chief Michele Farquhar.

Industry and FCC officials have offered congratulations and expressed disappointment that Farquhar will be moving on, but her move has been anticipated for some time, according to one former FCC official.

At least temporarily, Farquhar's slot will be filled by Dan Phythyon, who has been deputy chief of the Wireless Bureau since January.

"I've known Dan for years. He's a good manager [and] a good choice," said Brian Fontes, senior vice president of policy and administration for the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association and ambassador of the U.S. delegation to the 1995 World Radiocommunication Conference.

Wireless industry representatives from all corners credit Farquhar with much of the progress made in the commission's spectrum management approach.

"She was especially open to our concerns, and we appreciated her willingness to meet with industry representatives," said Alan Shark, president of the American Mobile Telecommunications Association, which represents enhanced mobile radio operators.

"Under Michele's leadership, the bureau has done six spectrum auctions, more than 30 major rulemakings, and more than a half-million license and transfer applications," FCC Chairman Reed Hundt said in a March 7 announcement of Farquhar's departure. "I thank her for her immense contributions, and I have finally agreed that she deserves to get her life back.

In May, Farquhar will take on a one-year term as president of the Duke University Alumni Association, which includes a two-year term on the university's board of trustees.