At the CCC, our mission is to standardize the connected ecosystem around vehicles and devices with solutions that combine convenience, security, and privacy protections. A key component of that connected ecosystem is spectrum regulation and management, which contributes to stable frameworks and governance as technologies evolve.
To further our commitment to innovation across spectrum regulation and advanced technologies, we’re excited to welcome Sergio Marquez as our new Senior Regulatory Director. With decades of experience in spectrum management, radio regulations, policy development, risk management, and strategic planning, Sergio brings impressive expertise and insight to the CCC.
We sat down with Sergio to learn more about his background, his goals in this new role, how he distills complex regulatory topics into more understandable conversations, and the important part AI will play in spectrum regulation. See our interview with him below:
Why did you join the CCC?
Joining the CCC represents an exciting new challenge in my professional career. The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, embracing both technological innovation and the ongoing evolution of radiocommunications. However, we are now entering an era of direct-to-anything connectivity, which may also pose risks to the continued growth of the car industry’s connectivity ecosystem; for instance, through the identification of new frequency bands for emerging 6G mobile systems or satellite direct-to-device communications that overlap with frequency bands already used by the automotive sector.
When I learned about the challenges the CCC is currently addressing, and the strength of its membership, I did not hesitate to take on this role.
What unique perspectives or expertise do you bring to the CCC as the Senior Regulatory Director?
I bring a combination of expertise in regulation, spectrum management, and radiocommunications. My background in managing and optimizing spectrum resources, while ensuring compliance with national and international frameworks, has equipped me to address complex challenges strategically and effectively on behalf of the CCC.
I also have extensive experience in the global spectrum regulation and actively contribute to international regulatory discussions through my regular participation in organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), and other key forums.
What goals do you have for the CCC in your new role?
In the near term, design and execute CCC’s regulatory strategy to safeguard the IEEE UWB channel 9 (7.7 – 8.3 GHz) against unfavorable outcomes from regulatory decisions at the ITU’s World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27). This band, identified as a potential candidate for future IMT-2030 (6G) mobile use beyond 2027, will be subject to key decisions at WRC-27 that could pose a significant challenge to the Digital Key UWB spectrum ecosystem.
In the medium and long term, safeguard and advance CCC’s spectrum interests in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. Ensuring compliance with national and international frameworks while shaping policies that enable innovation and sustainable spectrum use is crucial.
Why do you feel a standard like CCC Digital Key ™ is important to the automotive industry?
The number one principle of standards is interoperability, which enables economies of scale, global market access, and, ultimately, scalability. The CCC Digital Key is essential for the automotive industry, not only to ensure these benefits, but also to promote regulatory alignment with local frameworks worldwide.
How has your approach to spectrum management and regulation changed throughout your career?
My journey began within the telecom and broadcasting regulatory authority in Mexico. My career in radio frequency spectrum started more than 15 years ago, working in the field as a tech radiocommunication specialist. I was on the ground monitoring frequencies across diverse radiocommunication systems, watching how spectrum shapes the way we connect. Over the years, my experience expanded to include management responsibilities and active participation in the decision-making process as well as international forums related to regulation of radiocommunications.
Later, I transitioned to the private sector as Senior Director Spectrum and Satellite Coordination at EchoStar Corporation in the U.S., where I played a key role in developing and implementing spectrum management and satellite coordination plans for both existing services and future initiatives of the company. Throughout my career, I have advocated for a broad range of services and applications, from mobile IMT and satellite to mobile and fixed communications and more.
How do you help distill complex spectrum regulations into more understandable management advice for others?
Spectrum regulation sits at the crossroads of policy/law and technical matters. Blending these two worlds is challenging enough. I’ve learned that effective communication is key. I always aim to explain complex concepts as clearly as possible, keeping my audience in mind. After all, explaining what the radio spectrum is to my grandmother is very different from presenting it to a panel of ITU experts. I focus on finding the right angle and simplifying the problem without losing its essence.
For instance, major decision-makers, such as local authorities, may not always have the technical background to grasp the full complexity of spectrum regulation. Illustrating its impact on the local economy and overall development of the country often helps convey the importance of adequate spectrum management.
We recently posted about the new spectrum law in the U.S. Why does this law matter for UWB?
