The Democratic chairman of the Federal Communications Commission will resign at the end of President Obama’s time in office in January, according to a report Thursday.
Tom Wheeler’s departure will give Republicans a 2-1 majority on the FCC, giving Trump the chance to immediately start rolling back Obama’s regulations once he takes office. According to FCC rules, three commissioners are needed for a quorum.
Among the regulations that could be targeted is the net neutrality regulation that considers Internet providers as public utilities. That designation ensures the Internet remains a level playing field for all users, according to the Obama administration. It has angered Internet providers because it also makes them subject to more regulation.
Politico reported it is customary for the FCC chair to step down at the beginning of a new president’s term, but Wheeler had been unwilling to commit to making a choice for months.
