Thank you to all speakers, sponsors, partners & delegates who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 edition. In the meantime, should you wish to find out more about speaking and sponsorship opportunities at next year’s event, please contact:




















Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity was seen by many as a game-changer for global communications. But could it truly reach its full potential, and what key factors would shape its future?
On December 8th in Washington, D.C., we hosted a one-day policy forum dedicated to exploring these critical questions. Sessions brought together key stakeholders to examine the regulatory landscape, technological advancements, emerging business models, and the challenges that lay ahead. How could industry and governments collaborate to unlock the full promise of D2D connectivity?
Join the mailing list to stay informed on upcoming related events, and do not miss the opportunity to be part of future crucial conversations.
This event took place back to back with the Americas Space Forum.
Adam Cassady, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Administrator, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Adam Cassady was appointed as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on March 16, 2025. In this capacity, he provides advice and assistance to the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information in the formulation, development, and implementation of telecommunications and information policies of the Executive Branch.
Prior to his appointment at NTIA, Mr. Cassady served for over four years at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for Commissioner Nathan Simington. Most recently, Mr. Cassady served as Chief of Staff to Commissioner Simington, and prior to that as Commissioner Simington’s Senior Legal Advisor, managing a variety of telecommunications and technology portfolios.
Prior to joining the FCC, Cassady co-founded a technology firm focused on delivering enterprise machine learning solutions. He holds a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School and a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Administrator
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
Jay Schwarz, Chief, Space Bureau, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Jay Schwarz is Chief of the FCC Space Bureau. Previously, he served as Vice President of Public Policy for Comcast, focusing on broadband issues. In his first tour at the FCC he was Wireline Advisor to former Chairman Ajit Pai and held positions within the Wireline Competition Bureau, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and the Office of Strategic Planning. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Chief, Space Bureau
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Carlos Manuel Baigorri, President, National Telecommunications Agency of Brazil (ANATEL) Anatel’s President Carlos Baigorri has a degree in Economic Sciences from the
University of Brasília (UnB), with a Master’s and Doctorate in Economics from the
Catholic University of Brasília (UCB). Acting in the telecommunications area since 2006,
he was a consultant and analyst of sector information in an Association of mobile
operators. He has also served as an undergraduate professor at the Catholic University
of Brasilia (UCB), at the Institute of Higher Education of Brasília (IESB), and at the
Brazilian Institute of Capital Markets (IBMEC). He wrote articles and book chapters
published in Brazil and abroad. He has been a career permanent employee at Anatel
since 2009, where he has been previously nominated Executive Superintendent,
Competition Superintendent, Obligations Control Superintendent and Head of
Technical Advisory.
President
National Telecommunications Agency of Brazil (ANATEL)
David Goldman, Vice President, Satellite Policy, SpaceX David Goldman is the Vice President of Satellite Policy for SpaceX. Prior to joining SpaceX in 2018, he was the Chief Counsel for the Communication and Technology Subcommittee since January 2015. Before that, he served as the Senior Legal Advisor for FCC then-Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. He was the Commissioner’s chief advisor on wireless, international, and public safety issues, along with responsibility for other issues of policy, strategy, public relations, and office operations.
David joined Commissioner Rosenworcel’s office from the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where he served on detail as Counsel to the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.
Prior to serving on Capitol Hill, David served in several positions at the FCC, including in the office of Chairman Genachowski and as a Policy Advisor to the Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. He joined the agency as an Honors Attorney, serving as Attorney Advisor in the Spectrum Competition and Policy Division of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Before this, he served as Staff Law Clerk at the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago. He also worked as an associate at the law firm Hughes Hubbard & Reed in New York.
David received his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida.
Vice President, Satellite Policy
SpaceX
Adán Salazar Garibay, Commissioner, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Mexico (CRT) Bio to follow.
Commissioner
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Mexico (CRT)
Isabelle Mauro, Director General, GSOA Isabelle Mauro is Director General of GSOA that represents the interests of 70 members in the satellite ecosystem. She reports directly to their Chief Executives.
Under Isabelle’s leadership, GSOA and its member CEOs lead the effort to showcase the benefits of satellite communications for a more inclusive and secure society – vital to bridging the world’s digital divide, achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and realizing the 5G ecosystem.
Isabelle has 25 years experience in the Telecoms and Technology sector, starting at the GSMA, where she was responsible for government and international Affairs. In 2015 she moved to New York to join the World Economic Forum as Head of Information, Communications and Technology Industries, managing the portfolio for 60+ Tech companies globally and leading initiatives on inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
Isabelle is passionate about inclusion and sustainability. She is Chair of the High-Level Advisory Board of the DigitalGoesGreen Foundation. She also sits on the Advisory Board of Women in Tech and is a member of the UNESCO Advisory Group for the Declaration on Connectivity for Education.
Isabelle holds an MSc in European Politics and Policy from the London School of Economics. She is fluent in French, English, Italian and Spanish.
Director General
GSOA
Scott Patrick, Executive Director, Office of Spectrum Management, NTIA Scott Patrick helps direct NTIA’s work on national spectrum strategies and policies. His responsibilities include overseeing the development of spectrum-sharing and repurposing strategies in the agency’s work to address federal and commercial spectrum use and demand.
Before joining NTIA, Mr. Patrick was a wireless, media, and technology attorney in private practice, counseling telecom, cable, broadcast, and broadband companies on a wide range of policy, transactional, and regulatory matters. He also has served as an attorney in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at the FCC. Early in his career, Mr. Patrick was a research engineer at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory where he helped deploy the first three-axis fiberoptic electromagnetic sensors. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering and physics from the University of Maryland.
Executive Director, Office of Spectrum Management
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
Tom Stroup, President, Satellite Industry Association (SIA) As President of SIA, Tom is the trade association’s lead advocate for regulatory and policy issues of critical importance to SIA’s membership, including spectrum and licensing issues, defense and public safety matters, and export control and international trade issues. He also manages the day-to-day operations of SIA, including member communications, staff leadership and organization of SIA sponsored events. Tom became the president of SIA in December of 2014.
Prior to joining SIA, Tom was with Shared Spectrum Company (SSC), a leading developer of spectrum intelligence technologies, where he served as CEO. For more than a decade, he served as the President of the Personal Communications Industry Association (PCIA). Previous to his position at SSC, he founded and ran several companies in the technology industry, including Columbia Spectrum Management, P-Com Network Services, CSM Wireless, and SquareLoop.
Tom holds a BS, summa cum laude, in Public Administration from the University of North Dakota. He is also a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center where he served as Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal.
President
Satellite Industry Association (SIA)
Julie Kearney, Partner and Co-Chair, Space Exploration and Innovation Practice, DLA Piper Julie Kearney is a Co-Chair of the Space Exploration and Innovation Practice and a partner in the Telecom group at DLA Piper. She is a globally recognized and dynamic lawyer in the technology, satellite, space, and telecommunications field. For more than 25 years, Julie has worked with governments, industries, and the public sector around the world to promote legal and regulatory frameworks and policies that enable life-changing technologies.
As the first Chief of the Space Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Julie represented and spoke for the Chairwoman and Commissioners on satellite and space-based communication matters and represented the Commission at the domestic and international level. Under Julie’s leadership, the FCC unanimously adopted several regulatory frameworks and launched initiatives to successfully advance industry leadership in the New Space Age. Additionally, during her tenure as Chief, the FCC adopted a regulatory structure for Supplemental Coverage from Space, which made the FCC the first regulator in the world to issue a framework for connecting satellites directly to consumer handsets using spectrum previously allocated only to terrestrial service.
Before joining the FCC, Julie served as the Vice President of Communications Regulatory Affairs and Policy at Twilio Inc., a publicly traded Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider, where she developed and implemented the company’s global telecommunications regulatory and policy and law enforcement response strategy. She also served as the Global Head of Communications Regulation and Policy for Loon, an Alphabet Inc. company, where she led international and US regulatory initiatives to bring internet access to unserved and underserved communities around the world via a network of balloons on the edge of space. She also held roles at the Consumer Technology Association, National Public Radio, MCI, and private legal practice.
Julie is a past president of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA – The Tech Bar) and she also served as chair of the FCBA Foundation. She was a long-serving member of the Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee and also served on its Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee. Other Board positions include USTelecom and the United States Technical Training Institute (USTTI).
Julie earned her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and a J.D. from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, with a certificate from its Law and Technology Institute. She recently completed a 3.5 year term on the Columbus School of Law’s Board of Visitors. A trained singer, she has sung with choruses in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC area, most recently with Schola Cantorum (CA) and the Choral Arts Society of Washington (DC).
Partner and Co-Chair, Space Exploration and Innovation Practice
DLA Piper
Sergio Sotomayor Rodríguez, Director General, National Spectrum Agency of Colombia (ANE) Bio to follow.
Director General
National Spectrum Agency of Colombia (ANE)
David Willis, Group Director, Spectrum, Ofcom UK David has spent 35 years of working in the telecom industry working in a variety of executive and technical leadership positions across the public and private sectors. Most recently as Group Director Spectrum at Ofcom, President of the Communications Research Centre (Canada), and Senior Director for Spectrum Engineering at Innovation Science and Economic Development (Canada). Prior to that David held significant product leadership roles in BlackBerry’s handset business and Nortel’s Optical and Network Management business units.
Group Director, Spectrum
Ofcom UK
Manuel González Farfán, Telecommunications Analyst, Subtel Chile Manuel González Farfán has worked for over 25 years at the Chilean Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel), participating as a delegate in meetings of CITEL, CCPII, ITU (WRC), and others. Manuel currently works in the Spectrum Management Department at SUBTEL, focusing on sector regulation and standards, particularly for wireless services. He also represents the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications on the Chilean Space Executive Committee.
Telecommunications Analyst
Undersecretariat of Telecommunications of Chile (Subtel)
Michal Kasprowicz, Partner, DLA Piper Mike’s practice focuses on high-tech intellectual property and telecommunications regulatory laws.
Building on his background in electrical and communications engineering, Mike has helped clients navigate Canada’s evolving telecommunications regulatory framework. Mike has provided guidance on spectrum availability and licensing for terrestrial and satellite systems, including for private 5G, remote sensing, fixed satellite and mobile satellite systems; equipment certifications for radios and interference causing equipment; service licensing and registrations for facilities and non-facilities based telecommunications, internet and VoIP service providers; and, privacy and data security.
Mike has also represented clients at all stages of intellectual property litigation, from pre-litigation opinions and originating pleadings, through motions and discoveries, and to appearances at mediations, trials and appeals. Mike is also a registered patent and trademark agent and has taught intellectual property courses at the University of Windsor as a sessional instructor.
