FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell to step down

Robert McDowell, one of the two Republican FCC commissioners, on Wednesday announced he will leave the regulator in the next few weeks.

Robert McDowell, FCC

McDowell (Image source: FCC)

McDowell was serving a second term at the regulator after being appointed first by then President George W. Bush in 2006. Later, in 2009 he was reappointed to a second term by President Barack Obama.

Before being appointed to the FCC, McDowell was a senior VP at Comptel, the industry trade group that represents the competitive telecom industry.

As reported in a Washington Post article, McDowell's departure should not come as a surprise. It is also expected that FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will leave sometime later this year after serving four years in his position.

He announced his resignation during the commission's open meeting on Wednesday.

This week appears to be a time of transition for the FCC. In addition to McDowell, FCC's chief counsel Sherrese Smith will also be leaving the agency in the coming weeks. She was one the last members of Genachowski's original team of legal advisors.

Smith has been credited with various efforts such as revamping Video Relay Service, mobile operator bill shock, and broadcast spectrum issues.

For more:
- see the McDowell release
- The Washington Post has this article

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