Outgoing FCC Chief Says Government Laid Groundwork for Faster Networks

Ajit Pai’s four years atop the Federal Communications Commission outlasted many senior officials in the Trump administration where tenure was often measured in months. Some of that longevity owed to the independence of the commission, where Senate-confirmed officials are hard to remove during their terms. It also reflected Mr. Pai’s skill for navigating politically perilous rules for cellular networks, television broadcasters and big media mergers—topics about which the president often opined. “It’s very important for the FCC chair to maintain its independence because otherwise, instead of putting your finger on the problem, you’re putting your finger in the wind,” said Chairman Pai. “That’s not a good place to be for any independent leader.”