Partner
DLA Piper
Kirk Sookram, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago Kirk Sookram holds the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (the Authority). He has been employed with the Authority since its inception in July 2004, starting as a Telecommunications Engineer, laying the foundation for the spectrum management mandate of the regulator and working his way up the corporate ladder to Executive Director Technology and Engineering and, in 2020, to the position he currently holds.
During his tenure at the Authority, he has specialized in the areas of spectrum management, wireless technologies, telecommunications regulation, ICT and broadband development, cost modeling, universal service initiatives and policy development.
Kirk is a national of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. His qualifications include a Bachelors of Science Degree (with Honours) in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of the West Indies and a Masters of Science Degree (Distinction) in Operational Telecommunications from Coventry University, United Kingdom.
Kirk has represented the Authority over the years at conferences and seminars and participated in panel discussions on telecommunications regulation, broadband development and emerging wireless technologies.
Kirk also held the position of the Chairman of the Caribbean Spectrum Management Task Force established by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) during the period 2016 – 2020, during which time he led the CTU preparatory work for the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference, 2019. He also held the position of Chairman of the Caribbean Spectrum Management Steering Committee of the CTU for the period 2020 – 2024.
Kirk also currently serves as Vice Chair of the ITU-T, Regional Group of the Americas for Study Group 2 – Operational aspects of telecommunications and ICTs.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago
Tarun Gupta, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder, Skylo Tarun Gupta is CPO and co-founder of Skylo Technologies. Having more than 20 years of experience, Tarun held executive positions at Google, Parallel Infrastructure, FiberTower, and currently advises leading companies regarding market fit, product enhancements, and overall strategic direction.
Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder
Skylo
Alfie Ulloa, Executive President, Chile Telcos Bio to follow.
Executive President
Chile Telcos
Pascale Dumit, Director, International Spectrum Policy, T-Mobile Pascale Dumit is Director for International Spectrum Policy at T-Mobile. She leads the company’s engagements at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and within other regional organizations such as the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL).
Pascale has served on U.S. delegations to the ITU since 2010, including the U.S. delegations to the 2022 Plenipotentiary Conference and the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference.
Pascale is also a member of the FCC 2027 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee, a member of the Department of State International Digital Economy and Telecommunication Advisory Committee, a Co-Chair of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) International Telecommunications Committee and a Vice-Chair of the U.S. ITU Association.
Pascale’s previous experience includes various roles in the Space industry in addition to supporting NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense on a broad range of international spectrum management issues where she served as a key contributor to the overall development and implementation of U.S. strategy in national and international spectrum regulatory environments.
Pascale holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from The George Washington University.
Director, International Spectrum Policy
T-Mobile
Mohammad Marashi, SVP, Future Business & Innovation, SES Mohammad was appointed SVP, Future Business & Innovation in June 2024 and is spearheading innovation and exploring new business opportunities.
Before that Mohammad oversaw Product & Strategy across multiple network segments including Aero, Maritime, Fixed Data, Government and Cloud, with a particular focus on SES-17 Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) and SES’s second generation of MEO satellites, O3b mPOWER.
Prior to joining SES in 2020, Mohammad held numerous executive roles at Intelsat in Product Strategy, Product Development, and Innovation. Amongst the key achievements was the development of advanced space segment offerings using onboard processing technology on High Throughput Satellites (HTS) and Software Defined Satellites (SDS).
Mohammad holds both a BS & MS in Electrical Engineering from Boston University and an MBA from Columbia.
SVP, Future Business & Innovation
SES
Amy Mehlman, Executive Vice-President & Chief Global Affairs Officer, Lynk Global Amy Mehlman is EVP and Chief Global Affairs officer at Lynk Global. She is a senior telecommunication professional with nearly three decades hands-on experience helping innovative companies secure establish favorable public policies and secure market access by working with government policymakers, industry partners, and multilateral NGOs.
Most recently, Mehlman worked as VP for Global Affairs and Stakeholder Relations at E-Space Inc. where she led global policy efforts shaping the rapidly growing non-geostationary satellite market, successfully-pursued government contracts, obtained market access, spearheaded partnerships, and oversaw legislative efforts. Prior to that Amy served as VP of U.S. Government Affairs and Global Policy at Viasat, leading their domestic and international policy efforts on satellite licensing, space safety and equitable access to spectrum. Earlier in her career, Amy was Founder and President of a successful boutique telecommunications public policy firm (Mehlman Capitol Strategies) representing over 30 companies before the U.S. Congress, FCC & Executive Branch. Amy began her career at the prestigious Washington, D.C. law firm Wiley, Rein & Fielding where she represented leading wireless, satellite, telecom equipment and broadcast companies before the US Congress and Administration.
Executive Vice-President & Chief Global Affairs Officer
Lynk Global
L. Barbee Ponder, General Counsel & Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Globalstar Barbee has served as General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Globalstar since July 2010. In this role he has directed Globalstar’s regulatory and licensing activities around the world.
Barbee has led the international regulatory effort required for the commercial introduction of the world’s first satellite direct-to-device service, now providing mobile satellite connectivity to millions of people globally. This effort included the expansion and licensing of Globalstar’s ground network now consisting of 28 gateway Earth stations in 18 countries.
Most recently, Barbee worked to secure the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s reauthorization of Globalstar’s senior HIBLEO-4 constellation filing for an additional 15-year license term.
He holds a law degree from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Management degree from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business in New Orleans, Louisiana
General Counsel & Vice President of Regulatory Affairs
Globalstar
J. Ryan Thompson, Senior Associate, Global Regulatory, Hogan Lovells Ryan Thompson is a trusted advisor to leading technology and telecommunications firms, offering practical solutions to complex regulatory and policy challenges. His practice spans an array of cutting-edge policy and legal issues before lawmakers, the courts, and key agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Federal Trade Commission, and U.S. Department of Justice. Ryan’s clients include wireless carriers, prominent tech firms, satellite operators, trade associations, and startups. Ryan’s expertise covers many critical issues in the tech and telecom sector, including wireless and satellite spectrum policy and licensing, AI regulation and legislation, online platform governance and regulation, foreign ownership and merger reviews, and experimental licensing.
Senior Associate, Global Regulatory
Hogan Lovells
Johanne Lemay, Co-President, Lemay-Yates Associates (LYA) Ms. Lemay has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and is a recognized expert in telecommunications and broadcasting. Her expertise covers development of business plans, valuation, due diligence, spectrum matters and market research. Ms. Lemay has supported clients in the US, Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Canada.
Ms. Lemay is the lead consultant for Private Auctions conducted by LYA for clients disposing of spectrum licenses and other assets.
Ms. Lemay is actively involved in consultations for the development of public policy. She has acted as an Expert Witness in regulatory proceedings and litigations. Recent expert evidence mandates were focused on broadband subsidies in rural and remote areas, wireless siting, mid-band 5G spectrum, national roaming, television and over-the-top services, benchmarking investment in broadband and the regulatory framework for MVNOs.
She has supported clients in successfully acquiring subsidy funds for broadband deployment in rural areas.
She is co-leader of the development of the LYA Auction Platforms that support Combinatorial Clock Auctions (CCA), Simultaneous Multiple Round Ascending (SMRA) Auctions, Sealed Bid Auctions as well as Clock Auctions.
Prior to co-founding LYA, Ms. Lemay held a number of positions in marketing and product management with Nortel Networks. Ms. Lemay holds an Engineering Physics degree from Laval University and an MBA, Executive Option, from Concordia University in Montreal.
Co-President
Lemay-Yates Associates (LYA)
Luis Ottati, Director of Engineering, National Communications and Media Regulator of Argentina (ENACOM) Luis Ottati is a senior telecommunications executive with over 25 years of experience in regulatory leadership, spectrum management, and mobile technology strategy across Latin America. As Chief of Engineering at ENACOM Argentina, he leads national efforts in radio spectrum planning and ICT services plus telecommunication equipment homologation.
His contributions include strategic national resolutions on spectrum use, including initiatives for rural connectivity, unlicensed spectrum, spectrum for private networks and strategic band allocations for 5G and satellite services deployment. He is a strong advocate for innovation, digital inclusion, and state sovereignty over strategic resources like spectrum.
He is an Electronics Engineer from ITBA (Buenos Aires Institute of Technology). Throughout his career, he has held pivotal roles in both public and private sectors —Microsoft, Nokia and Telecom Personal— driving regional technology roadmaps, product launches, mobile services and technology integrations plus customer care.
Director of Engineering
National Communications and Media Regulator of Argentina (ENACOM)
Mindel de la Torre, Head of Global Regulatory Affairs, Skylo Technologies Bio to follow.
Head of Global Regulatory Affairs
Skylo Technologies
George Giagtzoglou, Vice President Strategy & Marketing, Omnispace George Giagtzoglou is the Vice President of Strategy & Marketing at Omnispace, responsible for overseeing corporate strategy and marketing, as well as supporting strategic partner development and financing initiatives for the company that is redefining mobile communications.
George brings more than 35 years of diverse technical and business experience to Omnispace, leading initiatives that have shaped the commercial satellite industry, and represent more than $28Bn in corporate development deals. Prior to Omnispace, George was the President of Alazo Consulting. In this role he delivered expert satellite industry insights to support strategic investments and acquisitions.
Previously, George was the head of Corporate Development at ABS Global with responsibilities including corporate development, corporate & regional strategy, business planning, market intelligence, satellite business case development and financing.
Prior to ABS he was with Intelsat for 11 years as the head of Corporate Strategy & Planning and also led Corporate Development, Global Marketing, Product Strategy & Development, and Business Development. Mr. George’s was instrumental in various company sale processes in 2005 and 2008, and the acquisition of PanAmSat in 2006. He played a key role in developing and commercializing the company’s capabilities, primarily in the area of broadband services.
Prior to joining Intelsat in 2000, George’s career in the space and telecommunications industry included engagement leadership positions in the telecommunications practice of A.T. Kearney Management Consultants, and senior engineering and business management positions at Telstra (Australia).
George has a master’s degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Adelaide in South Australia.
Vice President Strategy & Marketing
Omnispace
Michele C. Farquhar, Partner, Global Regulatory, Hogan Lovells Years of government, industry, and law firm service have shaped Michele Farquhar into an influential advisor, advocate, and thought leader for the technology, media, and telecoms industry. She helps clients with a range of global and U.S. communications policy initiatives, spectrum auctions, licensing and compliance matters, and regulatory strategy involving M&A transactions as well as litigation.
Michele obtains regulatory approvals, waivers, and other licenses for many new and cutting-edge technologies. And she leads teams advising major global companies on regulatory strategy issues involving a range of international jurisdictions. As a legal authority in her industry, she also speaks and writes extensively on a range of communications issues.
