Facebook in January retained several lobbying groups as U.S. regulators explore freeing up airspace in the 6 Gigahertz band.
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Tech companies in recent months have been pushing the FCC to allocate spectrum in the 6 GHz band to Wi-Fi and other different types of unlicensed uses, which would allow device makers and service providers to move forward with products that operate in the 6 GHz space.
Wireless carriers, on the other hand—specifically, AT&T—have expressed concerns that allowing too much of this band for unlicensed use could interfere with public safety and critical infrastructure services operating in this spectrum.
Facebook in January hired consulting firm Salt Point Strategies for lobbying issues related to 6 GHz, according to lobbying documents filed with Congress. The same month, the social media network also retained government affairs consulting firm Alpine Group for spectrum issues.
Salt Point Strategies is led David Redl, an administrator at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration who was formerly assistant secretary for communications and information at the United States Department of Commerce as well as and chief counsel to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
A two-person team at Alpine Group handles the Facebook account: Ansley Erdel, who was formerly legislative assistant to Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA); and Jared Weaver, who was deputy chief of staff to Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA).
Facebook last year spent $16.7 million in lobbying expenditures.
Ballard Partners has signed to a represent the US unit of Rheinmetall, Germany’s biggest defense contractor, on Army procurement issues.
BGR Group signs on to provide lobbying and PR services for Terzo, an AI financial intelligence platform. Douglas Lute, chair of BGR’s international and defense practices, will join Terzo’s board of directors.
Avoq has landed Palantir Technologies, the controversial surveillance company founded by right-wing billionaire Peter Thiel, as a client.
Anne Kierig, who was senior manager of public policy at Amazon, has joined the American Advertising Federation as VP-government affairs. She takes over for Clark Rector, who is retiring after a 37-year run at AAF.
TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, which was established in compliance with the executive order signed by President Trump, has hired Valcour LLC, which has close ties with his administration.
