Since 1936, WCAI member Fletcher Heald & Hildreth (FHH) has assisted clients in matters involving the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Copyright Office, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the Department of State, state regulatory commissions, and Federal courts of all levels, including the United States Supreme Court.
FHH is well known for its representation of EBS and BRS licensees and lessees. The lawyers who now form its wireless group filed some of the first ever ITFS license applications in the 1960s and pioneered the licensing of BRS (then MDS) in the 1970s, when single channel MDS was struggling to compete with cable TV. They have been involved since then in every major development in the wireless industry, including authoring the comments relied upon by the FCC to permit the flexible use of the BRS and EBS spectrum, participating in cellular radio licensing and rulemaking from its inception through each successive generation, as well as participating in proceedings leading to the approval of broadband over power lines, the expansion of satellite-delivered communications, and the explosion in authorized use of unlicensed spectrum.
Members of the FHH wireless group have represented the full range of industry participants, from single channel licensees filing ownership reports to Nextel in the purchase of the bulk of its BRS and EBS spectrum in the bankruptcy proceedings of Nucentrix and WorldCom. They represented AT&T in the $300 million sale of BellSouth’s EBS and BRS spectrum and operations to Clearwire, and also represented major national EBS licensees in the largest EBS leasing transaction ever negotiated. Its attorneys serve as special counsel to over 70 educational institutions across the country, assisting in regulatory matters before the FCC, and negotiating spectrum lease agreements.
FHH lawyers work closely with telecommunications infrastructure providers such as fixed microwave backhaul networks and equipment manufacturers on equipment certification issues. They represent entrepreneurs on the cutting edge of technology, such as a new process allowing the integration of television broadcasting and broadband services, and pioneers exploring the potential of the farthest reaches of millimeterwave frequencies.
FHH's lawyers understand that the financing of communications ventures is as important as the regulatory component, and they therefore assist clients in workouts, credit facilities, bankruptcies, securing federal funding, and investment strategies. They have also been deeply involved in advising applicants in the quest for broadband stimulus money in round 1, with the expectation of significant further involvement in round 2.
FHH assists a broad range of trade association clients with their specialized legal needs. Its lawyers serve as general counsel to several associations, included the Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition, the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the Community Broadcasters Association, the Spanish Broadcasters Association, Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, the Hearing Industries Association, and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, not to mention serving as Washington, DC counsel to a dozen state broadcasting associations and other leading industry representatives. Its attorneys have been honored to sit as board members of numerous trade associations, including the Library of American Broadcasting, the Spanish Broadcasters Association, and the National Association of Minority Media Executives, to name but a few.
For more information about FHH, please visit http://www.fhhlaw.com/ or contact Donald J. Evans at evans@fhhlaw.com.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
WCAI Webinars to Focus on Broadband Stimulus, Alternative Funding in U.S., Spectrum Policy in LatAm
WCAI will host three webinars in February to examine broadband stimulus and alternative funding opportunities in the United States, as well as spectrum policy issues in Latin America. Coming up this Friday, February 5, at 11 am EST is a Webinar on the Second-Round Broadband Stimulus NoFAs released by the NTIA and RUS last month in their second funding round. This webinar is restricted to WCAI members.
Our second Webinar on Alternative Funding for Operators in Emerging Markets is scheduled for February 9 at 4 pm EST. Whether you are a start-up looking for funding to kick-start your business or an established operator in search of additional investment, join us next week to learn about alternative funding opportunities available to operators in rural and emerging markets. This is an open event with no charge.
If you are interested in spectrum policies, especially in Latin America, do not miss the WCAI Webinar on Spectrum Policy in Latin America scheduled for February 26 at 11 am EST. Presenters Allan Ingraham, the Founder and Partner of Empiris, LLC, and Wayne Leighton, the Professor of Economics from Francisco Marroquín University, Guatemala and Partner, Empiris, LLC, will discuss current spectrum policy issues for several countries in the region, with special emphasis on Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. This is an open event with no charge.
We look forward to seeing you on the Webinars!
Our second Webinar on Alternative Funding for Operators in Emerging Markets is scheduled for February 9 at 4 pm EST. Whether you are a start-up looking for funding to kick-start your business or an established operator in search of additional investment, join us next week to learn about alternative funding opportunities available to operators in rural and emerging markets. This is an open event with no charge.
If you are interested in spectrum policies, especially in Latin America, do not miss the WCAI Webinar on Spectrum Policy in Latin America scheduled for February 26 at 11 am EST. Presenters Allan Ingraham, the Founder and Partner of Empiris, LLC, and Wayne Leighton, the Professor of Economics from Francisco Marroquín University, Guatemala and Partner, Empiris, LLC, will discuss current spectrum policy issues for several countries in the region, with special emphasis on Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. This is an open event with no charge.
