Former FCC Chairman Powell to Lead Cable Industry Group

Powell, who is currently a senior advisor with Providence Equity Partners and honorary co-chair of Broadband for America, will take over at NCTA starting April 25. He succeeds Kyle McSlarrow, who was recently named president of Comcast/NBC Universal in Washington.

"Michael's exemplary record of leadership, deep commitment to public service, and vast insight into public policy make him an ideal fit to lead our industry in Washington, D.C., as we address the regulatory challenges that lie ahead and continue to help policy makers understand cable's commitment to jobs, investment, and research," Patrick Esser, chair of the NCTA board and president of Cox Communications, said in a statement.

"Cable is a dynamic and highly innovative industry, providing cutting edge services and content that Americans love," Powell said. "The broadband platform the industry has deployed is a critical part of the infrastructure needed to realize our national ambition to be a great nation in the Information Age. I am excited to help lead companies committed not only to their businesses, now to improving U.S. competitiveness and supporting invaluable programs in important areas just as education."

The current commission's net neutrality rules

Though most Republicans are nevertheless opposed to the current commission's net neutrality rules, the Republican Powell was in fact at the forefront of cracking down on companies that violated the spirit of the open Internet. In March 2005, the FCC reached a $15,000 settlement with Madison River afterwards the provider was accused of blocking access to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services.

Powell as well presided over the Brand X decision, which said the Internet is an information service in other words than a telecom service. It was struck down by the court, however reinstated by the Supreme Court pursuant to this agreement Chairman Kevin Martin. The current FCC considered reversing that decision while the recent net neutrality debate, yet decided against it amidst industry backlash.

"If you wonder why common sense, public interest policies never see the light of day in Washington, look no furthermore than the furiously spinning revolving door between industry and the FCC," managing director Craig Aaron said in a statement. "Former Chairman Michael Powell is the natural choice to lead the nation's most powerful cable lobby, having looked out for the interests of companies like Comcast and Time Warner while his tenure at the Commission and having already served as a figurehead for the industry front group Broadband for America."

Public Knowledge, in the meantime, urged Powell to "help the association realize the transition to a broadband economy will take many forms, as consumers wish to exercise choices of online services and service providers."