It's official: FCC Chairman Martin leaving on Jan 20

Today, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin put in his letter of resignation, effective Jan. 20 when Barak Obama officially takes office.  So much for that "two weeks notice" rule...

Martin could have opted to serve out his remaining time as an FCC commissioner, but telecom policy wonks thought he was going to split once the Obama administration moved in.

Instead, Martin will cash in as a senior fellow at the Aspen Institute think tank. If he and previous FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell swapped phone numbers, Powell should be able to give him some tips on what to expect.  When Powell left as FCC Chairman back in 2005, he joined Aspen's board of trustees before moving to collect some board seats and take up with an investment firm.

Speculation is high that Martin will run for elected office in North Carolina and ultimately aspires to the presidency. We'll see; the same speculation surrounded Powell when he departed.

Martin leaves a legacy marked by battles with cable operators, VoIP service providers, and generally unhappy staff and Capital Hill Democrats, who took issue with the way he ran the agency.

For more:
- Variety notes Martin's official departure. Article.

Related articles
House report slaps FCC's Martin
Weight of rumors and 'source(s)' say Genachowski to be Obama's FCC Chairman
FCC Chairman Martin dictates his legacy - FierceTelecom