Cisco Names Powell To Board

Powell held a seat on the Federal Communications Commission for more than seven years, including a four-year stint as chairman from 2001 to 2005. He currently serves as a senior adviser of Providence Equity Partners and as chairman of the MK Powell Group.

"Michael's broad experience with the communications sector -- from his support of affordable, widespread broadband deployment in the United States while FCC chairman, to his understanding of the enormous possibilities created by the convergence of data, voice and video -- makes him an invaluable addition to the board," said John Chambers, chairman and CEO of San Jose, Calif.-based Cisco, in a statement.

Powell is probably best known for levying heavy fines for indecency against broadcasters in the wake of the Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" during the 2004 Super Bowl. He also fought against excessive government regulation of VoIP services.

His appointment is effective immediately, bringing membership of Cisco's board to 12 seats.