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**NEW WITNESS UPDATE** U.S. Leadership at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027: Strategy and Challenges Ahead of Shanghai?

Senator Fischer Announces Subcommittee Hearing on March 17th

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, will convene a hearing titled “U.S. Leadership at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027: Strategy and Challenges Ahead of Shanghai.” This hearing will examine the United States’ message and strategy ahead of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), which will be held in Shanghai, China next year. 

The WRC is a global intergovernmental treaty conference held every three to four years to review and revise the Radio Regulations, which govern international spectrum allocations and satellite orbit use. As the conference approaches, this hearing will examine the risks associated with the WRC being held in China and identify ways to ensure the United States advances a unified strategy strengthening American innovation and competitiveness. 

Upon announcing the hearing, Sen. Fischer said: “The World Radiocommunications Conference in 2027 is not just about spectrum – it’s about who sets the global rules for the connected technologies that power modern civilization. Meeting in Shanghai underscores the stakes, and the United States must prepare to lead. I look forward to convening the subcommittee to ensure the resiliency of our space capabilities, economic strength, and national security are the top priorities.”   

Sen. Cruz said: “The WRC plays a consequential role in establishing global standards for spectrum, satellite use, and emerging wireless technologies like 6G. With approximately 80 percent of the agenda focused on space-based services, the United States must arrive with a unified front to ensure we dominate what I have called the ‘second space race.’”  

Witnesses:

  • Ambassador (ret.) Grace Koh, Vice President of Government Relations at Ciena and former Head of U.S. Delegation to the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 
  • Ambassador (ret.) Stephen A. Lang, Senior Advisor, Crest Hill Advisors LLC and former U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy  
  • Dr. James A. Lewis,Distinguished Fellow, Center for European Policy Analysis
  • Mr. Michael Calabrese, Director of Wireless Future and Senior Advisor of Technology & Democracy, New America 

Hearing Details:

WHAT: Subcommittee Hearing titled “U.S. Leadership at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027: Strategy and Challenges Ahead of Shanghai” 

DATE: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 

TIME: 10:00 AM EST

LOCATION: Committee Hearing Room, Russell 253

LIVESTREAM: The hearing will stream live on the Committee website and YouTube.

MEDIA INFO: Reporters wanting to attend the hearing should contact their respective media gallery to RSVP.

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