FCC Chairman Michael Powell's lighter side For a guy who is constantly upsetting either consumers, device manufacturers or the telecommunications industry, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Michael Powell appears to be remarkably well at ease speaking in public. After all, the guy has a job that ranges from regulating wireless spectrum to seeing after public decency standards for broadcasting companies.

Asked why the US is lagging behind in the adoption and speed of broadband internet connections, Powell replied: "Speed is relative. I hate to get Einstein on you."

He also noted that the US has an advantage because it offers both cable and wireless and DSL connections. "I'm a believer in  the Lego network. We used to believe in one network, all red bricks, all laid by the red Lego master. But there are blue and yellow Legos too."

President & CEO of the  Consumer Electronics Association Gary Shapiro (left) interviewing FCC Chairman Michael Powell (right).