WIA’s CTO Dr. Rikin Thakker Appointed to Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) applauded the announcement today by the Department of Commerce of the appointment of Chief Technology Officer Dr. Rikin Thakker to the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC). Secretary Gina Raimondo made the two-year appointment, under which Dr. Thakker will assist CSMAC and NTIA in advising Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson on a range of spectrum policy issues. CSMAC will support the advancement of new technologies, the advancement of public access to broadband services, and public safety.

This is Dr. Thakker’s second recent appointment to a national advisory committee, following the announcement of his appointment by the Federal Communications Commission to its Technology Advisory Council last month.

“I am honored to accept Secretary Gina Raimondo’s appointment,” said Dr. Thakker. “Wireless infrastructure plays a very important role in utilizing spectrum more efficiently. I have been fortunate to gain practical knowledge of spectrum usage and allocation scenarios through my career and was able to integrate this into my academic research. I look forward to working with the other distinguished members of CSMAC and using my expertise to support Assistant Secretary Alan Davidson as he leads NTIA through this pivotal moment in broadband expansion and network evolution.”

Dr. Thakker’s doctoral dissertation from The George Washington University was focused on “Spectrum Allocation, Utilization and Scarcity for Mobile Broadband Eco-system,” where he analyzed the impact of wireless infrastructure on the usage of spectrum.

About WIA: 
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) represents the businesses that build, develop, own, and operate the nation’s wireless infrastructure. WIA advocates for the widespread, responsible deployment of wireless infrastructure to enable mobile broadband for communities everywhere. 

Contact: Marshall Miller | 717-951-0795 | marshall.miller@wia.org