Spectrum's Thinking Cap

Paul Kolodzy brings more than enthusiasm to his new role of senior spectrum policy advisor for the FCC. He also brings expertise, and he could be just what's needed to shape the spectrum's future.

Paul Kolodzy was drawn to difficult endeavors even as a kid. If the project involved electrical currents or element properties in chemistry class, he was intent on discovering a solution. Now that his enthusiasm for facing challenges has caught the eye of the FCC, he is primed to tackle the wireless industry's dilemma du jour: spectrum.

Charged with examining spectrum allocation processes, Kolodzy — the FCC's new senior spectrum policy adviser for the office of engineering and technology — has plenty on his plate. From the recent Supreme Court decision, which will keep NextWave Telecom's spectrum socked away for another three years, to alternative technologies that could help wireless carriers stretch current spectrum and progress with their 3G network plans, his job won't be easy.

Fortunately, Kolodzy is as academically and professionally accomplished as he is approachable and animated. A man whose studies have spanned the sciences and whose résumé includes stints at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory, Lockheed Martin and the Department of Defense, Kolodzy maintains the candor of an everyman.

It's little wonder the FCC enlisted him. His post will demand much from his past experience and expertise, and he will be expected to communicate effectively with various sects of the wireless industry. As always, he's diving in head first.

“I wouldn't have come to the FCC if I wasn't excited about what I'd be doing,” he said. “Those who know me know this is a challenge as well as an opportunity.”

A penchant for electronics, chemistry and even computer science have played a permanent role throughout Kolodzy's educational and professional career. As a chemical engineering student, he earned a bachelor's degree from Purdue University and a master's and doctorate from Case Western Reserve University, where his doctoral work focused on laser measurement systems.

“I was actually at Purdue and was majoring in electrical, chemical and computer sciences,” he said. “By my senior year, I had to pick one and decided on chemical. But my background is very strong in all areas.”

Kolodzy tenured at MIT between 1985 and 1996, working on laser radars and exploring how laser technology might be an alternative to radio frequency. He then delved into signal processing, which was a launching pad for his long-term career focus on technology. Finally, he was appointed group leader for signal processing, laser radars and acoustic systems.

Following MIT, Kolodzy worked for Sanders, a division of Lockheed Martin, where he was director of advanced signal processing technologies. He advanced to program manager for the development of advanced technology and communications within the DOD's Advanced Technology Office of DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

At DARPA, Kolodzy began to interface with the FCC, developing technology involved with software-defined radios for the army and overseeing the development of next-generation communications technology.

“The thing that Paul really brings to the job is an appreciation of the technology and how it can be used to help solve the spectrum scarcity problem,” said Dale Hatfield, former OET chief who collaborated with Kolodzy when he was at DARPA.

More specifically, Kolodzy has a strong grasp of alternative technologies like software-defined radios and smart antennas, which could help the industry salvage spectrum that is not being used, Hatfield added.

“There is other technology that can jump in and capture otherwise wasted spectrum,” he said. “Paul understands that technology so well and will be able to make sure FCC rules facilitate the alternatives.”

Just before joining the FCC, Kolodzy started an initiative called neXt Generation Communications, poised to develop technology to fundamentally change the allocation and assignment of spectrum for future military and commercial systems. “Both the commercial and military sectors have the same problem — there is not enough of it to get a hold of,” he said.

Spectrum issues also took hold of Kolodzy on a personal level. “When working with sensors, my interest ignited,” he said. “It very much was heightened as I saw major technological advances that would allow new ways of looking at spectrum.”

Now Kolodzy wants to take a fresh look at spectrum policy. “This is my big jump, moving from defense-related communications work to commercial,” he said. “My technology skills will help me understand how to [affect] policy and how to provide the commission with some new opportunities and ideas that will help the wireless community.”

The first week in March marked Kolodzy's first week in his new office at the FCC. While he has general ideas about what he wants to accomplish in his new role, it will be a matter of time before he knows exactly what his mission is.

“I'm still trying to organize and get planted on some issues and concerns within the commission itself. There is no clearly defined goal yet,” he said.

Kolodzy will have no direct reports, but he anticipates working closely with various bureaus within the FCC, as well as other industry groups, considering that spectrum is an issue with a lot of crossover interest.

“I look forward to interacting with industry associations to discuss policy as well as those dealing with technology to make sure they can develop technology that adheres to policy,” he said. “At DARPA I worked with industry leaders to come up with concepts. I want to continue this because that interaction provides insight.”

Kolodzy does not have a set term. His job is done once he and the management within the FCC deem that they have made enough progress — or lack thereof.