TAC Chairman Disputes Legislators' Ligado Conflict of Interest Claims
FCC Technological Advisory Committee Chairman Dennis Roberson rejected claims by three House Armed Services Committee members that his associations with TAC and Roberson and Associates is a potential conflict of interest that could call into question commission approval of Ligado’s…
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L-band plan. Strategic Forces Subcommittee Chairman Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., and two House Armed Services Republicans sought an FCC inspector general probe, citing RAA’s 2016 work on behalf of Ligado counsel Covington & Burling (see 2006120033). TAC reported on interference limits policy and harm claim thresholds in March 2014 and RAA began working on Ligado’s behalf 13 months later, Roberson told us Friday. He didn’t lead TAC’s work on interference limits, which he noted weren’t specifically related to what’s at issue in the Ligado debate. “I was very surprised” when made aware of the claims, especially because of “how far what is suggested is from both the way I personally operate and the way the FCC conducts its business,” Roberson said. “It’s an indictment towards me” and “an indictment of the process the FCC uses. Both are very wrong. Personally I am very careful” not to intertwine RAA work with TAC. He said he hasn’t been contacted by House Armed Services. He said it’s appropriate for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to handle the commission’s response and for the IG to decide on an investigation if it chooses. Armed Services didn't comment Monday.