Michele joined the firm in 1997, after serving as Chief of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. While at the FCC, she led the agency’s new spectrum auction initiative and held primary responsibility over several major auctions and spectrum policy initiatives, as well as the bureau’s implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Previously, Michele served as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce. She played a lead role in developing the administration’s positions on telecommunications reform as well as spectrum, international, electronic commerce, and other policy issues.
As Vice President for Law and Regulatory Policy at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, she gained industry knowledge and regulatory advocacy experience while representing cellular carriers on regulatory, policy, and legal issues before the FCC. Michele also served as senior legal advisor to FCC Commissioner Ervin Duggan and as the mass media advisor to two FCC general counsels.
Partner, Global Regulatory
Hogan Lovells
Ari Q. Fitzgerald, Partner, Global Regulatory, Hogan Lovells Ari Fitzgerald leads the firm’s Communications, Internet, and Media practice. He provides strategic, legal, and policy advice on a wide range of communications and spectrum policy issues to some of the world’s largest and most dynamic communications network operators and equipment manufacturers, as well as industry trade associations and investors.
Ari enjoys helping automobile manufacturers and suppliers, medical device manufacturers, drone manufacturers, and other technology companies bring new and innovative communications-related products and services to market. In recognition of his path-breaking contributions to the wireless industry, he is one of only three attorneys to have ever been inducted into the Wireless History Foundation’s Wireless Hall of Fame.
Partner, Global Regulatory
Hogan Lovells
Find out more about the European edition of The D2D Policy Forum at the event website, d2dpolicy.eu
Note: All timings are in Central European Summer Time (CEST).
The full conference agenda will be available soon, offering an in-depth overview of all sessions, speakers, and activities. Stay tuned for exciting updates!
All times are in Washington, D.C. (EST)
Ari Fitzgerald leads the firm’s Communications, Internet, and Media practice. He provides strategic, legal, and policy advice on a wide range of communications and spectrum policy issues to some of the world’s largest and most dynamic communications network operators and equipment manufacturers, as well as industry trade associations and investors.
Ari enjoys helping automobile manufacturers and suppliers, medical device manufacturers, drone manufacturers, and other technology companies bring new and innovative communications-related products and services to market. In recognition of his path-breaking contributions to the wireless industry, he is one of only three attorneys to have ever been inducted into the Wireless History Foundation’s Wireless Hall of Fame.
Ms. Lemay has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and is a recognized expert in telecommunications and broadcasting. Her expertise covers development of business plans, valuation, due diligence, spectrum matters and market research. Ms. Lemay has supported clients in the US, Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Canada.
Ms. Lemay is the lead consultant for Private Auctions conducted by LYA for clients disposing of spectrum licenses and other assets.
Ms. Lemay is actively involved in consultations for the development of public policy. She has acted as an Expert Witness in regulatory proceedings and litigations. Recent expert evidence mandates were focused on broadband subsidies in rural and remote areas, wireless siting, mid-band 5G spectrum, national roaming, television and over-the-top services, benchmarking investment in broadband and the regulatory framework for MVNOs.
She has supported clients in successfully acquiring subsidy funds for broadband deployment in rural areas.
She is co-leader of the development of the LYA Auction Platforms that support Combinatorial Clock Auctions (CCA), Simultaneous Multiple Round Ascending (SMRA) Auctions, Sealed Bid Auctions as well as Clock Auctions.
Prior to co-founding LYA, Ms. Lemay held a number of positions in marketing and product management with Nortel Networks. Ms. Lemay holds an Engineering Physics degree from Laval University and an MBA, Executive Option, from Concordia University in Montreal.
Adam Cassady was appointed as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on March 16, 2025. In this capacity, he provides advice and assistance to the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information in the formulation, development, and implementation of telecommunications and information policies of the Executive Branch.
Prior to his appointment at NTIA, Mr. Cassady served for over four years at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for Commissioner Nathan Simington. Most recently, Mr. Cassady served as Chief of Staff to Commissioner Simington, and prior to that as Commissioner Simington’s Senior Legal Advisor, managing a variety of telecommunications and technology portfolios.
Prior to joining the FCC, Cassady co-founded a technology firm focused on delivering enterprise machine learning solutions. He holds a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School and a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.
Anatel’s President Carlos Baigorri has a degree in Economic Sciences from the University of Brasília (UnB), with a Master’s and Doctorate in Economics from the Catholic University of Brasília (UCB). Acting in the telecommunications area since 2006, he was a consultant and analyst of sector information in an Association of mobile operators. He has also served as an undergraduate professor at the Catholic University of Brasilia (UCB), at the Institute of Higher Education of Brasília (IESB), and at the Brazilian Institute of Capital Markets (IBMEC). He wrote articles and book chapters published in Brazil and abroad. He has been a career permanent employee at Anatel since 2009, where he has been previously nominated Executive Superintendent, Competition Superintendent, Obligations Control Superintendent and Head of Technical Advisory.
As President of SIA, Tom is the trade association’s lead advocate for regulatory and policy issues of critical importance to SIA’s membership, including spectrum and licensing issues, defense and public safety matters, and export control and international trade issues. He also manages the day-to-day operations of SIA, including member communications, staff leadership and organization of SIA sponsored events. Tom became the president of SIA in December of 2014.
Prior to joining SIA, Tom was with Shared Spectrum Company (SSC), a leading developer of spectrum intelligence technologies, where he served as CEO. For more than a decade, he served as the President of the Personal Communications Industry Association (PCIA). Previous to his position at SSC, he founded and ran several companies in the technology industry, including Columbia Spectrum Management, P-Com Network Services, CSM Wireless, and SquareLoop.
Tom holds a BS, summa cum laude, in Public Administration from the University of North Dakota. He is also a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center where he served as Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal.
David Goldman is the Vice President of Satellite Policy for SpaceX. Prior to joining SpaceX in 2018, he was the Chief Counsel for the Communication and Technology Subcommittee since January 2015. Before that, he served as the Senior Legal Advisor for FCC then-Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. He was the Commissioner’s chief advisor on wireless, international, and public safety issues, along with responsibility for other issues of policy, strategy, public relations, and office operations.
David joined Commissioner Rosenworcel’s office from the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where he served on detail as Counsel to the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.
Prior to serving on Capitol Hill, David served in several positions at the FCC, including in the office of Chairman Genachowski and as a Policy Advisor to the Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. He joined the agency as an Honors Attorney, serving as Attorney Advisor in the Spectrum Competition and Policy Division of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Before this, he served as Staff Law Clerk at the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago. He also worked as an associate at the law firm Hughes Hubbard & Reed in New York.
David received his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida.
Ari Fitzgerald leads the firm’s Communications, Internet, and Media practice. He provides strategic, legal, and policy advice on a wide range of communications and spectrum policy issues to some of the world’s largest and most dynamic communications network operators and equipment manufacturers, as well as industry trade associations and investors.
Ari enjoys helping automobile manufacturers and suppliers, medical device manufacturers, drone manufacturers, and other technology companies bring new and innovative communications-related products and services to market. In recognition of his path-breaking contributions to the wireless industry, he is one of only three attorneys to have ever been inducted into the Wireless History Foundation’s Wireless Hall of Fame.
As direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity reshapes global telecoms, two deployment models have become central: International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). While both promise new opportunities, their regulatory paths differ, and jurisdictions across the Americas (notably the U.S., Canada, and Brazil) are among the first to develop regulatory frameworks that support D2D-IMT.
Inspired by this, our opening session will explore, assess, and compare the roles and impacts of IMT and MSS models for D2D. Through both the one-on-one discussion and the subsequent panel, participants will evaluate the comparative advantages and limitations of each approach and examine how these choices are shaping business strategy and market dynamics across the Americas. The session will also consider how MNOs and satellite providers are adapting, identify where regulation supports or constrains progress, and highlight best practices emerging from early adopters.
Jay Schwarz is Chief of the FCC Space Bureau. Previously, he served as Vice President of Public Policy for Comcast, focusing on broadband issues. In his first tour at the FCC he was Wireline Advisor to former Chairman Ajit Pai and held positions within the Wireline Competition Bureau, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and the Office of Strategic Planning. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Scott Patrick helps direct NTIA’s work on national spectrum strategies and policies. His responsibilities include overseeing the development of spectrum-sharing and repurposing strategies in the agency’s work to address federal and commercial spectrum use and demand.
Before joining NTIA, Mr. Patrick was a wireless, media, and technology attorney in private practice, counseling telecom, cable, broadcast, and broadband companies on a wide range of policy, transactional, and regulatory matters. He also has served as an attorney in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at the FCC. Early in his career, Mr. Patrick was a research engineer at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory where he helped deploy the first three-axis fiberoptic electromagnetic sensors. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering and physics from the University of Maryland.
David has spent 35 years of working in the telecom industry working in a variety of executive and technical leadership positions across the public and private sectors. Most recently as Group Director Spectrum at Ofcom, President of the Communications Research Centre (Canada), and Senior Director for Spectrum Engineering at Innovation Science and Economic Development (Canada). Prior to that David held significant product leadership roles in BlackBerry’s handset business and Nortel’s Optical and Network Management business units.
Barbee has served as General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Globalstar since July 2010. In this role he has directed Globalstar’s regulatory and licensing activities around the world.
Barbee has led the international regulatory effort required for the commercial introduction of the world’s first satellite direct-to-device service, now providing mobile satellite connectivity to millions of people globally. This effort included the expansion and licensing of Globalstar’s ground network now consisting of 28 gateway Earth stations in 18 countries.
Most recently, Barbee worked to secure the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s reauthorization of Globalstar’s senior HIBLEO-4 constellation filing for an additional 15-year license term.
He holds a law degree from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Management degree from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Amy Mehlman is EVP and Chief Global Affairs officer at Lynk Global. She is a senior telecommunication professional with nearly three decades hands-on experience helping innovative companies secure establish favorable public policies and secure market access by working with government policymakers, industry partners, and multilateral NGOs.
Most recently, Mehlman worked as VP for Global Affairs and Stakeholder Relations at E-Space Inc. where she led global policy efforts shaping the rapidly growing non-geostationary satellite market, successfully-pursued government contracts, obtained market access, spearheaded partnerships, and oversaw legislative efforts. Prior to that Amy served as VP of U.S. Government Affairs and Global Policy at Viasat, leading their domestic and international policy efforts on satellite licensing, space safety and equitable access to spectrum. Earlier in her career, Amy was Founder and President of a successful boutique telecommunications public policy firm (Mehlman Capitol Strategies) representing over 30 companies before the U.S. Congress, FCC & Executive Branch. Amy began her career at the prestigious Washington, D.C. law firm Wiley, Rein & Fielding where she represented leading wireless, satellite, telecom equipment and broadcast companies before the US Congress and Administration.