We look forward to seeing you on the Webinars!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
JAB Wireless Targets its 50th Acquisition
JAB Wireless, Inc., headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, continues its growth in 2010 as the leading fixed wireless service provider in the U.S. In May 2006 JAB commenced operations with the acquisition of six wireless Internet service providers in Colorado and Utah, and is now targeting its 50th acquisition planned to close soon. JAB provides wireless Internet and digital phone service to tens of thousands of subscribers in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and Dallas/Ft. Worth. JAB is a member of WCAI and is active in the Emerging Markets Committee and the 3.65 GHz Working Group.
We asked JAB founder Jeff Kohler about the challenges of consolidating so many companies in so little time. “It takes a lot of experience and capital to execute a plan like this, and you can’t rely only on acquisitions for growth. Organic growth must be equally as strong.” JAB’s executive management team has extensive experience in capital formation and consolidations in the communications industry, and with wireless Internet they say the same fundamental disciplines apply: make accretive acquisitions in your geography, compete with a good product, and take care of your customers. Of JAB’s 250+ employees, almost all have come from the acquisitions.
Operating in unlicensed last mile spectrum, JAB has found that using the latest generation equipment, licensed backhaul, and buying out the competition has allowed the company to operate virtually interference free. They have recently deployed 3.65 WiMAX in its markets.
When asked why JAB had not applied for broadband stimulus money, Kohler replied “for several reasons, but mostly because our strategy works and making accommodations for this particular program is a potential roadblock to executing our business plan.”
For more information on the company please visit www.jabwireless.com, and its operating company websites www.skybeam.com and www.digis.net.
We asked JAB founder Jeff Kohler about the challenges of consolidating so many companies in so little time. “It takes a lot of experience and capital to execute a plan like this, and you can’t rely only on acquisitions for growth. Organic growth must be equally as strong.” JAB’s executive management team has extensive experience in capital formation and consolidations in the communications industry, and with wireless Internet they say the same fundamental disciplines apply: make accretive acquisitions in your geography, compete with a good product, and take care of your customers. Of JAB’s 250+ employees, almost all have come from the acquisitions.
Operating in unlicensed last mile spectrum, JAB has found that using the latest generation equipment, licensed backhaul, and buying out the competition has allowed the company to operate virtually interference free. They have recently deployed 3.65 WiMAX in its markets.
When asked why JAB had not applied for broadband stimulus money, Kohler replied “for several reasons, but mostly because our strategy works and making accommodations for this particular program is a potential roadblock to executing our business plan.”
For more information on the company please visit www.jabwireless.com, and its operating company websites www.skybeam.com and www.digis.net.
Monday, January 11, 2010
WCAI’s GDC to Hold a Webinar on Spectrum Policy in Latin America
Those interested in learning from experts about spectrum policy issues facing Latin America today can’t miss a FREE WCAI webinar on Friday, Feb. 26 at 11 am (U.S. Eastern Time).
The webinar will focus on several countries in the region, with special emphasis on Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. The speakers will outline options for effective service rules for the 2.6 GHz and other bands, as well as the challenges of reforming spectrum caps while ensuring appropriate competition policy.
The webinar will feature Allan Ingraham, Ph.D., Founder and Partner, Empiris, LLC and Wayne Leighton, Ph.D., Professor of Economics, Francisco Marroquín University, Guatemala and Partner, Empiris, LLC.
Organized by the WCAI’s Global Development Committee (GDC), the webinar is free of charge and open to all. For more information or to register, please visit the Webinar Registration Page or contact Susan Polyakova.
The webinar will focus on several countries in the region, with special emphasis on Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. The speakers will outline options for effective service rules for the 2.6 GHz and other bands, as well as the challenges of reforming spectrum caps while ensuring appropriate competition policy.
The webinar will feature Allan Ingraham, Ph.D., Founder and Partner, Empiris, LLC and Wayne Leighton, Ph.D., Professor of Economics, Francisco Marroquín University, Guatemala and Partner, Empiris, LLC.
Organized by the WCAI’s Global Development Committee (GDC), the webinar is free of charge and open to all. For more information or to register, please visit the Webinar Registration Page or contact Susan Polyakova.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
2010 Prediction: A Mix of WiMAX Smartphones and Low-Cost Devices to Emerge
By Guest Blogger Pascal Deriot, Senior Analyst & Partner, WiMAX & LTE Equipment, Maravedis
In a recent interview, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse commented that not only was its network up and running, but its compelling and cool devices, such as dual-mode 3G/4G smartphones, will make WiMAX a successful adoption. On the same front, Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow explained that the second stage of Clearwire’s business model, targeting the PDA/smartphone market, is to happen in the second half of 2010. Although Yota has proved that smartphones can be a great vehicle to promote the fantastic bandwidth capability of the first 4G technology, we also project that the cost of the WiMAX platform is another angle that needs to be considered.
