Table of Contents
The first woman to win the Marconi Prize; a spectrum auction innovator and trailblazing regulator; and two entrepreneurs who brought wireless connectivity to underserved areas. This year’s Wireless Hall of Fame inductees were as unique in their achievements as they were diverse in their stories.
Often called the Nobel Prize of telecom, the Marconi Prize had never been awarded to a woman until Andrea Goldsmith won it in 2020. A pioneering engineer who advanced wireless technologies like MIMO and the founder of two successful startups (including a $1B exit), Andrea is now the dean of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Princeton. Her work continues to drive the wireless innovations shaping the world today.
As FCC general counsel, Bill Kennard laid the groundwork for the first spectrum auctions. Later, as FCC chair—the first African American to hold that position—he expanded these auctions, creating a secondary market that empowered entrepreneurs to deploy solutions across wider areas. The FCC auction methodology is not only brilliant in its design, but it also generates significant government revenue and levels the playing field. Recent controversy in India over its decision to award spectrum administratively rather than through auction underscores just how impactful this process is.
Everett Dobson and Brad Horwitz separately ventured to remote corners of the world, from rural America to Hong Kong and Haiti, bringing wireless technology to underserved markets. During the devastating Haiti earthquake, the wireless networks Brad helped build became the country’s lifeline.
Though their stories differ, these Hall of Famers share one defining trait: They are narrative disruptors. There is a distinct “before and after” in the industry’s history that permanently changed the story. The Wireless History Foundation Hall of Fame Dinner—often dubbed the best night in wireless—celebrated their remarkable contributions.
Sidebar: Books on Wireless History
A list of my favorite books that helped me understand wireless history:
- The Network: Scott Woolley
- Views on Public Questions: Theodore Newton Vail
- SMS: The Creation of Personal Global Text Messaging: Friedhelm Hillebrand
- Cutting the Cord: Marty Cooper
- Captive Audience: Susan Crawford
This Is Personal
In my second year as a member of the foundation’s Board of Influencers, my role involves showcasing the critical work the foundation does across the industry and, during the Hall of Fame induction, connecting with both attendees and awardees. It is, however, truly a labor of love for Executive Director Jen Snyder and her dedicated team, led by Kristy Young, Linda Leivens, and others. This year’s event, held once again at the Washington DC Waldorf Astoria, was another sold-out success.
My first dinner was in San Francisco as part of MWC Americas, where I attended, thanks to a recommendation from David Diggs. I got to meet Marty Cooper, among others, and I was hooked. Since then, I’ve attended every event, except during the pandemic years. Some of the most rewarding conversations happen during the reception: I’ve discussed leadership with Dan Hesse, risk-taking with Marty Cooper, and the threat of WhatsApp to SMS with Fred Hilderbrand. Among the lush settings (and yes, it’s fine dining), these conversations feel like a modern version of gathering around the tribal fireside.
The FCC was there to celebrate one of their own.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr (center) and Former FCC Chair Ajit Pai (right)
Wireless History Hall of Gamer and CTIA CEO Meredith Atwell Baker
ZipWhip Co-Founder John Lauer
Two South Asians meet at a dinner in DC
Finally
“The present,” said historians Will and Ariel Durant, “is the past rolled up for action, and the past is the present unrolled for understanding.” The Durants were referring to the larger arc of history, but the same idea applies to technology. We are always building on the work of those who came before us. To understand what to do next, we have to understand why things are the way they are, and that starts with studying how they came to be. Celebrations like the Hall of Fame dinner are a joyous way to reflect on history, to celebrate and commemorate the people behind the industry-changing innovations that have shaped our today.