Ms. Lemay has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and is a recognized expert in telecommunications and broadcasting. Her expertise covers development of business plans, valuation, due diligence, spectrum matters and market research. Ms. Lemay has supported clients in the US, Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Canada.
Ms. Lemay is the lead consultant for Private Auctions conducted by LYA for clients disposing of spectrum licenses and other assets.
Ms. Lemay is actively involved in consultations for the development of public policy. She has acted as an Expert Witness in regulatory proceedings and litigations. Recent expert evidence mandates were focused on broadband subsidies in rural and remote areas, wireless siting, mid-band 5G spectrum, national roaming, television and over-the-top services, benchmarking investment in broadband and the regulatory framework for MVNOs.
She has supported clients in successfully acquiring subsidy funds for broadband deployment in rural areas.
She is co-leader of the development of the LYA Auction Platforms that support Combinatorial Clock Auctions (CCA), Simultaneous Multiple Round Ascending (SMRA) Auctions, Sealed Bid Auctions as well as Clock Auctions.
Prior to co-founding LYA, Ms. Lemay held a number of positions in marketing and product management with Nortel Networks. Ms. Lemay holds an Engineering Physics degree from Laval University and an MBA, Executive Option, from Concordia University in Montreal.
With industry accelerating momentum for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity and several countries across the Americas beginning to adopt national strategies and regulatory frameworks, Session 2 will be split into two parts, allowing us to explore both regulatory and industry perspectives in detail.
First, regulators from various countries in the region will present their evolving strategies. They will outline their emerging regulatory frameworks, the opportunities and challenges they anticipate, and their plans to optimize the value of D2D connectivity.
In the second segment, industry representatives will respond to these regulatory developments, sharing how business strategy, investment certainty, and market dynamics are being affected. The discussion will also focus on where regulation is serving as an enabler and where it is creating friction, as well as identifying promising best practices.
Julie Kearney is a Co-Chair of the Space Exploration and Innovation Practice and a partner in the Telecom group at DLA Piper. She is a globally recognized and dynamic lawyer in the technology, satellite, space, and telecommunications field. For more than 25 years, Julie has worked with governments, industries, and the public sector around the world to promote legal and regulatory frameworks and policies that enable life-changing technologies.
As the first Chief of the Space Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Julie represented and spoke for the Chairwoman and Commissioners on satellite and space-based communication matters and represented the Commission at the domestic and international level. Under Julie’s leadership, the FCC unanimously adopted several regulatory frameworks and launched initiatives to successfully advance industry leadership in the New Space Age. Additionally, during her tenure as Chief, the FCC adopted a regulatory structure for Supplemental Coverage from Space, which made the FCC the first regulator in the world to issue a framework for connecting satellites directly to consumer handsets using spectrum previously allocated only to terrestrial service.
Before joining the FCC, Julie served as the Vice President of Communications Regulatory Affairs and Policy at Twilio Inc., a publicly traded Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider, where she developed and implemented the company’s global telecommunications regulatory and policy and law enforcement response strategy. She also served as the Global Head of Communications Regulation and Policy for Loon, an Alphabet Inc. company, where she led international and US regulatory initiatives to bring internet access to unserved and underserved communities around the world via a network of balloons on the edge of space. She also held roles at the Consumer Technology Association, National Public Radio, MCI, and private legal practice.
Julie is a past president of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA – The Tech Bar) and she also served as chair of the FCBA Foundation. She was a long-serving member of the Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee and also served on its Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee. Other Board positions include USTelecom and the United States Technical Training Institute (USTTI).
Julie earned her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and a J.D. from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, with a certificate from its Law and Technology Institute. She recently completed a 3.5 year term on the Columbus School of Law’s Board of Visitors. A trained singer, she has sung with choruses in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC area, most recently with Schola Cantorum (CA) and the Choral Arts Society of Washington (DC).
Bio to follow.
Luis Ottati is a senior telecommunications executive with over 25 years of experience in regulatory leadership, spectrum management, and mobile technology strategy across Latin America. As Chief of Engineering at ENACOM Argentina, he leads national efforts in radio spectrum planning and ICT services plus telecommunication equipment homologation.
His contributions include strategic national resolutions on spectrum use, including initiatives for rural connectivity, unlicensed spectrum, spectrum for private networks and strategic band allocations for 5G and satellite services deployment. He is a strong advocate for innovation, digital inclusion, and state sovereignty over strategic resources like spectrum.
He is an Electronics Engineer from ITBA (Buenos Aires Institute of Technology). Throughout his career, he has held pivotal roles in both public and private sectors —Microsoft, Nokia and Telecom Personal— driving regional technology roadmaps, product launches, mobile services and technology integrations plus customer care.
Manuel González Farfán has worked for over 25 years at the Chilean Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel), participating as a delegate in meetings of CITEL, CCPII, ITU (WRC), and others. Manuel currently works in the Spectrum Management Department at SUBTEL, focusing on sector regulation and standards, particularly for wireless services. He also represents the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications on the Chilean Space Executive Committee.
Kirk Sookram holds the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (the Authority). He has been employed with the Authority since its inception in July 2004, starting as a Telecommunications Engineer, laying the foundation for the spectrum management mandate of the regulator and working his way up the corporate ladder to Executive Director Technology and Engineering and, in 2020, to the position he currently holds.
During his tenure at the Authority, he has specialized in the areas of spectrum management, wireless technologies, telecommunications regulation, ICT and broadband development, cost modeling, universal service initiatives and policy development.
Kirk is a national of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. His qualifications include a Bachelors of Science Degree (with Honours) in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of the West Indies and a Masters of Science Degree (Distinction) in Operational Telecommunications from Coventry University, United Kingdom.
Kirk has represented the Authority over the years at conferences and seminars and participated in panel discussions on telecommunications regulation, broadband development and emerging wireless technologies.
Kirk also held the position of the Chairman of the Caribbean Spectrum Management Task Force established by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) during the period 2016 – 2020, during which time he led the CTU preparatory work for the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference, 2019. He also held the position of Chairman of the Caribbean Spectrum Management Steering Committee of the CTU for the period 2020 – 2024.
Kirk also currently serves as Vice Chair of the ITU-T, Regional Group of the Americas for Study Group 2 – Operational aspects of telecommunications and ICTs.
Pascale Dumit is Director for International Spectrum Policy at T-Mobile. She leads the company’s engagements at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and within other regional organizations such as the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL).
Pascale has served on U.S. delegations to the ITU since 2010, including the U.S. delegations to the 2022 Plenipotentiary Conference and the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference.
Pascale is also a member of the FCC 2027 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee, a member of the Department of State International Digital Economy and Telecommunication Advisory Committee, a Co-Chair of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) International Telecommunications Committee and a Vice-Chair of the U.S. ITU Association.
Pascale’s previous experience includes various roles in the Space industry in addition to supporting NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense on a broad range of international spectrum management issues where she served as a key contributor to the overall development and implementation of U.S. strategy in national and international spectrum regulatory environments.
Pascale holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from The George Washington University.
Isabelle Mauro is Director General of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) that represents the interests of 70 members in the satellite ecosystem. She reports directly to their Chief Executives.
Under Isabelle’s leadership, GSOA and its member CEOs lead the effort to showcase the benefits of satellite communications for a more inclusive and secure society – vital to bridging the world’s digital divide, achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and realizing the 5G ecosystem.
Isabelle has 25 years experience in the Telecoms and Technology sector, starting at the GSMA, where she was responsible for government and international Affairs. In 2015 she moved to New York to join the World Economic Forum as Head of Information, Communications and Technology Industries, managing the portfolio for 60+ Tech companies globally and leading initiatives on inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
Isabelle is passionate about inclusion and sustainability. She is Chair of the High-Level Advisory Board of the DigitalGoesGreen Foundation. She also sits on the Advisory Board of Women in Tech and is a member of the UNESCO Advisory Group for the Declaration on Connectivity for Education.
Isabelle holds an MSc in European Politics and Policy from the London School of Economics. She is fluent in French, English, Italian and Spanish.
Mike’s practice focuses on high-tech intellectual property and telecommunications regulatory laws.
Building on his background in electrical and communications engineering, Mike has helped clients navigate Canada’s evolving telecommunications regulatory framework. Mike has provided guidance on spectrum availability and licensing for terrestrial and satellite systems, including for private 5G, remote sensing, fixed satellite and mobile satellite systems; equipment certifications for radios and interference causing equipment; service licensing and registrations for facilities and non-facilities based telecommunications, internet and VoIP service providers; and, privacy and data security.
Mike has also represented clients at all stages of intellectual property litigation, from pre-litigation opinions and originating pleadings, through motions and discoveries, and to appearances at mediations, trials and appeals. Mike is also a registered patent and trademark agent and has taught intellectual property courses at the University of Windsor as a sessional instructor.
Julie Kearney is a Co-Chair of the Space Exploration and Innovation Practice and a partner in the Telecom group at DLA Piper. She is a globally recognized and dynamic lawyer in the technology, satellite, space, and telecommunications field. For more than 25 years, Julie has worked with governments, industries, and the public sector around the world to promote legal and regulatory frameworks and policies that enable life-changing technologies.
As the first Chief of the Space Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Julie represented and spoke for the Chairwoman and Commissioners on satellite and space-based communication matters and represented the Commission at the domestic and international level. Under Julie’s leadership, the FCC unanimously adopted several regulatory frameworks and launched initiatives to successfully advance industry leadership in the New Space Age. Additionally, during her tenure as Chief, the FCC adopted a regulatory structure for Supplemental Coverage from Space, which made the FCC the first regulator in the world to issue a framework for connecting satellites directly to consumer handsets using spectrum previously allocated only to terrestrial service.
Before joining the FCC, Julie served as the Vice President of Communications Regulatory Affairs and Policy at Twilio Inc., a publicly traded Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider, where she developed and implemented the company’s global telecommunications regulatory and policy and law enforcement response strategy. She also served as the Global Head of Communications Regulation and Policy for Loon, an Alphabet Inc. company, where she led international and US regulatory initiatives to bring internet access to unserved and underserved communities around the world via a network of balloons on the edge of space. She also held roles at the Consumer Technology Association, National Public Radio, MCI, and private legal practice.
Julie is a past president of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA – The Tech Bar) and she also served as chair of the FCBA Foundation. She was a long-serving member of the Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee and also served on its Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee. Other Board positions include USTelecom and the United States Technical Training Institute (USTTI).
