William Kennard, 12/27/99

The 25 most powerful people in networking

William Kennard, chairman,
Federal Communications Commission

W. Kennard

Bill Kennard has had a heavy agenda in the past year.

Last fall, Kennard and the Federal Communications Commission passed strict new rules, backed by a promise to levy heavy fines, to protect consumers against slammers - phone companies that illegally switch phone service without the knowledge or permission of enterprises or consumers.

He also railed against the merger of MCI WorldCom and Sprint, calling it a surrender in the long-distance price war, challenging the companies to demonstrate the benefits for consumers.

On the sticky issue of granting service providers access to cable networks, Kennard turned down a request from local government officials for an inquiry into whether cable companies unfairly restrict their customers' choices for ISPs. At that time, he said government intervention would chill overall development of broadband networks; his decision is likely to set off a full-scale battle among service providers for last-mile broadband access services.

Last spring, Kennard pushed for increased annual funding - up to $2.3 billion - to help get schools and libraries wired to the 'Net. And Kennard also said he would like to get the FCC to focus on enforcing marketplace competition rather than writing telecom regulations.

While absent from last year's Top 25 Power lineup, Kennard makes this year's list because the initiatives undertaken in the past year demonstrate his commitment to making sure all telecom consumers have access to the technologies driving the U.S. economy and shaping society. A consumer advocate, Kennard is committed to ensuring that consumers have the information they need in order to compete in a hotly competitive business marketplace.

In 2000, expect more of the same from Kennard. Expect that as the industry consolidates and more technological advances promise to either empower or impede progress in the industry and of the consumer, Kennard will take a strong, but measured and well-thought-out, stance. His decisions will be made with the best intentions of the consumer in mind.

Kennard is looking to empower people with network technology. To that we say, more power to him.

Related links

More information on William Kennard
From the FCC Web site.

Kennard: Fixed wireless could rival DSL, cable
Network World, 12/10/99

FCC Orders Telcos to Share Lines
The Industry Standard, 11/19/99

FCC approves SBC/Ameritech merger
Network World, 10/07/99

Merger update: Kennard rips MCI/Sprint deal
Network World, 10/05/99

WSJ Summit: FCC to enforce competition, chief says
Network World, 10/01/99

FCC favors last mile competition to regulation
Network World, 05/21/99

FCC chief speaks out on mergers, RBOC data services
Network World, 01/07/99

Interactive power-o-meter

Profiles in Power

Profiles in Power

Power Struggles

Power Sign-off

The Signature Series

Home
Contact us
Site Map
Today's news
This week in NW
Research

Free newsletters
Forums
Opinions
Careers
Terms of Service
Network World, Inc.

Seminars & Events
Advertiser Index
Product Showcase
Vendor white papers
NW Subscriptions

Copyright, 1995-2001 Network World, Inc. All rights reserved.