AND THEN THERE WERE TWO: The FCC has not yet released the tentative agenda for its upcoming June Open Commission Meeting scheduled for June 26, 2025. Typically, the agency posts the agenda approximately three weeks before the meeting date. Due to the recent resignations of Commissioners Nathan Simington, at left, and Geoffrey Starks, the FCC currently lacks a quorum, impacting the Commission’s ability to vote on certain items during the upcoming meeting. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Anna Gomez will be the only commissioners of the five seats. No more than three commissioners can be from the same political party to maintain balance.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Nathan Simington announced today that he will resign on Friday, concluding a tenure that began with his appointment by President Donald Trump in December 2020. Simington’s departure comes amid a period of significant transition within the FCC, as Democratic Commissioner Geoffrey Starks also plans to step down this Friday.
In a statement, Simington expressed gratitude for his time at the FCC, highlighting his focus on defending free expression, safeguarding national security, and promoting infrastructure investment. He did not provide a specific reason for his resignation, but emphasized his intention to remain active in public discourse surrounding communications policy.
“Throughout my tenure, I worked to defend free expression, safeguard national security, and promote infrastructure investment to benefit all Americans,” his statement said. “As I turn the page on this chapter, I do so with immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve and for the many colleagues and friends who made this journey so meaningful. I look forward to continuing to serve the public interest in the years ahead and to contributing to the vital conversations surrounding our communications infrastructure, national security, and technological leadership.”
Simington’s exit leaves the FCC with only two sitting commissioners: Republican Chairman Brendan Carr and Democrat Anna Gomez. This absence of a quorum—three commissioners are required—effectively halts the agency’s ability to advance major policy decisions. The Senate has yet to confirm Republican nominee Olivia Trusty, whose appointment would restore the commission’s quorum. Carr, however, can continue to work behind the scenes to eliminate unsustainable matrix pricing forced upon wireless contractors.
During his tenure, Simington was known for advocating limited government intervention in communications and for his efforts to address the influence of social media companies. His departure adds to the uncertainty surrounding the FCC’s future policy direction, particularly in areas such as spectrum allocation and broadband expansion.
As the FCC navigates this transitional period, stakeholders across the telecommunications industry will closely monitor developments, particularly regarding the confirmation of new commissioners and the resumption of the agency’s full regulatory functions.
