SUPPORTING THE
WIRELESS & SPACE INDUSTRIES
Trailfinding Regulatory Solutions (TRS) offers regulatory consulting services to companies seeking to bring wireless devices, wireless services, and satellite and space operations into the U.S. marketplace. We work at the intersection of law, policy and technology, helping clients as they develop new technologies and continue on as mature businesses. We have a reputation as trusted advocates who work collaboratively with clients, policymakers and others to deliver results.
TRAILFINDING REGULATORY SOLUTIONS
Recognized for her work in emerging technologies and the use of unlicensed spectrum, Managing Partner Laura Stefani has extensive experience advising on regulatory requirements for:
Radio frequency (RF) technologies such as spread spectrum, WiFi, RFID, LoRaWAN, radar, ultra-wideband, and wireless medical devices;
Low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, unmanned systems, HAPS and other airborne systems; and
Wireless power transfer and 5G technologies.
About
For more than two decades, Laura has provided insightful guidance and advocacy for clients before the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Department of Commerce (NTIA), the Federal Aviation Administration, and other federal agencies. Laura serves in leadership positions in the Federal Communications Bar Association (receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 2018), is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America (Communications Law), and was recommended by the Legal 500 United States for Telecom & Broadcast. Laura most recently co-headed the telecommunications practice group of a prominent Washington D.C. AmLaw100 law firm. She holds a J.D. from George Washington University Law School and a B.A. (Economics) from Lawrence University.
TRS guides clients on structuring business plans, regulatory compliance, spectrum policy, licensing, rule interpretations, and policy advocacy related to FCC-regulated entities, services, and devices, focusing on the following areas:
Services
EMERGING AND
NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
We facilitate U.S. market entry for all types of wireless and electronic devices, leveraging relationships with regulators and our insider’s understanding of Washington, D.C. We obtain waivers and rule changes, advise on product development, FCC equipment certification, and RF exposure rules, obtain FCC STAs and experimental licenses, and prepare comments and advocate in rulemaking proceedings
SATELLITE AND SPACE.
We assist in obtaining authority to operate satellites, earth stations, and spacecraft from the United States, including obtaining FCC licenses, test licenses, NOAA licenses, and spectrum access. We advise on federal policy and rule changes affecting the space industry, and advocate in relevant proceedings to protect client business interests.
WIRELESS DEPLOYMENT
AND LICENSING.
We advise on U.S. spectrum use, guide the development of business plans requiring the use of wireless spectrum, and obtain permanent and experimental FCC licenses for the testing and deployment of wireless technologies. We provide regulatory due diligence for asset purchases, equity investments, and financings of FCC-regulated entities, and we assist with FCC applications for assignments and transfers of control of wireless licenses.
COMPLIANCE AND
ENFORCEMENT DEFENSE.
We provide training and advice on compliance with FCC regulations, and we assist clients in responding to FCC enforcement inquiries and actions. We also advise on Freedom of Information Act rules and respond to FOIA requests involving client information.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Guided manufacturers of wireless power transfer systems with FCC approvals for U.S. market entry
Advised and advocated for clients on pre-market testing, RF safety compliance, device approval, and the use and allocation of spectrum related to the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies
Counseled manufacturers on the choice of frequency range and service rules for wireless devices, and obtained necessary waivers of the FCC’s rules to allow for the marketing of new wireless devices in the United States
Represented a medical device trade association before the FCC in a range of regulatory issues
Led a coalition of unlicensed spectrum users responding to proposed rule changes
Advised on FCC licensing and regulatory schemes for short-range and long-distance radar devices, and obtained numerous waivers of the FCC’s rules for various radar systems
TRANSACTIONAL
Provided guidance and business planning advice to multiple clients around the country regarding multi-tenant environments (MTEs)
Counseled clients on state and federal regulatory issues concerning indefeasible rights of use
Provided regulatory advice and due diligence for the sale, merger, and other transactions involving broadcast, satellite, and telecommunications entities
Representative Experiences
SATELLITE
Advised satellite operators, earth station licensees, technology developers, and other clients on U.S. rules and policies regarding space and earth station operations in the United States, including licensing, regulatory fees, orbital debris, and relevant regulatory changes
Developed regulatory strategy for satellite operators to access the U.S. market and guided these clients in business planning
Assisted clients with satellite regulatory issues worldwide, with a focus on market access and obtaining temporary and permanent licenses
Filed first application for permanent FCC authority for Supplemental Coverage from Space
UNMANNES SYSTEMS
Advised clients (broadcasters, trade associations, energy companies) on state and local laws regarding privacy, trespass, and other limits imposed on the operations of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and the implications of possible federal preemption of state and local jurisdiction
Aided clients in understanding the lawful use of sUAS to inspect and monitor facilities, advised on possible waivers of FAA rules, and counseled a client on U.S. market entry for a UAS detection system