Departing FCC chairman could have done more for consumers

[Commentary] Julius Genachowski, who will step down as head of the Federal Communications Commission within the next few weeks, leaves behind a mixed bag of accomplishments and disappointments.

He had made expansion of broadband Internet access one of his priorities. We moved forward on that front, but not far enough. He also aimed to expand available wireless spectrum for smartphones and tablets and the like. That hasn't come very far either. As for pushing for cable subscribers to pay only for the channels they want, rather than pay for fat bundles of channels they never watch, Genachowski was largely silent.

What the FCC needs is a leader who is unafraid to challenge the established order, much as Elizabeth Warren stood up to banks and other financial powers. Until then, the US will continue making baby steps on the telecom front, instead of displaying the global leadership Genachowski boasted of. And we'll all be the worse for it.