Julius Knapp, Chief of the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology, plans to retire from public service on January 3, 2020. Knapp worked at the agency for 45 years, including more than 13 years as Chief of OET.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called Knapp an “FCC institution” and said he’s played a key role in all of the Commission’s spectrum efforts over many years, from freeing up spectrum for 4G LTE and 5G to making more spectrum available for unlicensed operations like WiFi to encouraging technologies of the future, like wireless medical services.
Pai also credited Knapp for being instrumental in modernizing and streamlining the Commission’s equipment authorization process.
“On a personal level, when I think of ‘Julie,’ I’m reminded of the old advertising slogan, ‘When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.’ That’s because when ‘Julie’ speaks, everyone listens,” said Pai in a statement. “Across the federal government and throughout the private sector, Julie is widely respected for his vast knowledge, his ability to explain complex technical concepts in an accessible way, his collegiality, and his candor. As I’ve seen many times during my tenure as Chairman, his reputation as a solid technical expert and a straight shooter has made him invaluable in resolving numerous challenges facing the FCC that might have otherwise proven intractable.”
In a blog post, Knapp thanked Pai and all the past Chairmen and Commissioners for whom he had the privilege to serve. “Most of all, I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work with the fantastic staff in the Office of Engineering and Technology and the other bureaus and offices throughout the Commission,” he stated.
“There remains an outstanding team of engineers, attorneys and professionals in the Office of Engineering and Technology who are up to speed on all of our many projects. I take comfort in knowing that everything is in great hands. Nevertheless, I will miss the many people I have gotten to know in the communications sector,” Knapp wrote.
December 2, 2019
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