Ajit Pai
Ajit Pai is best known as the former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission of the United States. During his tenure, he has championed regulatory modernization, updated rules to match marketplace realities, and aimed to deliver consumer value through market-based solutions instead of preemptive regulation. Pai has spent over 20 years in public service, spanning all branches of the federal government. Earlier in his career, he served in various positions of increasing responsibility at the FCC, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Senate. Before becoming a Commissioner, he worked as a Partner at the law firm of Jenner & Block and served as In-House Counsel at Verizon. Today, Pai serves as a Partner at Searchlight Capital, a global investment firm, where he focuses on investments in the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors.
Ajit Pai Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Partner
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Chairman
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Commissioner
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Deputy General Counsel
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Senior Counsel
Academic History
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J.D., Doctor of Law
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B.A., With Honors
CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
Non-Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
At-Large Trustee, America's Public Television Stations
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Pai's distinguished career at the FCC includes two leadership roles following presidential appointments.
He was designated Chairman by former President Donald Trump in 2017. He served as Commissioner of the FCC via appointment by then-President Barack Obama.
During his tenure as Chairman, he implemented major initiatives to help close the digital divide; advance U.S. leadership in 5G, Open Radio Access Networks, Wi-Fi 6, and other wireless technologies.
He also led the FCC to promote innovation; protect consumers, public safety, and national security; and make the agency itself more open, transparent and data driven.
EARLY CAREER
At the Department of Justice, he led a variety of national security initiatives and developed the department's strategy for implementing orders.
At the Judiciary Committee, he led the council on national security, telecommunications, antitrust, and other issues.
He served as Associate General Counsel at Verizon, responsible for creating the framework for the development of broadband services.
He also served as a Judicial Law Clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
MEDIA & APPEARANCES
Pai has been featured or quoted in various financial and political media outlets and publications.
He has been featured in Bloomberg, Business Insider, CNBC, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Politico, Fox Business and more.
He has appeared as a guest on Real Vision.