FreedomWorks Foundation Thanks Chairman Ajit Pai Upon Announcement of His Departure from FCC

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the statement from the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcing Chairman Ajit Pai’s departure from the Commission on January 20, 2021, Jason Pye, FreedomWorks’ Vice President of Legislative Affairs, commented:

“As a proponent of less government to promote individual and market freedom, Chairman Pai has overseen numerous regulatory improvements in the way we handle telecommunications. We are saddened to hear of Chairman Pai’s imminent departure from the FCC, but are incredibly grateful for the work he has done in the past eight years, first as a commissioner and subsequently as chairman. FreedomWorks’ grassroots community in particular is proud to have supported many of Chairman Pai’s initiatives while at the helm of the FCC.

“Chairman Pai’s philosophy of a light-touch regulatory approach to telecommunications has been a boon for both consumers and providers, laying much of the groundwork for recent innovation and expansion of telecom services. This has been especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairman Pai has led the way on efficiently and effectively getting and keeping Americans in all parts of the nation online when it truly matters.

“Perhaps most importantly, his move to repeal the harmful ‘net neutrality’ rules of the Obama administration spurred the industry to increase internet speeds and broadband coverage to new highs. His move to open up more of the wireless spectrum for alternative uses has helped expand internet services and has also paved the way for the U.S. to be competitive in the deployment of next-generation broadband technologies. The approval of the T-Mobile/Sprint merger will similarly bring new services to disaffected areas.

“The presumptive incoming Biden administration could learn much from Chairman Pai’s light-touch regulatory philosophy. We hope Republicans will recommend a nominee of a similar mind to Chairman Pai.”