As previously seen in Wi-Fi or 3GPP/3GPP2 markets, WiMAX chipset vendors have leveraged their first or second generations to further reduce chipset costs by migrating to a smaller geometry process node, and/or by introducing monolithic dies. At the same time, new packaging approaches, such as System-in-Package and optimized Bill Of Material (BOM), have significantly reduced the footprint of the WiMAX platform, allowing device manufacturers to launch a new generation of products that are more appealing, integrated, and that combine 3G and 4G standards.
The new research report released by WCAI member Maravedis in partnership with Reveal Wireless, “WiMAX Wave2 Subscriber Station Chipset Vendors Competitive Analysis” provides a detailed comparison of the key WiMAX chipset vendors, identifying system architectures, estimating chipset and system BOM, and cost of available devices such as CPEs, USB dongles or Express Cards. One of the report’s major findings is that WiMAX mass-market adoption may require sub-US$10 chipsets that are power and performance optimized for each application-specific segment. Maravedis and Reveal Wireless have identified three chipset vendors best positioned to achieve the US$10 price target through base-band and RF monolithic die integration in 65-nm.
Although most of the available chipsets are not highly optimized because they were compelled to cover a broad range of application segments, an additional study revealed that device manufacturers could build a basic WiMAX USB dongle solution for as low as sub US$50, while maintaining healthy profit margins. The figure below presents the breakdown of the cost of the USB dongle: the electronic BOM (eBOM) is composed of all the platform components, excluding the chipset. A basic USB dongle platform can be divided into 3 main sub-systems: base-band, RF and power management sub-systems, bringing the component count to 150-200 components. The rBOM, also called sometimes mBOM, defines the mechanical Bill-Of-Material. It contains the non-electronic components such as connectors, USB plug, antennas, PCB, housing, shielding or screws. Our total manufacturing cost estimation includes the labor cost, profit and SG&A. According to our research the WiMAX chipset, by its complexity and silicon die size, represents 44% of the total cost.
Moreover, our analysis shows that a combination of an aggressive Bill-Of-Material reduction by 20-30%, combined with a second generation chipset and higher production volumes, could further shrink the cost of the USB dongle by roughly 20%, providing a sub-US$40 product in 2010 time-frame.
We believe that WiMAX mass-market adoption requires a ubiquitous coverage and technology maturity, a mixed portfolio of appealing, integrated and low cost devices, and competitive WiMAX chipsets. We have no doubt that all these ingredients will be ready next year contributing to a fantastic growth of the WiMAX market, in all regions.
MARAVEDIS is a leading analyst firm focusing on disruptive technologies including smart networks using WiMAX, IEEE, and 3GPP/LTE. For more information about Maravedis, please visit http://www.maravedis-bwa.com/ or contact info@maravedis-bwa.com.
In a recent interview, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse commented that not only was its network up and running, but its compelling and cool devices, such as dual-mode 3G/4G smartphones, will make WiMAX a successful adoption. On the same front, Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow explained that the second stage of Clearwire’s business model, targeting the PDA/smartphone market, is to happen in the second half of 2010. Although Yota has proved that smartphones can be a great vehicle to promote the fantastic bandwidth capability of the first 4G technology, we also project that the cost of the WiMAX platform is another angle that needs to be considered.
As previously seen in Wi-Fi or 3GPP/3GPP2 markets, WiMAX chipset vendors have leveraged their first or second generations to further reduce chipset costs by migrating to a smaller geometry process node, and/or by introducing monolithic dies. At the same time, new packaging approaches, such as System-in-Package and optimized Bill Of Material (BOM), have significantly reduced the footprint of the WiMAX platform, allowing device manufacturers to launch a new generation of products that are more appealing, integrated, and that combine 3G and 4G standards.
The new research report released by WCAI member Maravedis in partnership with Reveal Wireless, “WiMAX Wave2 Subscriber Station Chipset Vendors Competitive Analysis” provides a detailed comparison of the key WiMAX chipset vendors, identifying system architectures, estimating chipset and system BOM, and cost of available devices such as CPEs, USB dongles or Express Cards. One of the report’s major findings is that WiMAX mass-market adoption may require sub-US$10 chipsets that are power and performance optimized for each application-specific segment. Maravedis and Reveal Wireless have identified three chipset vendors best positioned to achieve the US$10 price target through base-band and RF monolithic die integration in 65-nm.
