Chairman Wheeler Appointed FCC Defense Commissioner

The Federal Communications Commission appointed FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to be Defense Commissioner.

The Defense Commissioner “directs the homeland security, national security and emergency preparedness, and defense activities of the Commission.” The duties and responsibilities of the Defense Commissioner include, inter alia: (1) representing the Commission in interagency matters pertaining to public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency preparedness, disaster management, and defense and related matters, including matters pertaining to continuity of the essential functions of the Commission under emergency conditions; (2) serving as the principal point of contact for the Commission on all matters pertaining to the Department of Homeland Security; (3) developing emergency programs covering service provision by wireless and wireline telecommunications carriers and broadcast, cable, and satellite facilities, as well as radio frequency assignment, investigation, and enforcement; and (4) assuming the duties of the Commission under certain emergencies.

(Nov 27)