Julie earned her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and a J.D. from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, with a certificate from its Law and Technology Institute. She recently completed a 3.5 year term on the Columbus School of Law’s Board of Visitors. A trained singer, she has sung with choruses in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC area, most recently with Schola Cantorum (CA) and the Choral Arts Society of Washington (DC).
As the commercial frontier for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity begins to mature, business models continue to multiply, and forecasts show strong revenue potential. Yet, as the sector evolves, the question of long-term financial sustainability becomes ever more pressing. Indeed, to achieve widespread adoption, D2D must balance affordability for users with viable returns for mobile network operators (MNOs), satellite operators, and other ecosystem stakeholders.
Accordingly, this session will explore emerging business models, examine which monetization strategies are proving profitable, and assess how D2D is integrating into the current connectivity ecosystem across the Americas. As countries transition from 5G toward 6G, panelists will discuss how service providers can develop scalable, sustainable models that keep services accessible (especially in underserved or low-income areas) and which commercial use cases show the most promise. We will also consider whether the current trajectory of D2D connectivity matches market expectations, or whether cost, infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles risk slowing its growth.
Bio to follow.
George Giagtzoglou is the Vice President of Strategy & Marketing at Omnispace, responsible for overseeing corporate strategy and marketing, as well as supporting strategic partner development and financing initiatives for the company that is redefining mobile communications.
George brings more than 35 years of diverse technical and business experience to Omnispace, leading initiatives that have shaped the commercial satellite industry, and represent more than $28Bn in corporate development deals. Prior to Omnispace, George was the President of Alazo Consulting. In this role he delivered expert satellite industry insights to support strategic investments and acquisitions.
Previously, George was the head of Corporate Development at ABS Global with responsibilities including corporate development, corporate & regional strategy, business planning, market intelligence, satellite business case development and financing.
Prior to ABS he was with Intelsat for 11 years as the head of Corporate Strategy & Planning and also led Corporate Development, Global Marketing, Product Strategy & Development, and Business Development. Mr. George’s was instrumental in various company sale processes in 2005 and 2008, and the acquisition of PanAmSat in 2006. He played a key role in developing and commercializing the company’s capabilities, primarily in the area of broadband services.
Prior to joining Intelsat in 2000, George’s career in the space and telecommunications industry included engagement leadership positions in the telecommunications practice of A.T. Kearney Management Consultants, and senior engineering and business management positions at Telstra (Australia).
George has a master’s degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Adelaide in South Australia.
Tarun Gupta is CPO and co-founder of Skylo Technologies. Having more than 20 years of experience, Tarun held executive positions at Google, Parallel Infrastructure, FiberTower, and currently advises leading companies regarding market fit, product enhancements, and overall strategic direction.
Mohammad was appointed SVP, Future Business & Innovation in June 2024 and is spearheading innovation and exploring new business opportunities.
Before that Mohammad oversaw Product & Strategy across multiple network segments including Aero, Maritime, Fixed Data, Government and Cloud, with a particular focus on SES-17 Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) and SES’s second generation of MEO satellites, O3b mPOWER.
Prior to joining SES in 2020, Mohammad held numerous executive roles at Intelsat in Product Strategy, Product Development, and Innovation. Amongst the key achievements was the development of advanced space segment offerings using onboard processing technology on High Throughput Satellites (HTS) and Software Defined Satellites (SDS).
Mohammad holds both a BS & MS in Electrical Engineering from Boston University and an MBA from Columbia.
Ryan Thompson is a trusted advisor to leading technology and telecommunications firms, offering practical solutions to complex regulatory and policy challenges. His practice spans an array of cutting-edge policy and legal issues before lawmakers, the courts, and key agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Federal Trade Commission, and U.S. Department of Justice. Ryan’s clients include wireless carriers, prominent tech firms, satellite operators, trade associations, and startups. Ryan’s expertise covers many critical issues in the tech and telecom sector, including wireless and satellite spectrum policy and licensing, AI regulation and legislation, online platform governance and regulation, foreign ownership and merger reviews, and experimental licensing.
Years of government, industry, and law firm service have shaped Michele Farquhar into an influential advisor, advocate, and thought leader for the technology, media, and telecoms industry. She helps clients with a range of global and U.S. communications policy initiatives, spectrum auctions, licensing and compliance matters, and regulatory strategy involving M&A transactions as well as litigation.
Michele obtains regulatory approvals, waivers, and other licenses for many new and cutting-edge technologies. And she leads teams advising major global companies on regulatory strategy issues involving a range of international jurisdictions. As a legal authority in her industry, she also speaks and writes extensively on a range of communications issues.
Michele joined the firm in 1997, after serving as Chief of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. While at the FCC, she led the agency’s new spectrum auction initiative and held primary responsibility over several major auctions and spectrum policy initiatives, as well as the bureau’s implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Previously, Michele served as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce. She played a lead role in developing the administration’s positions on telecommunications reform as well as spectrum, international, electronic commerce, and other policy issues.
As Vice President for Law and Regulatory Policy at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, she gained industry knowledge and regulatory advocacy experience while representing cellular carriers on regulatory, policy, and legal issues before the FCC. Michele also served as senior legal advisor to FCC Commissioner Ervin Duggan and as the mass media advisor to two FCC general counsels.
Ari Fitzgerald leads the firm’s Communications, Internet, and Media practice. He provides strategic, legal, and policy advice on a wide range of communications and spectrum policy issues to some of the world’s largest and most dynamic communications network operators and equipment manufacturers, as well as industry trade associations and investors.
Ari enjoys helping automobile manufacturers and suppliers, medical device manufacturers, drone manufacturers, and other technology companies bring new and innovative communications-related products and services to market. In recognition of his path-breaking contributions to the wireless industry, he is one of only three attorneys to have ever been inducted into the Wireless History Foundation’s Wireless Hall of Fame.
Ms. Lemay has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and is a recognized expert in telecommunications and broadcasting. Her expertise covers development of business plans, valuation, due diligence, spectrum matters and market research. Ms. Lemay has supported clients in the US, Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Canada.
Ms. Lemay is the lead consultant for Private Auctions conducted by LYA for clients disposing of spectrum licenses and other assets.
Ms. Lemay is actively involved in consultations for the development of public policy. She has acted as an Expert Witness in regulatory proceedings and litigations. Recent expert evidence mandates were focused on broadband subsidies in rural and remote areas, wireless siting, mid-band 5G spectrum, national roaming, television and over-the-top services, benchmarking investment in broadband and the regulatory framework for MVNOs.
She has supported clients in successfully acquiring subsidy funds for broadband deployment in rural areas.
She is co-leader of the development of the LYA Auction Platforms that support Combinatorial Clock Auctions (CCA), Simultaneous Multiple Round Ascending (SMRA) Auctions, Sealed Bid Auctions as well as Clock Auctions.
Prior to co-founding LYA, Ms. Lemay held a number of positions in marketing and product management with Nortel Networks. Ms. Lemay holds an Engineering Physics degree from Laval University and an MBA, Executive Option, from Concordia University in Montreal.
Adam Cassady was appointed as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on March 16, 2025. In this capacity, he provides advice and assistance to the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information in the formulation, development, and implementation of telecommunications and information policies of the Executive Branch.
Prior to his appointment at NTIA, Mr. Cassady served for over four years at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for Commissioner Nathan Simington. Most recently, Mr. Cassady served as Chief of Staff to Commissioner Simington, and prior to that as Commissioner Simington’s Senior Legal Advisor, managing a variety of telecommunications and technology portfolios.
Prior to joining the FCC, Cassady co-founded a technology firm focused on delivering enterprise machine learning solutions. He holds a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School and a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.
Anatel’s President Carlos Baigorri has a degree in Economic Sciences from the University of Brasília (UnB), with a Master’s and Doctorate in Economics from the Catholic University of Brasília (UCB). Acting in the telecommunications area since 2006, he was a consultant and analyst of sector information in an Association of mobile operators. He has also served as an undergraduate professor at the Catholic University of Brasilia (UCB), at the Institute of Higher Education of Brasília (IESB), and at the Brazilian Institute of Capital Markets (IBMEC). He wrote articles and book chapters published in Brazil and abroad. He has been a career permanent employee at Anatel since 2009, where he has been previously nominated Executive Superintendent, Competition Superintendent, Obligations Control Superintendent and Head of Technical Advisory.
As President of SIA, Tom is the trade association’s lead advocate for regulatory and policy issues of critical importance to SIA’s membership, including spectrum and licensing issues, defense and public safety matters, and export control and international trade issues. He also manages the day-to-day operations of SIA, including member communications, staff leadership and organization of SIA sponsored events. Tom became the president of SIA in December of 2014.
Prior to joining SIA, Tom was with Shared Spectrum Company (SSC), a leading developer of spectrum intelligence technologies, where he served as CEO. For more than a decade, he served as the President of the Personal Communications Industry Association (PCIA). Previous to his position at SSC, he founded and ran several companies in the technology industry, including Columbia Spectrum Management, P-Com Network Services, CSM Wireless, and SquareLoop.
Tom holds a BS, summa cum laude, in Public Administration from the University of North Dakota. He is also a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center where he served as Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal.
David Goldman is the Vice President of Satellite Policy for SpaceX. Prior to joining SpaceX in 2018, he was the Chief Counsel for the Communication and Technology Subcommittee since January 2015. Before that, he served as the Senior Legal Advisor for FCC then-Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. He was the Commissioner’s chief advisor on wireless, international, and public safety issues, along with responsibility for other issues of policy, strategy, public relations, and office operations.
David joined Commissioner Rosenworcel’s office from the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where he served on detail as Counsel to the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.
Prior to serving on Capitol Hill, David served in several positions at the FCC, including in the office of Chairman Genachowski and as a Policy Advisor to the Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. He joined the agency as an Honors Attorney, serving as Attorney Advisor in the Spectrum Competition and Policy Division of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Before this, he served as Staff Law Clerk at the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago. He also worked as an associate at the law firm Hughes Hubbard & Reed in New York.
David received his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida.
Ari Fitzgerald leads the firm’s Communications, Internet, and Media practice. He provides strategic, legal, and policy advice on a wide range of communications and spectrum policy issues to some of the world’s largest and most dynamic communications network operators and equipment manufacturers, as well as industry trade associations and investors.
Ari enjoys helping automobile manufacturers and suppliers, medical device manufacturers, drone manufacturers, and other technology companies bring new and innovative communications-related products and services to market. In recognition of his path-breaking contributions to the wireless industry, he is one of only three attorneys to have ever been inducted into the Wireless History Foundation’s Wireless Hall of Fame.
As direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity reshapes global telecoms, two deployment models have become central: International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). While both promise new opportunities, their regulatory paths differ, and jurisdictions across the Americas (notably the U.S., Canada, and Brazil) are among the first to develop regulatory frameworks that support D2D-IMT.
