Ajit Pai

Ajit Varadaraj Pai (born January 10, 1973) is an American attorney and politician who served as Chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 2017 to 2021. He was nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Prior to becoming Chairman, Pai served as a Commissioner at the FCC from 2012 to 2017, having been appointed by President Barack Obama. Before his FCC service, Pai held various positions within the Department of Justice, the U.S. Senate, and Verizon Communications.

Pai is best known for leading the repeal of net neutrality regulations in 2017. These regulations, formally known as the Open Internet Order, had been adopted by the FCC in 2015 and classified broadband internet service providers as common carriers under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. Pai argued that these regulations stifled investment and innovation in the broadband industry. His decision to repeal net neutrality rules was met with widespread public opposition and legal challenges, though it was ultimately upheld by the courts.

Pai's tenure as FCC Chairman also included efforts to expand broadband access in rural areas, streamline regulations, and promote 5G deployment. He also took action against robocalls and addressed concerns about foreign ownership of telecommunications companies.

He graduated from Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law School. After leaving the FCC, Pai joined Providence Equity Partners, a private equity firm.