About Fred
Fred Hopengarten is a prominent telecommunications attorney based in Lincoln, Massachusetts. With a legal career that began in 1972, he has developed a specialization in federal communications law, particularly focusing on land use for antennas and towers. His extensive knowledge in this niche area has made him a sought-after expert. He is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia and Maine, and since 2015, he has been a member of the 3rd Circuit. In addition to his legal practice, Hopengarten is the owner and operator of Strong Signals LLC, which manages a significant communications tower near Lewiston-Auburn, Maine. This venture shows his commitment to the telecommunications industry.
This lets the attorney apply his legal expertise in a practical context. His dedication to the field extends beyond his firm; he serves as volunteer counsel for the American Radio Relay League. In this capacity, he focuses on zoning matters, providing invaluable assistance to amateur radio operators navigating complex regulatory environments. Fred Hopengarten earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Boston College Law School in 1970, where he distinguished himself as an Appellate Moot Court Finalist. His academic journey also includes an MBA in Marketing from Harvard University, which he completed in 1972, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from Colby College, obtained in 1967. During his time in law school, he worked by clerking for the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, further enriching his understanding of regulatory frameworks.
In 1978, Hopengarten took on the role of President and General Counsel of Channel One, a company that provided equipment and installation services for satellite earth stations and temporary downlinks. Under his leadership, Channel One expanded significantly, ultimately operating cable TV systems that served 13,000 homes before its sale. His expertise has also been sought by venture capital firms, where he has consulted on communications investments and conducted due diligence on major antenna farms. An accomplished author, he wrote "Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur," which was published by the American Radio Relay League in 2001. The book is now in its third edition and serves as a critical resource for amateur radio operators navigating zoning regulations. Hopengarten has also been a guest speaker at various technical and trade events, including the renowned Dayton HamVention and the National Association of Broadcasters.
Outside of his professional life, he is married to Betty E. Herr, M.D., Ph.D., a physician and medical director at a private group practice of psychiatry affiliated with St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston. Together, they reside in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and are proud parents to two children, Annie and Steven.
