Understanding the Role of the FCC in Technology and Telecommunications

Brendan Carr's career in telecommunications policy spans over a decade. He began his legal career as a clerk for Judge Dennis W. Shedd of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Later, he worked as an attorney at Wiley Rein LLP, focusing on appellate, litigation, and telecom practices. In 2012, Carr joined the FCC as a staffer, working on spectrum policy and competition matters. He then served as the lead advisor to FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai on wireless, public safety, and international issues. Carr was later appointed as the FCC's General Counsel, representing the agency in court and serving as its chief legal advisor. In 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Carr to serve as an FCC Commissioner, and he was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate on August 3, 2017. He was sworn into office on August 11, 2017. In January 2025, Carr was elevated to the position of FCC Chairman by President Trump during his second term.