Republican FCC commish Robert McDowell announced at Wed’s FCC open meeting that he will step down from the agency in a few weeks.

After some emotional goodbyes from his fellow commissioners, he quipped, “To paraphrase Monty Python, I’m not dead yet.” As for what’s next, McDowell said he has “absolutely no plans” at this point other than to take his family on a much needed vacation. 

Also Wed, FCC chmn Julius Genachowski’s chief counsel and sr legal adviser Sherrese Smith announced her departure. She is the last remaining member of Genachowski’s original team of legal advisers. 

More in tonight’s CableFAX Daily.

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Wednesday–January 7

FCC’s 6GHz Moves

The FCC is kicking off 2026 with a vote later this month to create a new category of unlicensed devices that can operate in the 6GHz band. The item is focused on geofenced variable power (GVP) devices, which

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