The AP reports that Robert M. McDowell will occupy the third Republican seat on the FCC commission: While he may be pro-something, he's not coming in with a pro-ILEC (incumbent local exchange carrier) position given that he was until this moment the senior vice president and assistant general council at the Competitive Telecommunications Association, a CLEC or non-Bell trade organization.
This is fascinating from the perspective of municipal wireless and other services, because registered CLECs and similar organizations will be among the bidders and beneficiaries of municipally bid or franchised broadband and telecom networks. With two Democrats on the commission generally supporting broader ownership of media and local control, Mr. McDowell could wind up voting against pro-ILEC positions. That remains to be seen.