Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP (HWG) Technology Policy Advisor Damon Ladson and Partner Patricia Paoletta have been selected to serve on the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations’ World Radiocommunication Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
The World Radiocommunication Conference (“WRC”) is held every four years to negotiate how to harmonize radio frequency spectrum for different services like smartphones, satellites, and other connectivity platforms around the world. At WRC-2019, organized by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (“ITU”), countries will review and, if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations, the UN Treaty governing the use of spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits.
Mr. Ladson, a noted advisor on spectrum management and electromagnetic compatibility, has extensive experience in international spectrum negotiations. He is a veteran of WRCs over the last two decades and advises clients on technical and policy matters and assists counsel in representing clients to prepare for the WRC and other ITU meetings before the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and other Federal agencies. Prior to joining HWG, Mr. Ladson was Deputy Chief, Planning and Negotiations Division, in the FCC’s International Bureau. There, Mr. Ladson served as Director of the FCC’s WRC preparations and was also Vice-Chair of the U.S. Delegation to WRC-2000.
Ms. Paoletta, who has been recognized by Best Lawyers for her telecommunications work, focuses her practice on international telecommunications, trade, and technology policy, with an emphasis on spectrum, wireless broadband networks, and autonomous vehicles. She has attended and represented clients at various WRCs over the last 20 years. Prior to joining HWG, Ms. Paoletta served in several high-level government positions including Majority Counsel to the House Energy and Commerce Committee; Director of Telecommunications Trade Policy in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Executive Office of the President; and as a senior advisor to the International Bureau Chief at the FCC.