Skype weighed in on President Barack Obama’s nomination yesterday of Julius Genachowski as the new chairman of the FCC.
"Skype is pleased that President Obama has nominated Julius Genachowski to chair the Federal Communications Commission,” said Josh Silverman, president of Skype. “As a trusted member of the Obama technology policy team, we look forward to working with Julius as the FCC establishes policy priorities. We welcome Chairman Genachowski to his new responsibilities and to a future defined by more innovation, faster broadband and lower phone bills."
In his statement, Silverman also praised Obama’s Internet-based grassroots campaign, which many believe was Genachowski’s brainchild.
Genachowski has a history as a successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He is a co-founder of LaunchBox Digital, which helped back nine tech startups. And before that, he co-founded Rock Creek Ventures, which reportedly made investments in 13 startups.
Silverman’s statement is significant in that it comes amid a changing telecom landscape. As more consumers switch from traditional landlines to VoIP, services like Skype will be dealing with the FCC on a myriad of regulatory issues.