Connected Nation Issues Statement on the Resignation of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (December 2, 2020) – Connected Nation Chairman and CEO, Tom Ferree, issued the following statement regarding Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai’s announcement that he will be leaving the agency on January 20, 2021.

“On behalf of Connected Nation, I would like to recognize and applaud Chairman Pai for his distinguished years of public service with the FCC.  His unique personality, background and proud rural Kansas roots made him the perfect person to help further America’s effort to become a more connected nation.  Since his appointment to the Commission in 2012 by then President Barack Obama, Pai has championed programs and policy that worked toward closing the Digital Divide.  He brought further spirit and leadership to these very important issues when in 2017, President Donald Trump appointed him as Chairman.  Since that time Chairman Pai has been tireless in his efforts to not only provide digital equity and opportunity for all, but also to ensure our nation’s rightful place as the world’s technology leader. 

“His vision and leadership through such programs as the Connect America Fund, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, and the 5G Fund will surely cement his legacy as one of the country’s foremost technology leaders.  Perhaps, most importantly, his demonstrated leadership and humanity in the immediate response to the global pandemic ensured millions of Americans avoided the risk of being disconnected at a time of great national crisis. For these actions and countless more, we thank him for his efforts and wish him well in his next endeavor.”

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About Connected Nation: Our mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.

Connected Nation works with consumers, local community leaders, states, technology providers, and foundations to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered on a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. For more information, please visit: connectednation.org and follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter.