25 Most Influential People in Mobile Technology

#16 Most Influential Person in Mobile Technology

Kevin Martin

Position: Chairman, FCC
Age: 41
Location: Washington, D.C.

Although Martin has been gored by critics for his efforts to relax media consolidation regulations, his (perhaps reluctant) support for the Google-driven “open access” requirements in this year’s massive spectrum auction is definitely a good thing. Given that carriers can cozy up to the FCC more effectively than the average consumer, it was a relief when Martin agreed to require the winner of the coveted 700-MHz spectrum block to allow access to any compatible device and application a user may wish to connect to the network. Despite some initial wailing and teeth-gnashing by carriers, the wireless providers acquiesced to the consumer-friendly requirements.

Did You Know: Martin married his Harvard Law college sweetheart, Cathie.