Leibovitz Leaving FCC
John Leibovitz, deputy chief of the FCC Wireless Bureau and a key policymaker in pushing the envelope on wireless issues at the commission, is leaving the agency effective Wednesday. Leibovitz was a holdover from the Julius Genachowski FCC. Leibovitz, who…
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also was a special adviser to Chairman Tom Wheeler on spectrum issues, led Wireless Bureau development of the rules for the AWS-3 and TV incentive auctions. He was also a leader of the spectrum team on the National Broadband Plan. He played a major role on such issues as the reallocation of the 3.5 GHz band as a shared spectrum band. Industry officials said he is viewed as a one-man spectrum think tank within the agency. Leibovitz announced his departure Tuesday in an email to FCC staff. “Most of you know me as a ‘spectrum guy’ and I am very proud of the many ways we have evolved wireless policy to meet future needs,” he said. “I am also proud that we have been able to work across bureaucratic lines as one team. We have not always agreed on every detail, but by and large folks have listened, debated, and deliberated to develop practical, forward-thinking policies. And we have implemented them!” Every FCC rule “was drafted by practical people who grappled with the challenges of new technologies, new industries, and new ideas,” Leibovitz reminded colleagues. “You are continuing a proud tradition if you respect the past and engage with it, but are not captive to it. A spirit of innovation and occasional daring (tempered with humility and modesty) is essential if the FCC is fulfill its public interest mission in an ever-changing world. Also, it helps to have a good sense of humor.” Leibovitz did not say where he is headed after he leaves the FCC.