Eric DeSilva

Eric DeSilva

Partner

Co-Head, US Telecom
Co-Head, Global Telecom Regulatory

Washington, DC
About

Eric DeSilva is a partner and Co-Chair of DLA Piper's US Telecom Practice and Co-Chair of DLA Piper's Global Telecom Regulatory Practice. For more than 30 years, he has been one of the country's foremost advisors on FCC wireless regulation, representing wireless carriers, trade associations, spectrum investors, innovative startups, and technology companies across the full spectrum of mobile broadband regulatory matters — from spectrum allocation and auction strategy to secondary market transactions, compliance, and complex rulemaking proceedings. He has played a direct role in virtually every major spectrum allocation for mobile broadband services over the past three decades, advising clients on spectrum co-existence, interservice compatibility, and incumbent relocation frameworks with a level of technical depth that clients and peers describe as unmatched.

Areas of FocusTelecomsIntellectual PropertyTechnology and Commercial Transactions
Bar admissionsDistrict of Columbia

EXPERIENCE

Eric's representative experience includes:

  • Serving as key regulatory counsel on virtually every major spectrum transaction and spectrum allocation for mobile broadband services over the past three decades
  • Directing technical strategy on spectrum co-existence, inter-service compatibility, and incumbent relocation frameworks across fixed, private, broadcast, satellite, and unlicensed spectrum bands, including satellite-based non-terrestrial networks and supplemental communications from space
  • Leading the development of service rules for mobile and wireless services, including spectrum aggregation policy, auction system design for initial licensing, construction and service benchmarks, and related technical regulatory frameworks
  • Directing regulatory strategy for clients in high-stakes spectrum auctions and secondary market transactions, including merger proceedings involving complex competitive and structural issues before the FCC
  • Advising major wireless carriers on the architecture, development, and ongoing improvement of internal license tracking systems, drawing on deep knowledge in FCC database analytics to support compliance, portfolio management, and strategic planning
  • Designing and executing regulatory strategies for alternative spectrum use, leading clients through waiver proceedings and rulemaking initiatives to achieve outcomes unavailable through standard licensing pathways

Awards

Chambers USA

  • Band 3, District of Columbia Telecom, Broadcast & Satellite, (2026)
  • Band 4, District of Columbia Telecom, Broadcast & Satellite, (2025)

The Legal 500 United States

  • Leading Partner, Telecoms & Broadcast: Transactional, (2025 – 2026)
  • Leading Partner, Telecoms & Broadcast: Regulatory, (2019 – 2026)
  • Recommended, Telecoms & Broadcast: Transactional, (2017 – 2021, 2023 – 2024)
  • Recommended, Telecoms & Broadcast: Regulatory, (2017 – 2018)
Additional Recognitions
  • BV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell's high to very high ranking by peers for general ethical standards and legal ability
Education
  • J.D., University of Michigan Law School
    cum laude
  • B.S., University of Maryland
    with honors

My latest insights

News

DLA Piper served as regulatory advisor to T-Mobile in its US$4.4 billion acquisition of...

29 August 2025 .2 minute read

News

DLA Piper served as regulatory advisor to T-Mobile in its US$5 billion acquisition of...

29 August 2025 .2 minute read

News

DLA Piper advises T-Mobile in its acquisition of spectrum licenses from Comcast

14 September 2023 .2 minute read

View All
CallvCardLinkedInPrint

Connect

Phone

+1 202 799 4112
(Work, Washington, DC)