Arlington, Virginia, United States
Robb Tanner is the Deputy Assistant USTR for ICT Services & Digital Trade at the Office of the United States Trade Representative. He leads the development of digital trade policy and is the lead negotiator on digital economy and emerging technology issues in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). Prior to joining USTR, he had multiple roles in international and domestic policy matters at the Federal Communications Commission. Most recently he was Special Counsel in the International Bureau of the FCC and before that he served as Assistant Bureau Chief and Senior Legal Counsel in the Wireline Competition Bureau of the FCC.
Leads the development of digital trade policy. Lead negotiator on digital economy and emerging technology issues in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). Previously lead negotiator for Telecommunications chapter in USMCA, and for the Telecommunications and Electronic Commerce chapters in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) and the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) negotiations.
Represented FCC in meetings with foreign government officials and industry members. Led FCC participation in State Department delegation to India during December 2007. Managed staff of attorneys, economists and specialists conducting outreach and negotiations with other nations and multinational organizations such as the ITU, OECD and APEC. Drafted briefing materials for Chairman and Commissioners. Wrote portions of report to Congress on domestic and international satellite services market conditions.
Analyzed and counseled Bureau Chief on legal and policy issues for competition, broadband, and advanced technologies. Advised Commissioners and their Advisors on multiple agenda items including IP Enabled Services NPRM, Intercarrier Compensation FNPRM, and Triennial Review Remand Order. Managed teams of attorneys, economists and engineers for significant FCC items implementing sections 251 and 271 of the Communications Act, including Triennial Review Order and Pennsylvania Section 271 Order.
Successfully negotiated multi-state interconnection agreements with incumbent local exchange carriers on behalf of competitive carriers and CMRS carriers, including XO Communications and AT&T Wireless. Briefed disputed issues for arbitration proceedings in accordance with Section 252 of the Communications Act. Drafted comments and advocated client positions before FCC in multiple proceedings including UNE Remand Order, US West-Qwest Merger Order, and Ameritech-SBC Merger Order.
Drafted significant portions of major FCC items implementing sections 251 and 271 of the Communications Act, including BellSouth South Carolina Section 271 Order and First Local Competition Order.