Media Contact:
Will Wiquist, 202-418-0509
will.wiquist@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
CONSUMER BUREAU CHIEF APPOINTS NEXT OMBUDSPERSON
--
WASHINGTON, October 16, 2015 - Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief Alison
Kutler today appointed Michael A. Janson to serve as the next Open Internet ombudsperson, the
public's primary point of contact within the agency for formal and informal questions and
complaints related to the Open Internet rules.
We are grateful to have someone as skilled and consumer-focused as Michael to carry forward
this important public engagement position, said Ms. Kutler, who also praised Parul P. Desai for
her work establishing the ombudsperson office as an effective resource for consumers and other
stakeholders. Parul's work leaves the agency in a great position to continue the vital work of the
ombudsperson. We greatly appreciate her diligence and intelligence.
The Open Internet rules established an ombudsperson to assist consumers, businesses, and
organizations with open Internet complaints and questions by ensuring these parties have
effective access to the Commission's processes that protect their interests. The establishment of
the ombudsperson position came as a result of suggestions from a wide array of commenters
during the Open Internet proceedings. The FCC's ombudsperson helps ensure that small and
often unrepresented groups reach the appropriate bureaus and offices to address specific issues of
concern.
Mr. Janson will work within the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau and continue his
current position in the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. He has a demonstrated
expertise in Open Internet policy in helping lead the bureau's work related to the Open Internet
Order. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, his law degree from
the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and a Ph.D. in political science from the University
of Pennsylvania.
Ms. Desai will return to her previous position as an attorney advisor within the FCC's Audio
Division in the Media Bureau, where she will lead outreach efforts. During her tenure as the
agency's first ombudsperson, Ms. Desai helped establish protocols and systems for managing in-
coming questions and for helping move concerns toward resolution.
The ombudsperson can be reached at: ombudsperson@fcc.gov or 202-418-1155. To file a
complaint online, go to consumercomplaints.fcc.gov, click File a Complaint in the Internet
icon, and select Open Internet as the issue area. Complaints can also be submitted by phone at
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322), TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322), and ASL
Videophone: 1-844-432-2275 or by mail.
To learn more about the FCC's Open Internet Rules, visit www.fcc.gov/openinternet. The text of
the Open Internet Report and Order is available here: http://go.usa.gov/3NjnB
###
Office of Media Relations: 202.418.0500
TTY: 888-835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order
constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).
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