WCAI 4G Caucus Wraps Up with Discussions on Backhaul, LTE Migration, 3.65 GHz Regulations

The WCAI’s 4G Caucus wrapped up today with a semi-annual, member-only joint meeting of the Engineering and Regional Operator committees. The two-day event generated a lot of productive debates and announcements, including from FCC Wireless Bureau Chief Ruth Milkman, who said the Commission yesterday circulated an NPRM in response to the WCAI’s 2.5 GHz OOBE (out-of-band emissions) petition. The announcement is great news for the wireless broadband industry in the U.S. as it represents an important step toward harmonizing the 2.5 GHz band internationally and realizing the economies of scope and scale.

During the committee meeting’s roundtable discussion today, WCAI members addressed such issues as 4G network backhaul, migration to LTE and the impact it has on regional operators, as well as regulatory issues facing the 3.65 GHz band. Excellent presentations were delivered by LBA Group CTO Chris Horne, DragonWave CTO Erik Boch, Sioux Valley Wireless Technical Director Joel Brick, and JAB Broadband VP, Technical Operations, Bret Westwood. Also at the meeting, WCAI Regulatory Counsel Paul Sinderbrand of Wilkinson Barker Knauer provided a comprehensive update on key regulatory issues facing the industry and advised the members on how best to address them.

We at WCAI would like to thank everyone who helped make the 4G Caucus a success, especially our speakers, sponsors and media/research partners.

We look forward to seeing you again at 4G World on October 24-27 in Chicago. Please use WCAI discount code (4GWMS22) to save $200 on registration and support WCAI.

WCAI 4G Caucus Kicks Off with Discussions on Spectrum, AT&T/T-Mobile Merger, 4G Migration Strategies

Gerry Salemme, Partner at Eagle River, kicked off the WCAI 4G Caucus this morning with a fireside chat keynote led by WCAI President Fred Campbell. In a lively discussion of the future of mobile technologies Mr. Salemme spoke about the growing data demand and spectrum issues, the AT&T/T-Mobile merger and the chances of its approval, the gaining momentum of LTE and its potential impact on Clearwire and regional players in the 2.5 GHz band, as well as the economy and the availability of investment capital affecting 4G network deployment in the U.S. Mr. Salemme, who is an advisor to the Clearwire CEO on business and spectrum strategy, also clarified the relationship between Clearwire and Sprint, saying that it’s “more cooperative than people expect.”

The opening keynote was followed by a panel on 4G network migration strategies led by one of the most distinguished industry analysts Berge Ayvazian of Heavy Reading. During the panel, experts from Sprint, AT&T, FiberTower and Tessco discussed their views on the transition from 3G to 4G networks, key challenges of the migration the industry faces, and how policy management solutions can help manage the transition.

Still ahead is the day packed with lively discussions and networking opportunities. Iyad Tarazi, Vice President, Network Development and Engineering at Sprint, will speak about how Sprint’s Network Vision is expected to consolidate multiple network technologies into one, seamless network. Following his keynote presentation, Mr. Campbell of WCAI will lead the discussion on adapting regulations to the new realities of 4G technologies. The panel will feature FCC Wireless Bureau Chief Ruth Milkman, along with regulatory experts from AT&T, Sprint, Clearwire and Wilkinson Barket Knauer.

Other program highlights include a keynote from Sybase an SAP Company on real-time actionable intelligence strategies for 4G operators; a keynote from Alvarion on building 4G smart grid, as well as panel discussions on broadband spectrum options for smart grid applications and on fixed wireless innovations.

Wrapping up the first day of the event will be the popular WCAI Networking Dinner at Ruth’s Chris, one of the best steak houses in town.

So if you are not already here, come join us for the exciting day of discussions and networking!