WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has nominated Indian-American Ajit Pai to serve another term at the powerful Federal Communications Commission. 

Soon after becoming the President, Trump had designated Pai as acting Chairman of Federal Communications (FCC). He had previously served as Commissioner at FCC.

"These dedicated men and women will help me and the rest of the Administration as we continue our work to make America great again. I am grateful for their willingness to serve and honoured that they will be joining my team," Trump said as he announced several other key administration posts along with Pai. 

Appointed by Trump's predecessor Barack Obama, Pai was confirmed unanimously by the Senate in May 2012. 

Before joining FCC, Pai was a Partner at Jenner & Block, LLP from 2011 until 2012, and Deputy General Counsel, Associate General Counsel, and Special Advisor to the General Counsel at the FCC from 2007 until 2011. 

The son of immigrants from India, Pai grew up in Parsons, Kansas. 

Appearing before a Congressional committee today, Pai said in his new role as Chairman of Federal Communications Commission, he look forward to bring digital opportunity to all Americans. 

"High-speed Internet access, or broadband, is critical to economic opportunity. But there are still too many parts of this country where broadband is unavailable or unaffordable," he said. 

"There is a real and growing digital divide in America. In wealthier, metropolitan areas, 4G LTE is ubiquitous, and gigabit fixed service is expanding. But many rural areas are being left behind," Pai said in his testimony before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. 

The FCC is an independent agency created by Congressional statute to regulate interstate communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and US territories.

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