Ajit Pai Bids Adieu

The leadership of regulatory agencies usually turns over with the change of federal administrations, so it’s no surprise that Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced that he will step down after four years in the job. He leaves a notable legacy, especially after the mess he inherited from the Obama era. Pai’s largest contribution was rescuing the internet from the shackles of regulation that had been imposed by his predecessor, Tom Wheeler. He rescinded Mr. Wheeler’s “net neutrality” rule, which regulated broadband providers like utilities under Title II of the Communications Act and extended government control over the internet. Pai also limited how much cities could extort broadband providers to install 5G cell sites, which has accelerated the rollout of next-generation networks and enabled companies to stretch their investment. The chairman has also pushed to free up and auction off idle broadband spectrum that government agencies and other license holders were sitting on.

A new chairman appointed by Joe Biden may seek to reverse Pai’s deregulation, but Senate Republicans could slow Democrats down by confirmingTrump appointee Nathan Simington to replace GOP Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, who must also step down in January. If they confirm Simington in December, the commission will be split 2-2 until the Senate confirms Pai’s replacement well into 2021. Chairman Pai is leaving the country with a faster and stronger internet. Let’s hope Democrats don’t break it.