Washington, D.C. – The Rural Wireless Association applauds the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on moving the nomination of Gigi Sohn as the fifth FCC Commissioner to the full Senate.  RWA looks forward to the full Senate vote on her confirmation.  RWA notes that Ms. Sohn is beyond qualified to serve as an FCC Commissioner due to her more than 30 years of experience serving consumers and our Nation’s public interest.  Her impressive resume shows she has been a tireless consumer advocate in the communications space during her lengthy service in government, private industry, and academic posts.  Ms. Sohn has broad knowledge of the communications industry and the operations of the FCC, and can hit the ground running once confirmed.

RWA has continuously expressed support for Ms. Sohn’s nomination due to her strong advocacy for rural consumers and commitment to closing the digital divide. She will also be a catalyst for ensuring competition, which will further spur innovation and improve the U.S. economy.

Rural carriers and the rural consumers they serve support Ms. Sohn, and RWA urges the U.S. Senate to do the same by moving forward quickly to schedule Ms. Sohn’s confirmation vote.  It is in the best interest of our nation to have a fully functioning Commission with five commissioners, especially given the many important broadband-related initiatives passed by Congress that the Commission must move along.