Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509
will.wiquist@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

CHAIRMAN PAI STATEMENT ON FCC COMMISSIONER MIKE O’RIELLY
 -- 
WASHINGTON, December 10, 2020—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai issued the following statement today on Commissioner Mike O’Rielly:

“For over seven years, Mike O’Rielly has served with distinction on the Federal Communications Commission.  And since January 2017, he has been an important partner as the Commission has accomplished one of the most ambitious policy agendas in agency history.  

“Because I had confidence in Mike, I’ve asked him to take the lead on important initiatives.  And he delivered each time.  A good example is the 3.5 GHz spectrum band.  Mike showed leadership in reforming the rules for the 3.5 GHz band to promote 5G deployment.  Because of his efforts, the auction of this band was a major success.  And thanks to Mike, the agency modernized its rules governing children’s television to better match the realities of today’s media marketplace.

“Throughout his tenure on the Commission, Mike was a strong and consistent advocate for eliminating barriers to infrastructure investment, repealing outdated rules, freeing up more licensed and unlicensed spectrum, and reforming our processes to promote transparency.  He also proved that he’s not afraid to cast tough votes or tackle tough issues.  For example, he didn’t waver for a second in his support of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order because he knew it was the right thing to do.  And he hasn’t been afraid to take on state governments, including his home state of New York, calling out their misuse of 911 fees that are diverted away from public safety.

“Mike was also engaged on the international front.  Last year, for example, I asked him to represent the FCC and the United States at the CITEL preparatory meeting in Canada and the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 in Egypt.  At critical points, he helped us achieve important spectrum policy victories on the global stage.

“On top of all that, he’s a good guy.  Over the last seven years, I’ve enjoyed getting to know his lovely wife and watching his family grow.  I’ve especially savored our conversations about the things that really matter, like the joys and challenges of raising young children.  And I hold out hope that someday (though not this year), his beloved Bills will win the Super Bowl.

“I’m proud to call Mike O’Rielly a colleague and a friend, and I wish him and his family the best in the next adventure.”

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Office of Chairman Pai: (202) 418-1000 / Twitter: @AjitPaiFCC / www.fcc.gov/leadership/ajit-pai

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission 
order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).