Press

Press Release | December 5, 2016

Ligado Networks Adds Federal Regulatory and Legal Expertise to Leadership Team

Bill Davenport brings more than 17 years of Federal Communications Commission regulatory and legal expertise to Ligado’s team

RESTON, Va., December 5, 2016 – Ligado Networks today announced that William “Bill” Davenport, former deputy chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Enforcement Bureau, has joined the company as senior vice president and deputy general counsel for regulatory affairs. His appointment further enhances Ligado’s leadership team as the company expands to offer next-generation satellite and ground-based connectivity to serve mission-critical Internet of Things applications and the emerging 5G market.

“We are fortunate to bring Bill’s regulatory expertise and counsel on board,” said Doug Smith, the company’s president and chief executive officer. “He has extensive experience and insight on our core regulatory priorities, and we are excited that he will be working with us to successfully deliver a unique network that utilizes mid-band spectrum to enhance and serve public safety, transportation and other industry sectors supporting critical infrastructure.”

“In addition to being a widely respected communications attorney, Bill also has significant hands-on experience managing the increasingly complex issues around spectrum use,” said Ligado executive vice president and chief legal officer Valerie Green. “We are thrilled to have him join our team, and he will be invaluable in ensuring Ligado stays ahead of the technological and regulatory curves in our rapidly evolving industry.”

In his role as an FCC Enforcement Bureau deputy chief, Mr. Davenport served as the principal manager for enforcement related to spectrum interference management, equipment, and critical infrastructure issues. Prior to his work as deputy chief, Mr. Davenport served in numerous leadership roles within the Enforcement Bureau.

Before joining the Commission in 1999, Mr. Davenport was an associate at the firms of Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds, LLP and Patton Boggs, LLP in Washington, D.C. Mr. Davenport received a B.A. from Northwestern University and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

###