The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, regarding the departure of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai in January 2021. 

“Chairman Pai is an advocate for innovation, and we thank him for his strong leadership at the helm of the FCC. Through his commitment to closing the digital divide—from advancing 5G deployment to providing access to White Spaces—Americans have greater access to broadband, especially in rural and underserved communities.” 

“Chairman Pai participated in numerous CTA events—even speaking at CES®, the world’s most influential technology event, where he discussed the importance of making spectrum more available, the future of the Internet of Things and other regulatory and policy issues.  

“We applaud Pai’s efforts during his tenure to increase connectivity and close the digital divide, and we look forward to working with his successor to continue to adopt policies to spur U.S.-led innovation.”