AirMap has announced the appointment of Tom Wheeler, former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to the company’s board of directors.
Welcoming Wheeler on board, AirMap co-founder and chairman Ben Marcus said: "Tom’s experience in fostering economic growth and societal benefits through technology innovations, public-private partnerships, and open-market regulations will be a great resource for our industry at it develops and matures.”
“Reliable and secured wireless networks are critical enablers to scale UAS operations, as highlighted by AirMap’s recent announcements concerning network-based Remote ID and drone tracking solutions. Tom’s expertise in these domains will benefit AirMap as it continues to expand its product offering.”
Wheeler was appointed as the 31st FCC Chairman by US president Barack Obama and served from 2013 to 2017. Wheeler led the FCC through large-scale advances in internet technology and the development of an open and competitive digital marketplace.
Prior to his FCC appointment, Wheeler had a long career in the cable and wireless industry, including positions as the President of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association and CEO of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association.
He joins AirMap co-founder & chairman Ben Marcus and CEO David Hose as well as Lux Capital Partner Bilal Zuberi and General Catalyst Partners Principal Katherine Boyle on the AirMap board of directors.
Commenting on his new role, Wheeler added: “I am honored to join the AirMap team. The opening of the low-altitude airspace to high-scale flight operations offers so many new opportunities for both citizens and companies.
"How governments integrate these new airspace entrants with their public interest responsibility will be an important new chapter in the relationship between innovative technologies and public policy. Having spent my professional life at the intersection of new technology and policy, I am excited to be a part of this new challenge.”