WCAI to Hold a Webinar on ‘AM Radio: Traps and Promises in Broadband Deployment’

Although they are a hundred years and a thousand megahertz apart, broadband wireless systems and AM broadcast have a curious and important relationship.

WCAI will hold a free webinar this week to explore the characteristics of AM transmission, how the AM transmission towers and wireless towers become interactive, and how they can coexist. These interactions can trigger FCC regulatory consequences for wireless operators but can also lead to antenna siting benefits.

The webinar will address the three means of achieving AM – wireless coexistence: distance, detuning, and collocation. You will learn how to site new wireless antennas to avoid prohibited impacts on AM station and how to cost-effectively remediate these impacts if they are unavoidable, while maintaining FCC compliance. Furthermore, you will learn how wireless antennas can actually be located on “hot” AM towers, eliminating compliance problems while gaining rapid access to new and economic tower facilities.

Your presenter will be Lawrence Behr, CEO of the LBA Group, Inc. Lawrence is Chairman of the WCAI AM Subcommittee and has over 50 years of experience spanning the AM and wireless generations.

The webinar will be held on Thursday, June 16 at 4pm ET. Register now!

WCAI Applauds President Obama’s National Wireless Initiative

U.S. President Barack Obama Thursday outlined his plan for expanding high-speed wireless Internet service to 98% of Americans as part of the Administration’s National Wireless Initiative. The speech came after President Obama viewed a demonstration of a WiMAX system operated by Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on EBS spectrum.

“WCAI applauds the Obama Administration’s commitment to bring wireless broadband service to all Americans, including in rural areas, and to promote investment in America’s broadband infrastructure,” WCAI President and CEO Fred Campbell said in a statement. “As the only broadband platform that is capable of providing access everywhere, all the time, and at affordable prices, wireless broadband is essential to improving education, creating new jobs and growing the American economy. We look forward to working with President Obama, the FCC and Congress to implement this initiative.”

The key elements of the administration’s plan are:

• Freeing up 500 MHz of spectrum, including the use of “voluntary incentive auctions” and more efficient use of government spectrum, estimated to raise $27.8 billion over the next decade.

• Provide at least 98% of Americans with access to 4G high-speed wireless via a one-time investment of $5 billion and reform of the Universal Service Fund.

• Catalyze innovation by devoting $3 billion of the spectrum proceeds to a Wireless Investment (WIN) fund supporting research and development of emerging wireless technologies and applications.

• A $10.7 billion commitment to support the development and deployment of a nationwide wireless broadband network to afford public safety agencies with far greater levels of effectiveness and interoperability. An important element of this plan is the reallocation of the D Block for public safety and $500 million within the WIN Fund.

• $9.6 Billion of spectrum auction revenue will be devoted to deficit reduction.
  

Further information may become available when the Administration releases its budget proposal next week.

WCAI Applauds FCC Steps to Encourage Innovation and Promote Efficiency in Spectrum Use

WCAI applauds the steps the FCC took today to encourage wireless broadband deployment and promote innovation and efficiency in spectrum use in the United States.

At an open meeting, the FCC voted on three spectrum items: (1) an NPRM regarding using UHF and VHF TV bands for mobile broadband; (2) an NPRM proposing to make the FCC's experimental licensing rules more flexible to encourage innovation; and (3) a NOI seeking to enable more effective spectrum management through dynamic spectrum use technologies.

WCAI supports the Commission’s efforts to make more spectrum available for wireless broadband by considering rules to enable mobile broadband use within spectrum currently reserved for TV broadcasters. The proposal is a critical step toward the implementation of the National Broadband Plan and underscores the importance of facilitating the most efficient use of this scarce recourse for the benefit of the industry and consumers alike.

WCAI also appreciates the FCC proposals to make the agency’s experimental licensing rules more flexible and accelerate opportunistic use of underdeveloped licensed and unlicensed spectrum through dynamic spectrum use technologies. However, the Commission should remain vigilant in protecting existing spectrum users from harmful interference.

We look forward to working with the FCC to unleash more spectrum for wireless broadband and enable the growth of next-generation wireless technologies for the benefit of consumers.

