In 1981, Tom Stroup began his wireless career representing paging companies as an associate with the law firm Schnader, Harrison, Segal & Lewis. He joined Telocator Network of America in 1985 as Managing Director of the Paging Division, later becoming VP and General Counsel and then President in 1989. Telocator became PCIA during Tom’s tenure and is now part of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA).

Under Tom’s leadership, Telocator/PCIA worked to advance paging interests and obtain additional spectrum for the paging industry. He was also an advocate for interconnection rights for paging and cellular systems to be treated as co-carriers of incumbent telco providers.

As an early champion for allocating spectrum for Personal Communications Service (PCS) against incumbent resistance, Tom also advocated for regulatory changes to introduce new entrants and increase the competitive landscape–which included the need to move microwave incumbents from the 1800 MHz band. This pivotal movement facilitated innovation, expanded consumer access to mobile services, and accelerated the U.S. telecommunications industry’s growth. Tom’s vision and persistent advocacy were crucial in overcoming challenges and propelling the industry towards its success today.

Since 2014, Tom has led the Satellite Industry Association (SIA). At the urging of the SIA, the FCC’s reorganization in 2024 to create the Space Bureau significantly streamlined the licensing process. His work with satellite companies and the FCC to bring satellite service directly to mobile devices is helping to ensure that wireless service is truly available anytime and anywhere.

Tom has served as CEO for a number of wireless companies, including Columbia Spectrum Management, P-Com Network Services, CSM Wireless, and Shared Spectrum Company. In 1990, Tom was named a Fellow of the Radio Club of America, at the time the youngest person to receive this honor. One of the companies he founded, SquareLoop, was awarded the CTIA Best Emerging Technology Award in 2007. Tom has also served on several advisory and industry boards, including the Virginia Center for Technology Innovation.  In 2025, Tom was inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame for his career achievements.