While the new law does carve out the 7.4-8.4 GHz band for mobile IMT domestic use, the U.S. may take a different approach regarding its policy position at CITEL and ITU. That means protection for Channel 9 spectrum isn’t fully secured.
I applaud what the UWB community has achieved so far in preserving UWB spectrum in the U.S. amid the OBBBA discussions, but it’s still too early to call this a victory from an U.S. global policy position perspective. We need to stay engaged and keep up the momentum to make it one.
What’s most exciting to you about connected technology in the automotive industry?
What excites me most about connected technology in the automotive industry is how effectively the radio spectrum can be used to its fullest potential. A great example of this is the development of global products through standardization, such as the CCC Digital Key. Another key aspect for me is mobility itself and the regulatory and technical challenges involved in keeping vehicles seamlessly connected while in motion. Ensuring the efficient use of radio frequencies as cars traverse different regions and technologies is both complex and fascinating.
Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in connectivity are set to open a new frontier for the automotive sector. In late 2027, the ITU is expected to decide on new frequency bands that will enable direct communication between mobile devices and satellites, without intermediaries. The next logical milestone would be extending this capability to vehicles, hence achieving full satellite-to-car connectivity while protecting the frequency bands already vital to automotive systems.
Imagine today’s satellite radio in cars, such as SiriusXM, but enhanced with global internet access, real-time apps, multimedia services, and intelligent navigation available in each corner of the world. That kind of universal, uninterrupted connectivity is what truly excites me about the future of mobility.
Are there any technology trends in spectrum use that more people should be paying attention to?
One technology trend that more people should pay attention to is the use of AI in spectrum management. Maintaining an interference-free environment is increasingly challenging as more devices and services compete for the same frequency bands. Traditionally, regulators, network operators, and spectrum users rely on spectrum segmentation, power level limitations, or automated frequency coordination systems to ensure coexistence. AI, however, may have the potential to revolutionize this process. It might analyze massive amounts of real-time spectrum data, predict interference patterns, dynamically allocate frequencies, and optimize power levels across multiple services, creating a much more efficient and adaptive spectrum ecosystem.
Another trend gaining traction is the use of millimeter-wave (and even terahertz frequencies) for wireless communication. As traditional frequency bands become more crowded, these higher frequencies offer huge bandwidth for ultra-high-speed data transmission, low-latency communications, and advanced applications, vehicle-to-everything connectivity included. The challenge lies in managing their propagation characteristics; higher frequencies are more easily absorbed by obstacles and atmospheric conditions, which limits a wide propagation of the signals. To overcome this, advanced techniques such as beamforming, adaptive power control, and intelligent antenna design are critical.
Where do you see the industry heading in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the automotive industry moving toward full digital integration, where vehicles become intelligent, connected platforms rather than isolated machines. Connectivity will be at the core of this transformation, with cars communicating seamlessly with infrastructure, satellites, and other devices to enable safer, more efficient mobility.
From a spectrum perspective, the challenge will be ensuring that this massive growth in data exchange can be protected from other emerging technologies such as cellular mobile, Wi-Fi, and direct-to-device satellite communications. The industry will need to defend its access to critical frequency bands while also embracing dynamic spectrum management and global harmonization to support interoperability.
In short, the car of the future will not only drive itself but also communicate, learn, and adapt in real time, powered by smarter use of spectrum and stronger collaboration between the automotive, telecom, and regulatory stakeholders.
What do you want CCC members to know about your role?
Membership support and collaboration are essential to achieving our regulatory objectives. This involves not only providing technical contributions, such as coexistence studies and interference modeling, but also helping to influence local authorities and promote the adoption of CCC’s regulatory positions worldwide.
Upcoming decisions at the ITU’s WRC-27 could significantly reshape global access to IEEE’s UWB Channel 9 spectrum. Under Agenda Item 1.7, WRC-27 will consider identifying the 7.125–8.4 GHz frequency band, or portions of it, for use by next-generation (6G) mobile services. To bolster CCC’s position, we must act early, align internally, and engage externally with the right partners.
We’re excited to see Sergio accomplish great things with the CCC. Learn more about our spectrum regulatory position.
Sergio Marquez, CCC’s Senior Regulatory Director