WCAI Applauds Obama Administration’s Commitment to Auction Off 500 MHz of Federal and Commercial Spectrum

Today, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum to commit the Federal government to auction off 500 MHz of Federal and commercial spectrum over the next 10 years to meet the demand for mobile and fixed broadband. On behalf of the Wireless Broadband industry, I applaud the Obama Administration for recognizing the importance of wireless broadband for today’s global economy and for its commitment to significantly increase the amount of commercial spectrum. The initiative is a critical step toward achieving universal broadband connectivity through the only broadband platform that is capable of providing access everywhere, all the time. We look forward to working the Administration, FCC, NTIA, Congress and other stakeholders to help implement this important initiative.

Alvarion Joins WCAI Board of Directors

WCAI today announced the addition of Alvarion Ltd., a global leader in 4G wireless communications, to its Board of Directors. Representing the company on the WCAI Board is Dr. Mohammad Shakouri, Corporate Vice President, Innovation and Marketing.

“Alvarion has been at the forefront of delivering the true 4G broadband experience in the United States and around the world,” said WCAI President and CEO Fred Campbell. “WCAI welcomes Alvarion on Board and looks forward to working together to promote next-generation wireless broadband access in support of achieving ubiquitous broadband deployment and technology innovation.”

An industry visionary and well-known expert in the field, Dr. Shakouri serves on Alvarion’s executive management team. Instrumental in growing WiMAX into a multi-billion dollar industry, including through his involvement with WiMAX Forum, Dr. Shakouri is considered to be the leading voice for the WiMAX industry.

“We are pleased to become part of WCAI Board to help US market enhance the broadband services across the country,” said Dr. Shakouri. “WCAI is a world class industry organization that is at the forefront of developments related to wireless broadband and we look forward to collaborating on new industry initiatives.”

Alvarion continues to demonstrate leadership in the wireless broadband industry. As the world’s leading provider of 4G WiMAX solutions with more than 270 WiMAX networks deployed around the globe, Alvarion offers fully integrated end-to-end all IP WiMAX solutions.

WCAI Members Invited to Attend a Webinar on FCC National Broadband Plan

The FCC this month delivered to Congress a massive, 360-page-long National Broadband Plan setting a U.S. broadband agenda for the next decade and beyond. The Plan outlines dozens of policy recommendations to achieve the ambitious goals of extending low-cost, high-speed Internet service to all Americans by 2020 and transforming the U.S. into a world leader in mobile broadband use and innovation. Mandated by last year's stimulus legislation, the Plan is widely expected to set the FCC's agenda for years to come.

Join the WCAI members-only virtual meeting on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 2pm EDT and learn from Paul Sinderbrand, WCAI Counsel and a partner at Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, what this Plan means for the wireless broadband industry in general and for your business in particular.

This event is organized by the WCAI's Emerging Markets Committee and is open to WCAI members only. Register Now!

WCAI President to Speak on Implementing Wireless Broadband Service Expansion in Rural Areas

Our President, Fred Campbell, is part of the Law Seminars International
Spectrum Management conference scheduled for March 8 & 9, 2010, at the
Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Mr. Campbell is scheduled to
speak on Tuesday, March 09, 2010 at 04:00 PM. The topic is "Implementing
Wireless Broadband Service Expansion in Rural Areas." Other panelists
include moderator Jeffrey Silva, Senior Policy Director,
Telecommunications, Media and Technology, Medley Global Advisors; and
Steven K. Berry, CEO/Executive Director of the Rural Cellular
Association.

Airspan 3.65 GHz Band FCC Certification Redefines U.S. WiMAX Arena

By Guest Blogger Dori Erann, Senior Director of Marketing Communications, Airspan

Due to recent Airspan developments, wireless operators are now able to take advantage of the full 50 MHz (lower and upper) 3.65 GHz frequency band. Until now, the lightly licensed frequency band made only the lower 25 MHz available for WiMAX operation. But earlier this week, Airspan, a WCAI member, announced that it has received the first-ever certification for a WiMAX system to operate in the upper 25 MHz (3675-3700 MHz).

Airspan has been a dominant player in the 3.65 GHz band in the U.S., with a majority market share as well as the first WiMAX system to be certified by the FCC for both portions of the band.

Implementing the FCC’s contention protocol, the Airspan HiperMAX system is now certified for use in the full 3.65 GHz. Existing Airspan customers can take advantage of this certification and can immediately apply for use of the upper 25 MHz. New operators will be able to apply for the full spectrum in their FCC registrations.

The certification applies to both fixed 802.16d as well as 802.16e applications.

