WCAI International Symposium and 4G World Conference Program Announced

WCAI and Trendsmedia today announced a conference program for the WCAI’s Annual International Symposium and 4G World – the two major shows for the wireless broadband industry that will co-locate on Sept. 15-18, 2009 in Chicago, IL.

The WCAI’s Symposium will kick off the four-day program on Sept. 15 with an opening luncheon keynote addressing the role of wireless broadband infrastructure in the Obama administration’s plans for economic recovery. The WCAI Broadband and Wireless Policy Summit at 4G World will examine opportunities for universal broadband access and other key telecommunications policy and regulatory issues facing the new Obama administration. The Symposium’s international program will focus on the fast growing emerging markets for wireless broadband networks, featuring policy presentations and operator case studies from the Americas, South Asia, Eastern Europe/Russia, Middle East and Africa.

WCAI is offering discounts of up to $500 to those planning to attend the Symposium and/or 4G World if they register before July 31 using the WCAI discount codes. For a discount on admission to the Symposium and/or 4G World, please use Discount Code: 4GWMS24. For a discount on admission to the Symposium only (Sept. 15), please use Discount Code: 4GWWCAI2. For more information or to register, please visit WCAI Website.

WCAI Congratulates Julius Genachowski, Robert McDowell and Lawrence Strickling on Confirmation to FCC, NTIA

Last night, the Senate voted to confirm Julius Genachowski as FCC Chairman, Robert McDowell as an FCC Commissioner, and Lawrence Strickling as NTIA Administrator. On behalf of the wireless broadband industry, I want to congratulate Chairman Genachowski, Commissioner McDowell and Assistant Secretary Strickling on their confirmations to serve on the FCC and at NTIA. These confirmations come at a critical time, when the FCC is crafting a national broadband plan for our future, and NTIA is poised to disburse $4.7 billion in broadband stimulus funds to bring additional broadband services to America.

The confirmation of Chairman Genachowski is great news for both the industry and users of wireless broadband services. His proven record of success in both public policy and business development is a harbinger of great things to come at the FCC.

A strong advocate for supporting competition in the marketplace, Commissioner McDowell has been a long-time friend of the wireless broadband industry. His deep knowledge and significant experience in the communications industry will continue to serve the FCC well during his second term.

A leader in the communications sector with deep knowledge of the industry and extensive experience in public policy and business development, Assistant Secretary Strickling is an excellent choice to head NTIA as it works to promote innovation, create jobs and achieve universal broadband access in the United States through the broadband stimulus program.

We at WCAI look forward to working with Chairman Genachowski, Commissioner McDowell and Assistant Secretary Strickling to promote innovative wireless broadband services and achieve universal wireless broadband access in the United States.

WCAI Congratulates Robert McDowell on Nomination for Second Term on FCC

President Barack Obama has announced his intention to nominate FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell for a second term on the FCC. Commissioner McDowell’s longtime support for a pro-competitive marketplace and understanding of the role wireless platforms can play in achieving universal broadband access make him an excellent choice to continue as an FCC Commissioner. We at WCAI congratulate him on renomination and look forward to his confirmation. Nominated by President George Bush and unanimously confirmed by the Senate, McDowell was sworn in as FCC Commissioner on June 1, 2006. During his tenure he has worked to create rules governing wireless auctions, establish a framework for unlicensed use of TV "white spaces" spectrum, and develop incentives to encourage the development of new broadband technologies, the White House said. Details. According to TR Daily, Meredith A. Baker, former NTIA acting administrator, is expected to be nominated for the other Republican seat at the FCC. Julius Genachowski is President Obama’s choice to be the next Chairman of the FCC, and President Obama has announced his intention to nominate Mignon Clyburn, a member of the South Carolina Public Service Commission, to another Democratic seat.

Save the Date for the WCAI’s Wireless Policy Summit!

As the new Administration is acting on its commitment to bring broadband access to all Americans, we at WCAI are organizing a Wireless Policy Summit to examine the role of wireless in achieving universal broadband access at affordable prices. A premier event for the wireless broadband industry, the Summit will offer an open forum for exchange of ideas and presents an ideal opportunity to meet face-to-face with top decision-makers who are shaping the future of the industry in 2009 and beyond. Come join key officials from government and industry as they debate such critical issues as:

• Wireless and the Broadband Stimulus Package

• The Role of Wireless in Universal Broadband Access

• Application of Net Neutrality Principals to Wireless Broadband Networks

• Reforming Spectrum Management: What’s Next?

• Building a Wireless Broadband Network for Public Safety

The Summit will be held May 5-6, 2009 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, DC, with May 6 being reserved for member-only activities. More information is available on our website.

We look forward to seeing you in May!