WASHINGTON-Steven Price, the Pentagon spectrum czar responsible for strengthening military wireless policy and negotiating complex deals with industry over the rights to the airwaves, is leaving the Department of Defense.
Price told RCR Wireless News his resignation is effective May 2. Price, a former cellular industry executive, said he thoroughly enjoyed his time at DoD, but wants to spend more time with his family.
Linton Wells, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for command, control, communications and intelligence, will serve as acting head of DoD spectrum policy.
After joining the Pentagon in November 2001, Price became involved in high-profile clashes with industry over spectrum issues involving third-generation mobile phone technology, ultra-wide band and Wi-Fi technology deployment in the United States. Price is credited with helping advance initiatives to safeguard military spectrum and secure reimbursement from the industry for relocating Pentagon radio systems to other frequencies.
Elsewhere, Howard Schmidt, cyber security advisor to President Bush, has announced he is leaving the Bush administration. Earlier this year, Schmidt’s boss, Richard Clarke, stepped down as the nation’s top cyber security official. Clarke, and more recently Schmidt, have raised questions about the administration’s cyber security policy. The White House did not return calls for comment.