There have been many speculations by industry players as to whether the upper ‘unrestricted’ band would be made available by the FCC. Operators nationwide have expressed strong interest and support for this move in order to allow added capacity and range, enabled by the additional spectrum.

Airspan clearly has a market advantage with this surprise certification. And, with double the amount of spectrum, Airspan 3.65 GHz customers will benefit greatly with the ability to integrate more cost effective business models, while better serving their customer base.

The timing of this new Airspan certification is ideal, allowing Broadband Stimulus applicants to incorporate new deployment and business models into their network plans, better meeting agency requirements by extending coverage with double the capacity and/or double the range.

For more information on Airspan’s equipment, please visit http://www.airspan.com/ or contact Declan Byrne, Chief Marketing Officer for Airspan at dbyrne@Airspan.com.

WCAI Congratulates Airspan on Industry-First FCC Certification for Upper 25MHz of 3.65GHz

WCAI member Airspan Networks announced today that the FCC certified its WiMAX equipment to operate over the full 50 MHz of the 3.65 GHz lightly licensed band in the United States. The certification for the first time allows U.S. 3.65 GHz operators to use the upper "unrestricted" 25 MHz of this lightly licensed frequency band.

The announcement is a major first step on the way to unleashing the potential of the 3.65 GHz band in the United States. This industry-first certification unlocks 25 MHz of valuable spectrum and opens the door to hundreds of licensees who stand ready to bring advanced wireless broadband services to rural America.

Led by some of the major players in the band, WCAI recently launched an effort to harmonize the 3.65 GHz frequencies by addressing its remaining regulatory and technical challenges. Airspan is an active member of the WCAI’s 3.65 GHz Working Group, which is also supported by major manufacturers and licensees in the 3.65 GHz band. We look forward to working with the FCC and the industry to unleash the value in the band to the benefit of operators, equipment vendors and the public.

WCAI Launches Industry Effort to Unlock 3.65 GHz Band Potential

Building on a solid track record of successful government advocacy in wireless broadband in the United States and globally, WCAI has launched an industry-led effort to unlock the potential of the 3.65 GHz band by addressing its remaining regulatory and technical challenges.

Earlier this month, we formed the 3.65 GHz Working Group to:

(1) Develop a synchronization protocol in the band to promote coordination and mitigate harmful interference among operators;
(2) Promote coordination between suppliers and operators; and
(3) Address regulatory issues within the band.

Leading the initiative is Jason Lazar, Vice President of Corporate Development and General Counsel of KeyOn Communications and Chair of our 3.65 GHz Working Group. KeyOn is a wireless broadband provider operating in the 3.65 GHz and other bands that serves customers in 11 states, primarily in rural markets.

“Our vast regulatory and technical experience makes WCAI an ideal vehicle for an industry-led 3.65 GHz Working Group,” said WCAI President Fred Campbell, who played an instrumental role in developing the rules for the 3.65 GHz band in his previous position as an FCC Wireless Bureau Chief. “This new initiative will help unlock the full potential of the 3.65 GHz band for the benefit of the industry and consumers alike.”

The 3.65 GHz band presents a unique opportunity to operators in the United States to expand their coverage to new markets and improve the economics and performance of their networks. Over 1,100 operators nationwide have applied for or received a license to operate in these lightly licensed frequencies since they were made available by the FCC in 2005. However, the band has still not reached a critical mass of deployment and harbors significant potential for growth.

“The establishment of a 3.65 GHz Working Group within WCAI represents a significant step forward for those using the band to deliver wireless broadband services,” said WCAI Counsel Paul Sinderbrand of Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP. “Whether working with industry to develop best practices that can be implemented without the need for new FCC rules, or working with the FCC to develop new rules where necessary, WCAI has a track record of unleashing the value in wireless broadband spectrum to the benefit of operators, equipment vendors and the public. WCAI was actively involved when the current rules governing the band were adopted, and the 3.65 GHz Working Group will continue WCAI's role in the growth of the band as a vehicle for wireless broadband distribution."

WCAI held an informative webinar presentation to launch the group.

Enforta to Add 25 Cities to Its Russian WiMAX Network in 2010

Leveraging its position as Russia’s largest regional WiMAX operator, WCAI member Enforta stepped up its expansion efforts this year, despite the difficulties caused by the global economic recession. The operator announced this week it will expand its wireless broadband service in Russia to cover an additional 25 cities during 2010, increasing the company’s overall service ‘footprint’ to 93 cities.

