Richard H. Frenkiel, born March 4, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American engineer known for his significant role in the early development of cellular telephone networks.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Tufts University and a master’s degree at Rutgers University in 1965. Beginning in 1963, he worked for Bell Labs, where he initially designed recorded announcement machines. In late 1965, he became involved in the early planning of cellular telephone systems, working alongside Philip T. Porter. Together, they focused on cell geometry, vehicle locating, handoff, and overall system architecture, leading to an early system proposal. With Porter and Joel S. Engel, he co-authored a key text on cellular systems submitted to the FCC in 1971.
From 1971 to 1973, Frenkiel worked at AT&T Corporate Headquarters, serving as a primary liaison with the FCC on cellular issues. He returned to Bell Labs in 1973, leading a team of mobile phone system engineers specializing in vehicle-locating techniques, channel efficiency, and cell-splitting methods. His “underlaid cell” concept significantly reduced the cost and complexity of cell splitting and became a valuable patent for AT&T.
Frenkiel led the Mobile Systems Engineering Department at Bell Labs for five years, overseeing the transition from experimental systems to commercial service. His department established interface specifications for nationwide compatibility among cellular companies. He also contributed to the development of AMPS, the first standardized cellular system in the U.S.
In 1983, he transferred to AT&T Information Systems Labs, where he led the development of the 5000 series of cordless telephones. His team achieved significant improvements in quality and performance, and he played a key role in pioneering the outsourcing of manufacturing to Singapore.
Frenkiel was a co-recipient of the National Medal of Technology in 1994, along with Joel S. Engel, for their contributions to cellular systems. He has also received the Alexander Graham Bell Medal and the Industrial Research Institute Achievement Award. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the IEEE.
In 1994, Frenkiel returned to Rutgers University as a Visiting Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Director for Strategic Planning at WINLAB. He also works as an industry consultant and writer. In 1999, he served as Mayor of Manalapan, New Jersey, and currently teaches a course in Wireless Business Strategy at Rutgers University.