Inspired by this, our opening session will explore, assess, and compare the roles and impacts of IMT and MSS models for D2D. Through both the one-on-one discussion and the subsequent panel, participants will evaluate the comparative advantages and limitations of each approach and examine how these choices are shaping business strategy and market dynamics across the Americas. The session will also consider how MNOs and satellite providers are adapting, identify where regulation supports or constrains progress, and highlight best practices emerging from early adopters.
Jay Schwarz is Chief of the FCC Space Bureau. Previously, he served as Vice President of Public Policy for Comcast, focusing on broadband issues. In his first tour at the FCC he was Wireline Advisor to former Chairman Ajit Pai and held positions within the Wireline Competition Bureau, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and the Office of Strategic Planning. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Scott Patrick helps direct NTIA’s work on national spectrum strategies and policies. His responsibilities include overseeing the development of spectrum-sharing and repurposing strategies in the agency’s work to address federal and commercial spectrum use and demand.
Before joining NTIA, Mr. Patrick was a wireless, media, and technology attorney in private practice, counseling telecom, cable, broadcast, and broadband companies on a wide range of policy, transactional, and regulatory matters. He also has served as an attorney in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at the FCC. Early in his career, Mr. Patrick was a research engineer at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory where he helped deploy the first three-axis fiberoptic electromagnetic sensors. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering and physics from the University of Maryland.
David has spent 35 years of working in the telecom industry working in a variety of executive and technical leadership positions across the public and private sectors. Most recently as Group Director Spectrum at Ofcom, President of the Communications Research Centre (Canada), and Senior Director for Spectrum Engineering at Innovation Science and Economic Development (Canada). Prior to that David held significant product leadership roles in BlackBerry’s handset business and Nortel’s Optical and Network Management business units.
Barbee has served as General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Globalstar since July 2010. In this role he has directed Globalstar’s regulatory and licensing activities around the world.
Barbee has led the international regulatory effort required for the commercial introduction of the world’s first satellite direct-to-device service, now providing mobile satellite connectivity to millions of people globally. This effort included the expansion and licensing of Globalstar’s ground network now consisting of 28 gateway Earth stations in 18 countries.
Most recently, Barbee worked to secure the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s reauthorization of Globalstar’s senior HIBLEO-4 constellation filing for an additional 15-year license term.
He holds a law degree from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Management degree from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Amy Mehlman is EVP and Chief Global Affairs officer at Lynk Global. She is a senior telecommunication professional with nearly three decades hands-on experience helping innovative companies secure establish favorable public policies and secure market access by working with government policymakers, industry partners, and multilateral NGOs.
Most recently, Mehlman worked as VP for Global Affairs and Stakeholder Relations at E-Space Inc. where she led global policy efforts shaping the rapidly growing non-geostationary satellite market, successfully-pursued government contracts, obtained market access, spearheaded partnerships, and oversaw legislative efforts. Prior to that Amy served as VP of U.S. Government Affairs and Global Policy at Viasat, leading their domestic and international policy efforts on satellite licensing, space safety and equitable access to spectrum. Earlier in her career, Amy was Founder and President of a successful boutique telecommunications public policy firm (Mehlman Capitol Strategies) representing over 30 companies before the U.S. Congress, FCC & Executive Branch. Amy began her career at the prestigious Washington, D.C. law firm Wiley, Rein & Fielding where she represented leading wireless, satellite, telecom equipment and broadcast companies before the US Congress and Administration.
Ms. Lemay has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and is a recognized expert in telecommunications and broadcasting. Her expertise covers development of business plans, valuation, due diligence, spectrum matters and market research. Ms. Lemay has supported clients in the US, Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Canada.
Ms. Lemay is the lead consultant for Private Auctions conducted by LYA for clients disposing of spectrum licenses and other assets.
Ms. Lemay is actively involved in consultations for the development of public policy. She has acted as an Expert Witness in regulatory proceedings and litigations. Recent expert evidence mandates were focused on broadband subsidies in rural and remote areas, wireless siting, mid-band 5G spectrum, national roaming, television and over-the-top services, benchmarking investment in broadband and the regulatory framework for MVNOs.
She has supported clients in successfully acquiring subsidy funds for broadband deployment in rural areas.
She is co-leader of the development of the LYA Auction Platforms that support Combinatorial Clock Auctions (CCA), Simultaneous Multiple Round Ascending (SMRA) Auctions, Sealed Bid Auctions as well as Clock Auctions.
Prior to co-founding LYA, Ms. Lemay held a number of positions in marketing and product management with Nortel Networks. Ms. Lemay holds an Engineering Physics degree from Laval University and an MBA, Executive Option, from Concordia University in Montreal.
With industry accelerating momentum for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity and several countries across the Americas beginning to adopt national strategies and regulatory frameworks, Session 2 will be split into two parts, allowing us to explore both regulatory and industry perspectives in detail.
First, regulators from various countries in the region will present their evolving strategies. They will outline their emerging regulatory frameworks, the opportunities and challenges they anticipate, and their plans to optimize the value of D2D connectivity.
In the second segment, industry representatives will respond to these regulatory developments, sharing how business strategy, investment certainty, and market dynamics are being affected. The discussion will also focus on where regulation is serving as an enabler and where it is creating friction, as well as identifying promising best practices.
Julie Kearney is a Co-Chair of the Space Exploration and Innovation Practice and a partner in the Telecom group at DLA Piper. She is a globally recognized and dynamic lawyer in the technology, satellite, space, and telecommunications field. For more than 25 years, Julie has worked with governments, industries, and the public sector around the world to promote legal and regulatory frameworks and policies that enable life-changing technologies.
As the first Chief of the Space Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Julie represented and spoke for the Chairwoman and Commissioners on satellite and space-based communication matters and represented the Commission at the domestic and international level. Under Julie’s leadership, the FCC unanimously adopted several regulatory frameworks and launched initiatives to successfully advance industry leadership in the New Space Age. Additionally, during her tenure as Chief, the FCC adopted a regulatory structure for Supplemental Coverage from Space, which made the FCC the first regulator in the world to issue a framework for connecting satellites directly to consumer handsets using spectrum previously allocated only to terrestrial service.
Before joining the FCC, Julie served as the Vice President of Communications Regulatory Affairs and Policy at Twilio Inc., a publicly traded Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider, where she developed and implemented the company’s global telecommunications regulatory and policy and law enforcement response strategy. She also served as the Global Head of Communications Regulation and Policy for Loon, an Alphabet Inc. company, where she led international and US regulatory initiatives to bring internet access to unserved and underserved communities around the world via a network of balloons on the edge of space. She also held roles at the Consumer Technology Association, National Public Radio, MCI, and private legal practice.
Julie is a past president of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA – The Tech Bar) and she also served as chair of the FCBA Foundation. She was a long-serving member of the Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee and also served on its Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee. Other Board positions include USTelecom and the United States Technical Training Institute (USTTI).
Julie earned her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and a J.D. from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, with a certificate from its Law and Technology Institute. She recently completed a 3.5 year term on the Columbus School of Law’s Board of Visitors. A trained singer, she has sung with choruses in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC area, most recently with Schola Cantorum (CA) and the Choral Arts Society of Washington (DC).
Bio to follow.
Luis Ottati is a senior telecommunications executive with over 25 years of experience in regulatory leadership, spectrum management, and mobile technology strategy across Latin America. As Chief of Engineering at ENACOM Argentina, he leads national efforts in radio spectrum planning and ICT services plus telecommunication equipment homologation.
His contributions include strategic national resolutions on spectrum use, including initiatives for rural connectivity, unlicensed spectrum, spectrum for private networks and strategic band allocations for 5G and satellite services deployment. He is a strong advocate for innovation, digital inclusion, and state sovereignty over strategic resources like spectrum.
He is an Electronics Engineer from ITBA (Buenos Aires Institute of Technology). Throughout his career, he has held pivotal roles in both public and private sectors —Microsoft, Nokia and Telecom Personal— driving regional technology roadmaps, product launches, mobile services and technology integrations plus customer care.
Manuel González Farfán has worked for over 25 years at the Chilean Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel), participating as a delegate in meetings of CITEL, CCPII, ITU (WRC), and others. Manuel currently works in the Spectrum Management Department at SUBTEL, focusing on sector regulation and standards, particularly for wireless services. He also represents the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications on the Chilean Space Executive Committee.
Kirk Sookram holds the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (the Authority). He has been employed with the Authority since its inception in July 2004, starting as a Telecommunications Engineer, laying the foundation for the spectrum management mandate of the regulator and working his way up the corporate ladder to Executive Director Technology and Engineering and, in 2020, to the position he currently holds.
During his tenure at the Authority, he has specialized in the areas of spectrum management, wireless technologies, telecommunications regulation, ICT and broadband development, cost modeling, universal service initiatives and policy development.
Kirk is a national of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. His qualifications include a Bachelors of Science Degree (with Honours) in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of the West Indies and a Masters of Science Degree (Distinction) in Operational Telecommunications from Coventry University, United Kingdom.
Kirk has represented the Authority over the years at conferences and seminars and participated in panel discussions on telecommunications regulation, broadband development and emerging wireless technologies.
Kirk also held the position of the Chairman of the Caribbean Spectrum Management Task Force established by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) during the period 2016 – 2020, during which time he led the CTU preparatory work for the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference, 2019. He also held the position of Chairman of the Caribbean Spectrum Management Steering Committee of the CTU for the period 2020 – 2024.
Kirk also currently serves as Vice Chair of the ITU-T, Regional Group of the Americas for Study Group 2 – Operational aspects of telecommunications and ICTs.
Pascale Dumit is Director for International Spectrum Policy at T-Mobile. She leads the company’s engagements at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and within other regional organizations such as the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL).
Pascale has served on U.S. delegations to the ITU since 2010, including the U.S. delegations to the 2022 Plenipotentiary Conference and the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference.
Pascale is also a member of the FCC 2027 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee, a member of the Department of State International Digital Economy and Telecommunication Advisory Committee, a Co-Chair of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) International Telecommunications Committee and a Vice-Chair of the U.S. ITU Association.
Pascale’s previous experience includes various roles in the Space industry in addition to supporting NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense on a broad range of international spectrum management issues where she served as a key contributor to the overall development and implementation of U.S. strategy in national and international spectrum regulatory environments.
Pascale holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from The George Washington University.
Isabelle Mauro is Director General of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) that represents the interests of 70 members in the satellite ecosystem. She reports directly to their Chief Executives.
Under Isabelle’s leadership, GSOA and its member CEOs lead the effort to showcase the benefits of satellite communications for a more inclusive and secure society – vital to bridging the world’s digital divide, achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and realizing the 5G ecosystem.