Included in the 25 new cities is Kazan – the last remaining city in Russia with a population exceeding 500K that Enforta does not presently serve. The first four cities are expected to launch as early as the first quarter of 2010. Upon conclusion of these deployments 70 million people will be within reach of Enforta’s service.

The global economic crisis has certainly thrown a number of rocks in Enforta’s path. At the worst point in the crisis both the Russian equities market and the Russian Rubble had lost fully half their value. A number of the largest regional capital cities stared unemployment bordering 30%, and for a few months Enforta’s credit related subscriber churn exceeded 25% per annum.

Though the Russian economy has slowed, demand for broadband services remains good due to the growing Internet population (Russia now ranks #9 globally), and negligible broadband penetration (less than 8%).

“Russia has certainly not been exempt from the global economic crisis, but in the last few months we have seen steady improvement,” said Victor Ratnikov, Enforta’s General Director. “In order for Enforta to maintain its leadership position, we believe the time is right to renew our expansion program – particularly in some of the smaller regional capitals where our corporate subscriber base is underserved.”

The tough economic times have also served as a catalyst for larger enterprises migrating to Enforta. Enforta’s end-to-end service management, nationwide operating footprint, and rapid installation are continually referenced amongst the reasons why some of the nation’s largest companies are switching to Enforta. Last quarter Enforta received its first major order from the Russian government covering 420 sites.

“Today Enforta is fiscally stronger than ever before, and thus it is timely and appropriate that we resume our geographic expansion in order to retain the company’s leadership position in providing wireless broadband services to Russia’s regional capital cities,” said Enforta President Lee Sparkman. Enforta plans to invest approximately $25 million during 2010 for the expansion program, with most funding coming out of the company’s own cash flow.

Enforta was formed in October, 2003 with the objective to provide broadband services using WiMAX and other advanced technologies in Russia’s regional capitals. The Company is owned by Baring Vostok Capital Partners, Sumitomo Corporation, Bessemer Venture Partners, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Enforta has aggressively deployed its broadband services across Russia’s regional capitals and despite its short six year history the Company was included amongst the largest 30 telecom operators in the ‘CNews’ annual survey.

Enforta is amongst many who have publicly announced their intention to compete in the upcoming state sponsored contest for 2.3-2.4GHz spectrum. The ‘beauty contest’ styled process will cover spectrum in 40 of Russia’s federal regions and is the first such contest for WiMAX spectrum managed by the state regulator. While the final contest criteria have not been published, all contestants are lobbying for criteria that most favor their positions. As reported this week in the Russian press (http://net.compulenta.ru/471481/), the contest rules now award significant points to operators who own fiber in each of the federal regions, a criteria widely rumored to favor the state owned companies (Svyazinvest, TransTelecom, and Rostelecom) as well as the companies who have acquired significant fiber assets from the state operators (Synterra). The politics behind spectrum are ‘thick’ in Russia and additional changes can be anticipated before the final contest rules are announced this month.

For more information on Enforta’s current operations and planned expansion see www.enforta.com or contact pr@enforta.com.

WCAI Congratulates Rural Utilities Service on its 60th Anniversary

On behalf of the wireless broadband industry, I congratulate the Rural Utilities Service on its 60th anniversary. The funding made available through the telecommunications loan and grant programs administered by the RUS has been critical to ensuring that rural consumers have access to essential communications services like wireless broadband.

The success of the RUS programs has been demonstrated by WCAI members, such as Open Range Communications, who are bringing the latest wireless technologies to rural America with the help of RUS funding. WCAI and our members look forward to working with RUS in the years to come.

FCC Official Urges WCAI Conference Attendees to Weigh In on Issues

Bruce Gottlieb, chief counsel and senior legal adviser to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, was the opening keynote speaker at the WCAI’s Annual International Symposium at 4G World Sept. 15 in Chicago. Addressing WCAI members and others in the wireless broadband industry, he said in the converged communications landscape, the FCC needs input from a wide variety of parties in order to make the best decisions on wireless issues, according to TR Daily coverage. “The bottom line is simple: The FCC is not hearing from the growing universe of companies in wireless, and as the wireless world expands, so must the FCC’s thinking about wireless.” He compared WCAI conference participants with parties that filed comments in last year’s wireless competition proceeding, noting that most of the latter were carriers and trade organizations. He urged input from a variety of stakeholders, as the FCC works to craft a national broadband plan by a statutory deadline of next February, as well as in its wireless innovation, wireless competition, and consumer disclosure proceedings. He said “one focus of the Commission’s attention will be looking at spectrum availability, and considering ways to ensure that all spectrum bands are being put to their highest and best use.”

