NEIL SURYAKANT PATEL
named US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications

President George W. Bush announced his nomination of Neil Suryakant Patel, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary for Communications Information at the Department of Commerce.

Mr. Patel currently serves as Assistant to the Vice President for Domestic and Economic Policy. Prior to this, he served as Staff Secretary to the Vice President. Earlier in his career, he served as Assistant General Counsel at UUNET Technologies, Inc. He will head the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which is overseeing the digital-TV-to-analog converter-box-coupon program.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin praised the nomination: "Neil Patel has been a dedicated public servant whom I have known for the past seven years," he said in a statement. "I am pleased someone of Neil's caliber is filling this position at NTIA at such a crucial time."

"Neil's extensive experience with technology and telecommunications issues will immediately help advance NTIA's goals and ultimately benefit consumers across multimedia platforms. I look forward to working with Neil on a broad range of issues, and especially as we prepare the country for the transition to digital."

Patel received his bachelor's degree from Trinity College and his JD from Georgetown University. In response, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin martin said, "Neil Patel has been a dedicated public servant whom I have known for the past seven years. I am pleased someone of Neil's caliber is filling this position at NTIA at such a crucial time. Neil's extensive experience with technology and telecommunications issues will immediately help advance NTIA's goals and ultimately benefit consumers across multimedia platforms. I look forward to working with Neil on a broad range of issues, and especially as we prepare the country for the transition to digital." "Let us congratulate Neil on his nomination and his continued public service, on behalf of the American people and as part of the President's Administration," said the Office of Public Liaison at the White House, when it distributed the press release from the White House.

Robert McDowell, the Republican member of the FCC applauded the President for choosing Patel and wished the nominee luck during the confirmation process. "I have had the pleasure of knowing Neil for many years. He is a substantive, energetic and committed public servant who is well-suited to lead NTIA," he asserted. "During my tenure at the FCC, I have enjoyed working with former Assistant Secretary John Kneuer and Acting Assistant Secretary Meredith Baker. I know that Neil will continue to build on their strong accomplishments to advance the common goals of NTIA and the Commission during the exciting months ahead."

According to reports, even before the Senate gets to consider the nomination, the telecommunications industry has sent positive signals about the President's choice.

USTelecom released a statement from its President and CEO Walter B. McCormick, Jr. saying, "Neil Patel's background gives him a broad understanding of the key policy issues that will help spur broadband deployment and adoption. He is an excellent choice to lead the Commerce Department's communications initiatives and we look forward to working closely with Neil."

- By Ajay Ghosh