Powering the Next Generation of Tech Law

Angela Kung is guiding Mintz’s Technology, Communications & Media (TechComm) practice into a new era of connectivity and innovation. As the Chair, she draws on her deep understanding of wireless regulations, spectrum policy, and broadband expansion to help clients navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. With experience at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and years of advocating for clients at the agency, Angela ensures that Mintz’s clients remain at the forefront of industry developments.

Angela’s career path reflects a commitment to leadership. She began as an Associate at Mintz before spending three years at the FCC, where she gained firsthand insight into the regulatory process from a government perspective. She returned to Mintz in 2019, was elevated to Member in 2021, and became Co-chair of the TechComm practice in 2023 before stepping into the Chair role in 2024. Succeeding longtime former Chair Tara Corvo, Angela has embraced a strategic and collaborative leadership approach that fosters growth within the group and strengthens its connections across the firm.

Angela’s vision is centered on strategic expansion and interdepartmental collaboration. She has worked closely with intellectual property and private equity attorneys to position the TechComm practice as a key player in regulatory approvals for mergers, acquisitions, and investments. By aligning with Mintz’s core firm-wide strategies, she continues to explore new opportunities for cross-practice collaboration, ensuring the firm remains an industry leader in communications regulatory and transactional work.

Navigating a Shifting Regulatory Landscape

In keeping up with the constantly evolving technology and communications landscape, Angela has played a critical role in helping clients adapt to regulatory changes. The FCC’s direction is often shaped by shifts in presidential administrations, and recent years have brought significant policy shifts and new agency decisions that require businesses to adjust their strategies.

Angela’s work frequently involves spectrum policy, broadband deployment, and compliance with FCC regulations. She has guided clients through multiple FCC spectrum actions, helping them acquire low-band, mid-band, and high-band licenses to support the rollout of next-generation 5G wireless services. Additionally, she has played a key role in advising clients on the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which is designed to expand broadband access to rural and underserved communities across the country.

Advancing Connectivity: The T-Mobile and SpaceX Collaboration

One of Angela’s most significant recent matters was Mintz’s representation of T-Mobile before the FCC in connection with its supplemental coverage from space (SCS) initiative in partnership with SpaceX. This groundbreaking project – which was recently advertised during this year’s Super Bowl – will allow T-Mobile customers to stay connected in areas where traditional cell service is unavailable by leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network.

Given the novelty of the technology, existing FCC rules did not fully account for SCS services. Angela, along with Member Russell Fox and Of Counsel Christen B’anca Glenn, worked closely with T-Mobile and the FCC to advocate for a regulatory framework that would enable T-Mobile and SpaceX to move forward with their vision. The team not only engaged in regulatory advocacy and proposed new operational structures but also guided T-Mobile and SpaceX through the approval process.

The FCC granted approval for this initiative on November 26, 2024, marking a major milestone for the future of satellite-enabled mobile services. The commission highlighted the lifesaving potential of SCS technology, particularly in emergency situations where terrestrial networks are unavailable. It cited examples of SpaceX’s emergency coverage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, demonstrating the critical role satellite connectivity can play in a disaster response.

Because regulatory proceedings can take years to complete, Mintz also secured interim authorizations that allowed T-Mobile and SpaceX to conduct testing while awaiting formal approvals. This proactive approach ensured that the companies were prepared to launch the service quickly once final approvals were in place. The FCC’s favorable ruling is expected to set a precedent for future collaborations between satellite operators and wireless carriers, opening the door for expanded mobile coverage and new connectivity solutions in the coming years.

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Growth in TechComm Law

Angela’s leadership extends beyond her legal capabilities as her work helps shape the future of technology, communications, and space law. With emerging innovations in artificial intelligence, drones, and satellite communications, the regulatory landscape is evolving faster than ever. Angela embraces the challenges that come with this new frontier, viewing them as opportunities to advocate, innovate, and lead.

Her leadership approach is collaborative and forward-thinking, allowing the TechComm practice at Mintz to continue growing alongside the industries it serves. By strengthening regulatory advocacy, expanding cross-practice partnerships, and positioning Mintz as a leader in next-generation communications law, Angela is helping clients and the firm stay ahead in an ever-changing regulatory environment.