Isabelle has 25 years experience in the Telecoms and Technology sector, starting at the GSMA, where she was responsible for government and international Affairs. In 2015 she moved to New York to join the World Economic Forum as Head of Information, Communications and Technology Industries, managing the portfolio for 60+ Tech companies globally and leading initiatives on inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
Isabelle is passionate about inclusion and sustainability. She is Chair of the High-Level Advisory Board of the DigitalGoesGreen Foundation. She also sits on the Advisory Board of Women in Tech and is a member of the UNESCO Advisory Group for the Declaration on Connectivity for Education.
Isabelle holds an MSc in European Politics and Policy from the London School of Economics. She is fluent in French, English, Italian and Spanish.
Mike’s practice focuses on high-tech intellectual property and telecommunications regulatory laws.
Building on his background in electrical and communications engineering, Mike has helped clients navigate Canada’s evolving telecommunications regulatory framework. Mike has provided guidance on spectrum availability and licensing for terrestrial and satellite systems, including for private 5G, remote sensing, fixed satellite and mobile satellite systems; equipment certifications for radios and interference causing equipment; service licensing and registrations for facilities and non-facilities based telecommunications, internet and VoIP service providers; and, privacy and data security.
Mike has also represented clients at all stages of intellectual property litigation, from pre-litigation opinions and originating pleadings, through motions and discoveries, and to appearances at mediations, trials and appeals. Mike is also a registered patent and trademark agent and has taught intellectual property courses at the University of Windsor as a sessional instructor.
Julie Kearney is a Co-Chair of the Space Exploration and Innovation Practice and a partner in the Telecom group at DLA Piper. She is a globally recognized and dynamic lawyer in the technology, satellite, space, and telecommunications field. For more than 25 years, Julie has worked with governments, industries, and the public sector around the world to promote legal and regulatory frameworks and policies that enable life-changing technologies.
As the first Chief of the Space Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Julie represented and spoke for the Chairwoman and Commissioners on satellite and space-based communication matters and represented the Commission at the domestic and international level. Under Julie’s leadership, the FCC unanimously adopted several regulatory frameworks and launched initiatives to successfully advance industry leadership in the New Space Age. Additionally, during her tenure as Chief, the FCC adopted a regulatory structure for Supplemental Coverage from Space, which made the FCC the first regulator in the world to issue a framework for connecting satellites directly to consumer handsets using spectrum previously allocated only to terrestrial service.
Before joining the FCC, Julie served as the Vice President of Communications Regulatory Affairs and Policy at Twilio Inc., a publicly traded Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider, where she developed and implemented the company’s global telecommunications regulatory and policy and law enforcement response strategy. She also served as the Global Head of Communications Regulation and Policy for Loon, an Alphabet Inc. company, where she led international and US regulatory initiatives to bring internet access to unserved and underserved communities around the world via a network of balloons on the edge of space. She also held roles at the Consumer Technology Association, National Public Radio, MCI, and private legal practice.
Julie is a past president of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA – The Tech Bar) and she also served as chair of the FCBA Foundation. She was a long-serving member of the Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee and also served on its Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee. Other Board positions include USTelecom and the United States Technical Training Institute (USTTI).
Julie earned her B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and a J.D. from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, with a certificate from its Law and Technology Institute. She recently completed a 3.5 year term on the Columbus School of Law’s Board of Visitors. A trained singer, she has sung with choruses in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC area, most recently with Schola Cantorum (CA) and the Choral Arts Society of Washington (DC).
As the commercial frontier for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity begins to mature, business models continue to multiply, and forecasts show strong revenue potential. Yet, as the sector evolves, the question of long-term financial sustainability becomes ever more pressing. Indeed, to achieve widespread adoption, D2D must balance affordability for users with viable returns for mobile network operators (MNOs), satellite operators, and other ecosystem stakeholders.
Accordingly, this session will explore emerging business models, examine which monetization strategies are proving profitable, and assess how D2D is integrating into the current connectivity ecosystem across the Americas. As countries transition from 5G toward 6G, panelists will discuss how service providers can develop scalable, sustainable models that keep services accessible (especially in underserved or low-income areas) and which commercial use cases show the most promise. We will also consider whether the current trajectory of D2D connectivity matches market expectations, or whether cost, infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles risk slowing its growth.
Bio to follow.
George Giagtzoglou is the Vice President of Strategy & Marketing at Omnispace, responsible for overseeing corporate strategy and marketing, as well as supporting strategic partner development and financing initiatives for the company that is redefining mobile communications.
George brings more than 35 years of diverse technical and business experience to Omnispace, leading initiatives that have shaped the commercial satellite industry, and represent more than $28Bn in corporate development deals. Prior to Omnispace, George was the President of Alazo Consulting. In this role he delivered expert satellite industry insights to support strategic investments and acquisitions.
Previously, George was the head of Corporate Development at ABS Global with responsibilities including corporate development, corporate & regional strategy, business planning, market intelligence, satellite business case development and financing.
Prior to ABS he was with Intelsat for 11 years as the head of Corporate Strategy & Planning and also led Corporate Development, Global Marketing, Product Strategy & Development, and Business Development. Mr. George’s was instrumental in various company sale processes in 2005 and 2008, and the acquisition of PanAmSat in 2006. He played a key role in developing and commercializing the company’s capabilities, primarily in the area of broadband services.
Prior to joining Intelsat in 2000, George’s career in the space and telecommunications industry included engagement leadership positions in the telecommunications practice of A.T. Kearney Management Consultants, and senior engineering and business management positions at Telstra (Australia).
George has a master’s degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Adelaide in South Australia.
Tarun Gupta is CPO and co-founder of Skylo Technologies. Having more than 20 years of experience, Tarun held executive positions at Google, Parallel Infrastructure, FiberTower, and currently advises leading companies regarding market fit, product enhancements, and overall strategic direction.
Mohammad was appointed SVP, Future Business & Innovation in June 2024 and is spearheading innovation and exploring new business opportunities.
Before that Mohammad oversaw Product & Strategy across multiple network segments including Aero, Maritime, Fixed Data, Government and Cloud, with a particular focus on SES-17 Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) and SES’s second generation of MEO satellites, O3b mPOWER.
Prior to joining SES in 2020, Mohammad held numerous executive roles at Intelsat in Product Strategy, Product Development, and Innovation. Amongst the key achievements was the development of advanced space segment offerings using onboard processing technology on High Throughput Satellites (HTS) and Software Defined Satellites (SDS).
Mohammad holds both a BS & MS in Electrical Engineering from Boston University and an MBA from Columbia.
Ryan Thompson is a trusted advisor to leading technology and telecommunications firms, offering practical solutions to complex regulatory and policy challenges. His practice spans an array of cutting-edge policy and legal issues before lawmakers, the courts, and key agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Federal Trade Commission, and U.S. Department of Justice. Ryan’s clients include wireless carriers, prominent tech firms, satellite operators, trade associations, and startups. Ryan’s expertise covers many critical issues in the tech and telecom sector, including wireless and satellite spectrum policy and licensing, AI regulation and legislation, online platform governance and regulation, foreign ownership and merger reviews, and experimental licensing.
Years of government, industry, and law firm service have shaped Michele Farquhar into an influential advisor, advocate, and thought leader for the technology, media, and telecoms industry. She helps clients with a range of global and U.S. communications policy initiatives, spectrum auctions, licensing and compliance matters, and regulatory strategy involving M&A transactions as well as litigation.
Michele obtains regulatory approvals, waivers, and other licenses for many new and cutting-edge technologies. And she leads teams advising major global companies on regulatory strategy issues involving a range of international jurisdictions. As a legal authority in her industry, she also speaks and writes extensively on a range of communications issues.
Michele joined the firm in 1997, after serving as Chief of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. While at the FCC, she led the agency’s new spectrum auction initiative and held primary responsibility over several major auctions and spectrum policy initiatives, as well as the bureau’s implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Previously, Michele served as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce. She played a lead role in developing the administration’s positions on telecommunications reform as well as spectrum, international, electronic commerce, and other policy issues.
As Vice President for Law and Regulatory Policy at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, she gained industry knowledge and regulatory advocacy experience while representing cellular carriers on regulatory, policy, and legal issues before the FCC. Michele also served as senior legal advisor to FCC Commissioner Ervin Duggan and as the mass media advisor to two FCC general counsels.
We have various speaking, sponsor, and wider visibility opportunities available at the event. Should you be interested in becoming involved at the D2D Policy Forum please contact Dan Craft on [email protected].
Exclusive speaking positions | Your organisation can contribute to the discussion.
Engaging and interactive format | Engage in a fully immersive and interactive debate with decision makers, businesses and policymakers.
EU and Global Outreach | Convey your message to a broad and international audience.
Networking opportunities | Networking opportunities will be available to all in person attendees throughout the day.
Visibility opportunities | Ensure maximum visibility through branding in the room, on the event website and marketing activities.
Exhibition and demos area | Showcase your products and solutions or share a position paper with the audience at onsite exhibition booths.
This event builds on the successful format of the European Direct-to-Device Policy Forum, bringing together leading policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders from across the region.
Discover below how the European edition has become a benchmark for Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity policy dialogue, and how this new edition aims to extend that success by creating a key platform for forward-looking, impactful discussion in the Americas.
Taking place in Washington, D.C. on December 9th, 2025 the inaugural Americas Space Forum brought together stakeholders from across the Americas to shape the future of the space ecosystem across the region. Find out more at americasspaceforum.com.

Forum Global specialises in the organisation of policy-focused conferences on a global level.
Developed in partnership with businesses, institutions, regulators and governments throughout the world, our events provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in topical discussions, strengthen networks and establish new connections.
Since Forum Global’s inception in 2012, we have delivered over one hundred major international conferences across North America, South America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
We are tech policy specialists. We have launched international event initiatives focused on the Internet of Things and 5G, and are the creators of the world’s largest series of global conferences on wireless spectrum management issues – the Global Spectrum Series.

We believe great businesses can make a better world. Forward-thinking, innovative organizations can find the answers to today’s most difficult questions. That’s why, every day, we help them succeed.
Our bold and dynamic culture means we think big and act decisively. Because relationships are at the heart of everything we do for our clients and communities.

Globalstar is a next-generation telecommunications provider delivering reliable, next-generation connectivity solutions through both satellite and terrestrial infrastructure. With a proprietary satellite network and exclusive access to licensed mid-band spectrum (Band 53 and Band n53), Globalstar offers end-to-end voice, data, and asset tracking services that power critical operations across enterprise, government, and consumer markets. From emergency communications and IoT deployments to private wireless and spectrum-based solutions, Globalstar delivers the resilient coverage and flexibility a connected world demands.
Headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, with regional offices around the globe, Globalstar is more than its technology; it’s a team of dedicated engineers, sales leaders, developers, and operations experts driven by a shared mission:
To make connectivity seamless, secure, and accessible anywhere on Earth.
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GSOA is a non-profit organisation established with the objective of serving and promoting the common interests of satellite operators from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the CIS.
The Association today represents the interests of 21 satellite operators who deliver information and communication services across the globe. Together, ESOA members provide invaluable communications services to the whole world, including emergency communications, live broadcasting, maritime and aero communications, secure services for governments, 24-7 monitoring of industrial processes such as energy plants, and a whole range of other communications capabilities that society has come to rely on.

Intelsat operates the largest integrated space and terrestrial network in the world. Each day, we apply our unrivaled expertise and global reach to connect people, businesses, and communities—no matter how challenging. We’re redefining the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage when and where customers need it most.

LYA is an expert consultant to the telecommunications and broadcasting industry focused on strategic advice, research and spectrum matters including auctions.LYA’s focus is on providing value-added services in development and implementation of strategy and business plans, investment analysis, support of acquisitions and divestitures, due diligence reviews and financial modelling. We provide regulatory and policy analysis, including expert evidence, and auction consulting services. LYA’s clients include mobile carriers, investors and regulators.LYA has independently developed Auction Platforms supporting different formats (SMRA, CCA, and clock auctions). LYA’s Auction Platforms have been used extensively to conduct mock auctions and simulations leveraging robot bidder capabilities. The Platforms are secure and configurable for use by auctioneers. The LYA team brings experience and expertise across different auction formats, spectrum bands and applications around the world. LYA also offers its clients the ability to conduct private auctions of spectrum licenses or other assets and handles all key tasks supporting the sale. Please visit www.LYA.com for more details.

Lynk is a patented, proven, and commercially licensed satellite-direct-to-standard-mobile-phone system. Today, Lynk allows commercial subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space, via standard unmodified mobile devices. Lynk’s service has been demonstrated in over 25 countries and is currently being deployed commercially, based on 36 MNO commercial service contracts covering approximately 50 countries. Lynk is currently providing cell broadcast (emergency) alerts and two-way SMS messaging and plans to launch voice and mobile broadband services in the future. By partnering with Lynk via a simple roaming agreement, a mobile network operator opens the door to new revenue in untapped markets, gives subscribers peace of mind with ubiquitous connectivity, and provides a potential pathway to economic prosperity for billions.

The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) was formed in 1995 by several major US satellite companies as a forum to discuss issues and develop industry-wide positions on shared business, regulatory and policy interests. SIA grew out of the Satellite Super Skyway Coalition, a voluntary alliance of major satellite players, galvanized into action in early 1993 when the U.S. Government began advancing the idea of a Global Information Infrastructure (GII). The success of the coalition in defining the role of satellites in the GII strengthened ties between major industry players and sowed the seeds for what today is the Satellite Industry Association. Since that time, SIA has developed into a full service 501(c) (6) trade association representing the commercial satellite industry. SIA has established active working groups involved with a host of policy issues including: regulatory issues (satellite licensing, spectrum allocation and regulatory policy); government services, public safety, export control policy, and international trade issues. SIA is now a recognized focal point for the U.S. satellite industry in Washington, D.C., representing and advocating industry positions with key policy makers on Capitol Hill and with the White House, Federal Communication Commission and most Executive Branch departments and agencies.

Skylo is a global non-terrestrial network service provider, connecting cellular devices directly over satellite for sensor data, texts, and voice (coming soon). Skylo is built on top of the latest cellular industry (3GPP NTN) standards, making satellite connectivity accessible to all.

SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk to revolutionize space transportation, with the ultimate goal of making life multiplanetary.
SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. It is the only private company ever to return a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit, which it first accomplished in December 2010. The company made history again in May 2012 when its Dragon spacecraft attached to the International Space Station, exchanged cargo payloads, and returned safely to Earth — a technically challenging feat previously accomplished only by governments. Since then Dragon has delivered cargo to and from the space station multiple times, providing regular cargo resupply missions for NASA.

As America’s Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. The Company’s advanced nationwide 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences to approximately 59 million customers who are unwilling to compromise on quality and value. Based in Bellevue, Washington, T-Mobile US provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and MetroPCS.

Policy Impact Partners (PIP) is a global consultancy platform supporting the future of digital connectivity.
PIP bring together senior experts to develop, promote, and impact policy and regulations that enable innovative technologies to positively transform economies and societies.
Access Partnership Access Partnership is the world’s preeminent tech advisory firm. We’ve been helping leading companies navigate complex regulatory challenges and expand their products and services to new markets since 1999. During this time, we’ve also worked closely with governments to offer advice on creating policies and regulations as the landscape continues to change with new and emerging technologies.
Through two decades of experience, Access Partnership has developed effective and proprietary processes that ensure our clients’ goals are achieved every time. With our expertise and experience, we’re able to anticipate future regulations and manage policy trends on a global scale.
Their mission is to ensure that everyone has access to transformative technologies while promoting fair competition and consumer choice.
Analysys Mason Analysys Mason is the world’s leading management consultancy focused on telecoms, media and technology (TMT). They give clarity and confidence in answering our clients’ biggest commercial questions: What strategy will best enhance value? What implementation plan will be most successful? What is the optimal positioning for five years’ time?
Analysys Mason bring together commercial and technical expertise across four interconnected consultancy practices strengthened by globally respected research.
AST Space Mobile The mission at AST SpaceMobile is to develop the foundation for an increasingly interconnected society. Collaborating with cellular providers in the U.S. and around the world will facilitate our goal to improve internet access globally. They employ patented technology to provide seamless connections from almost anywhere.
DLA Piper We believe great businesses can make a better world. Forward-thinking, innovative organizations can find the answers to today’s most difficult questions. That’s why, every day, we help them succeed.
Our bold and dynamic culture means we think big and act decisively. Because relationships are at the heart of everything we do for our clients and communities.
dlapiper.com
GSMA The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and Internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai and the Mobile 360 Series conferences.
GSOA GSOA is a non-profit organisation established with the objective of serving and promoting the common interests of satellite operators from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the CIS.
The Association today represents the interests of 21 satellite operators who deliver information and communication services across the globe. Together, ESOA members provide invaluable communications services to the whole world, including emergency communications, live broadcasting, maritime and aero communications, secure services for governments, 24-7 monitoring of industrial processes such as energy plants, and a whole range of other communications capabilities that society has come to rely on.
Hispasat HISPASAT, Red Eléctrica Group’s satellite services operator and provider, offers satellite broadband and connectivity solutions including Internet access, mobility and the expansion of cellular networks, as well as other added-value proposals, to governments, corporations and telecommunications operators in the Americas, Europe and North Africa. It is also a leader in distributing Spanish and Portuguese audio-visual content and broadcasting important digital platforms such as Direct To Home (DTH) television and High Definition Television (HDTV), in addition to managing transportation and audio-visual signals from HISPASAT Peru’s teleport in Lurín. HISPASAT, which is comprised of companies that have a presence in Spain as well as in Latin America, where its Brazilian affiliate HISPAMAR is based, is one of the world’s largest companies in its sector in terms of revenue, and the main communications bridge between Europe and the Americas.
https://www.hispasat.com
Intelsat Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world’s first Globalized Network, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services anywhere in the world. Intelsat’s Globalized Network combines the world’s largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure, managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity, multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries and transform the ways in which we live. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
Lynk Global Lynk’s mission is to connect everyone, everywhere. To achieve this mission, Lynk builds, launches, and operates ‘cell-tower-in-space’ satellites that provide direct-to-device connectivity with continuous global coverage. Lynk is a patented, proven, and commercially licensed direct-to-device system that delivers service through its mobile network operator (MNO) partners. Lynk has proven two-way commercial and emergency messaging on all seven continents, and is scaling to provide service at broadband speeds.
NewSky.plus At NewSky.plus, they thrive in the realms of satellites, SatComs, and commercial space. This is their comfort zone, where we innovate and lead. They take on projects of critical importance for both private companies and public sector entities, ensuring regulatory affairs and policy affairs are managed strategically.
NewSky.plus expertly guide you through compliance and go-to-market strategies, crafting and advocating for effective regulations outside the US. Their deep expertise ensures that commercial goals and senior government relations in the Global South are met with precision.
Their vision and challenges are our input. Achieving your objectives is their priority output. They do this by focusing on strategic thinking, risk management and creative implementation. They provide ideas you can trust.
NewSky.plus’s philosophy is simple: passion, service, effectiveness, and know-how. They never compromise on quality and tailor unique strategies for each client.
Sateliot Sateliot is launching the first LEO satellite constellation based on the 5G standard, allowing commercial, unmodified cellular IoT devices to connect from space. This is the first time in history that cellular terrestrial telecom is merging seamlessly with satellite connectivity, and Sateliot is leading this revolution. Sateliot’s cost-effective technology and the possibility to use commercial low-cost devices to connect to satellite opens infinite possibilities on the untapped market of massive IoT in remote areas, and it is in line with Sateliot’s mission to make IoT connectivity available everywhere and to everybody.
www.sateliot.space
SES SES is the world-leading satellite operator and the first to deliver a differentiated and scalable GEO-MEO offering worldwide, with more than 50 satellites in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and 16 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). SES focuses on value-added, end-to-end solutions in two key business units: SES Video and SES Networks. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators, governments and institutions. SES’s portfolio includes SES Americom, one of the earliest operators of commercial GEO satellites, SES Government Solutions, which is exclusively focused on the needs of the U.S. Government, as well as GovSat, a 50/50 public-private partnership between SES and the Luxembourg government. SES also owns the ASTRA satellite system, which has the largest DTH television reach in Europe, MX1, a leading media service provider offering a full suite of innovative services for both linear and digital distribution, and O3b, the only non-geostationary system delivering fibre-like broadband services.
https://www.ses.com/
Skylo Skylo is a global non-terrestrial network service provider, connecting cellular devices directly over satellite for sensor data, texts, and voice (coming soon). Skylo is built on top of the latest cellular industry (3GPP NTN) standards, making satellite connectivity accessible to all.
Viasat Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube.
Vodafone Vodafone is a leading telecommunications company in Europe and Africa, led by its purpose to connect for a better future.
Vodafone develops a range of leading products and services to connect their customers and help build the digital societies of the future.
Note: Accommodation has not been booked. Hotel availability and rates are subject to change. A preferential rate has been secured only at Mint House; all other listed hotels are nearby recommendations for your convenience.
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