FCC appoints enforcement chief, considers internet security needs
September 9, 2009
A more active Federal Communications Commission may seek additional authority from Congress to regulate broadband internet providers and wireless service providers, as the FCC today appointed a new enforcement chief to protect consumers.
After a busy summer reaching out to consumers and industry over the National Broadband Plan, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced the appointment of P. Michele Ellison as Chief of the Enforcement Bureau, effective September 29.
"Protecting and empowering consumers through effective and timely enforcement of the commission's rules and policies is a top priority for the FCC," Genachowski said.
Ellison is currently deputy general counsel, a position she has held for the last 12 years and most recently served as acting general counsel of the FCC through July 2009.
On another front, yesterday the agency said it is seeking a cyber security role to safeguard communications in the event of a disaster such as a terrorist attack.
The Wall Street Journal reported that FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Chief Jamie Barnett said the agency may need to "think about" seeking more authority from Congress to ensure communications in disaster scenarios.
"This is one thing we'll be examining - exactly how do we ensure communications over the internet," Barnett said, according to the Journal.
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