Former FCC Chairman Kevin Martin Signs On With Facebook As Director Of Access Policy

Facebook picked up a new team member this week in its quest to bring Internet access to developing countries. Kevin Martin, who has been consulting for Facebook for the past two years, is better known as the former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 2005 to 2009.

Martin joins as a vice president and will be responsible for policies that affect Facebook’s Internet.org project, among others. Facebook is in the process of launching a fleet of massive drones that will fly over developing countries, providing Internet access to as many as 2.8 billion people who are believed to lack connectivity.

Kevin Martin is joining Facebook to help with Internet.org
Kevin Martin, left, speaks to Google CEO Eric Schmidt. (Image Source: Robert Scoble)

“Kevin’s deep experience in technology and communications policy, along with his creativity and strategic vision have already proven invaluable to our mission to connect the world and we are thrilled he is joining the Facebook team full-time,” Facebook VP of global public policy Joel Kaplan said in a statement.

Facebook has been developing the Internet.org project for some time and has indicated that it plans to spend billions to reach people in remote regions of countries that have limited Internet access. The project features other big names in the tech industry, as well, including Ericsson, Opera Software, and Samsung.