Clearwire’s Barry West Keynotes WCAI’s International Operator Breakfast at Symposium

Barry West, President, International at WCAI member Clearwire kicked off the WCAI’s International Operator Breakfast as part of the WCAI’s International Symposium at 4G World last week. Organized by the WCAI’s Global Development Committee (GDC), the breakfast brought together wireless broadband service providers from around the world to discuss the future global expansion of 4G and the ways new and emerging technologies will transform our lives going forward. Addressing the operators, Mr. West delivered a spirited talk about WiMAX technology and said he was optimistic the company would be able to raise more money to complete the construction of a national network, according to TR Daily coverage. “I know there’s a lot of speculation about where WiMAX is and will it survive. Is it the Betamax of mobile broadband? I am telling you - we are past the tipping point,” Mr. West said. “Will LTE come along? Of course it will, but it’s not a case of, ‘Will it come along and crush WiMAX?’ WiMAX is here to stay.” Later, he predicted that WiMAX would grab “the lion’s share” of the 4G market.

FCC Chief Counsel Bruce Gottlieb to Keynote WCAI Symposium

It’s with great pleasure that we announced today that Bruce Gottlieb, FCC Chief Counsel and Senior Legal Advisor to Chairman Julius Genachowski, will kick off the WCAI’s Annual International Symposium with an opening keynote address on September 15, 2009 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

I had the privilege of working with Bruce at the FCC for many years. (If I were still a Bureau Chief at the FCC, I’d be working for him.) Bruce now manages the Commission’s overall agenda and has responsibility for policy coordination among all of the FCC’s Bureaus, with particular responsibility for wireless, engineering and technology, and public safety issues.

FCC Chairman Genachowski has demonstrated a commitment to wireless broadband very early in his tenure through new initiatives addressing wireless innovation and competition issues. In this keynote presentation, Bruce, the Chairman’s Chief Counsel, will discuss the Chairman’s priorities for wireless broadband in the coming year and the role of wireless broadband in the National Broadband Plan.

We at WCAI look forward to Bruce’s presentation and invite everyone in the industry to join us for this important regulatory update.

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 Mignon Clyburn and Meredith Baker on Confirmation as FCC Commissioners

The full Senate has approved the nominations of Mignon Clyburn and Meredith Attwell Baker to fill the remaining two seats on the FCC. The vote came yesterday afternoon by unanimous consent.

WCAI applauds the Senate for promptly confirming Commissioners Clyburn and Baker to serve on the FCC. With all five commissioners now onboard, the agency is well-equipped to promote innovative wireless broadband services and achieve universal wireless broadband access in the United States. On behalf of the wireless broadband industry, I congratulate Commissioners Clyburn and Baker on their confirmations and look forward to working with them.

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.

Early Bird Registration for WCAI Symposium and 4G World Ends June 12: Save Up To $800!

WCAI is offering discounts of up to $800 to those planning to attend the WCAI's 15th Annual International Symposium and/or 4G World this year if they register before June 12 using the WCAI discount codes. The Symposium will address opportunities for universal broadband access leveraging the role of wireless broadband infrastructure in President Barack Obama’s plans for economic recovery. It will also examine some of the key telecommunications policy and regulatory issues facing the new FCC under the Obama administration, including next generation IP-enabled E911 and automatic roaming on wireless broadband networks. 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. Co-located with 4G World, the Symposium will take place on the opening day (Sept. 15) of the four-day event held at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, Sept 15-18. 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 Aneesh Chopra on Confirmation as Nation’s First CTO

Last week, the full Senate confirmed Aneesh Chopra as associate director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where he will also serve as the nation's first chief technology officer. We at WCAI congratulate Mr. Chopra on the confirmation and look forward to working with him to promote innovative wireless broadband services and achieve universal wireless broadband access in the United States. I can think of no better candidate than Mr. Chopra to execute the President Obama’s vision for a 21st century economy and ensure that all Americans have access to wireless broadband services.