At a GSMA conference in Atlanta on 9/22, FCC Comm. Jessica Rosenworcel spoke of several spectrum topics of interest to the readers of this blog.

She made 5 predictions:

1. Clearing more federal spectrum will be slow going unless we provide federal authorities with incentives to relocate.
2. We will need to look high and look low to find spectrum for next generation wireless networks.
3. Spectrum use will become more efficient if we challenge ourselves.
4. We need more Wi-Fi.
5. The government will do a better job of fostering innovation with an infusion of young engineers.

Readers will recall that the issue of FCC hiring of engineers and the difference between lawyer recruiting and engineering recruiting has been a recurring topic here. So it was gratifying to hear that the commissioner has very similar thoughts on engineering hiring at FCC as your blogger. We hope that others indicate to the 8th Floor support for Comm. Rosenworcel’s viewpoints for the benefits of all regulated industries. Of course if you prefer that technical proceedings be dominated by lawyers and drag on forever, feel free to support the status quo.

Engineers are deployed throughout the government. At the FCC we have more than 250 of them. They are an integral part of our team, and their input is absolutely vital on spectrum policy.
But I think that across government it is time for a fresh infusion in our engineering ranks. Think of it as a new Americorps, an engineering corps that can modernize the work of government and open opportunities for innovation.
That’s big. So let me start closer to home. Over the past several years, the FCC has been able to recruit talented, young legal professionals through an honors attorney program. In fact, one of the alumni of this program—David Goldman—works in my office and is just the kind of professional we want to recruit to public service.
I think the program that brought David to the FCC needs an engineering counterpart. So I think we should create an honors program for young engineers. It would bring new vigor to the ranks of our technical experts. By mixing young men—and women—with experienced engineers already on staff, the FCC could be better prepared to face the challenges of next-generation communications networks.

Tags: FCC hiring, FCC Reform, FCC personnel policy