Although most of the available chipsets are not highly optimized because they were compelled to cover a broad range of application segments, an additional study revealed that device manufacturers could build a basic WiMAX USB dongle solution for as low as sub US$50, while maintaining healthy profit margins. The figure below presents the breakdown of the cost of the USB dongle: the electronic BOM (eBOM) is composed of all the platform components, excluding the chipset. A basic USB dongle platform can be divided into 3 main sub-systems: base-band, RF and power management sub-systems, bringing the component count to 150-200 components. The rBOM, also called sometimes mBOM, defines the mechanical Bill-Of-Material. It contains the non-electronic components such as connectors, USB plug, antennas, PCB, housing, shielding or screws. Our total manufacturing cost estimation includes the labor cost, profit and SG&A. According to our research the WiMAX chipset, by its complexity and silicon die size, represents 44% of the total cost.
Moreover, our analysis shows that a combination of an aggressive Bill-Of-Material reduction by 20-30%, combined with a second generation chipset and higher production volumes, could further shrink the cost of the USB dongle by roughly 20%, providing a sub-US$40 product in 2010 time-frame.
We believe that WiMAX mass-market adoption requires a ubiquitous coverage and technology maturity, a mixed portfolio of appealing, integrated and low cost devices, and competitive WiMAX chipsets. We have no doubt that all these ingredients will be ready next year contributing to a fantastic growth of the WiMAX market, in all regions.
MARAVEDIS is a leading analyst firm focusing on disruptive technologies including smart networks using WiMAX, IEEE, and 3GPP/LTE. For more information about Maravedis, please visit http://www.maravedis-bwa.com/ or contact info@maravedis-bwa.com.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Octo-Wireless Solves Insufficient Indoor Coverage Problems for Wireless Broadband Access
Wireless service providers can now meet the biggest challenge of insufficient indoor coverage for wireless broadband access. By providing smaller, powerful and less power consuming base nodes (microcells) in smaller areas, WCAI member Octo-Wireless helps operators in all licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands provide better coverage without a huge capital investment.
Octo-Wireless founders’ wireless experience dates back to the summer of 2002 when they pioneered many of the basic technologies that have driven the wireless mesh revolution over the last seven years. This intellectual leadership remains part of the company’s DNA, as Octo-Wireless continues to introduce wireless technologies to its customers worldwide.
The applications and services now available at home and in the office will become available everywhere. Ubiquitous broadband access will encourage work productivity, personal communications and entertainment on the go. New services and applications specifically suited to mobile usage will appear: mobile office, on-board entertainment, mobile search, fleet management, surveillance and public safety will be the first to be adopted and more will follow. To meet the demand for wireless broadband, carriers, mobile operators, service providers, utilities and enterprises have to explore new technologies when planning for next-generation networks. They want to roll out these services now.
However, one of the biggest challenges service providers are facing today is insufficient indoor coverage for wireless broadband access. The timing of 3G service rollouts is making this problem more relevant, as service providers realize that services will have limited success without addressing the indoor coverage issue. The cost to address these shortcomings with traditional macrocell base station solutions is too high and not feasible for most clients.
A picocell or, as Octo-Wireless prefers to call it, a microcell approach addresses these challenges in a much more cost-effective manner. Octo-Wireless’ goal is to lead the market in providing trusted wireless microcell solutions, which will enable its customers in the utilities, telecom and enterprise markets to access and really enjoy the limitless capabilities of the wirelessly enabled Internet.
A founding member of the WCAI’s 3.65 GHz Working Group, Octo-Wireless is also actively involved in assisting 3.65 GHz licensees in the United States with deployments and expansion of their networks.
Octo-Wireless is an ideal partner for operators that work toward reducing their networks' carbon footprints. Octo-Wireless ships products and solutions that meet or exceed industry standards and comply with the European RoHS requirements thus creating environmentally friendly technology advanced green products.
For more information on Octo-Wireless, please visit www.octo-wireless.com or contact Frank Koopman at fkoopman@octo-wireless.com.
Octo-Wireless founders’ wireless experience dates back to the summer of 2002 when they pioneered many of the basic technologies that have driven the wireless mesh revolution over the last seven years. This intellectual leadership remains part of the company’s DNA, as Octo-Wireless continues to introduce wireless technologies to its customers worldwide.
The applications and services now available at home and in the office will become available everywhere. Ubiquitous broadband access will encourage work productivity, personal communications and entertainment on the go. New services and applications specifically suited to mobile usage will appear: mobile office, on-board entertainment, mobile search, fleet management, surveillance and public safety will be the first to be adopted and more will follow. To meet the demand for wireless broadband, carriers, mobile operators, service providers, utilities and enterprises have to explore new technologies when planning for next-generation networks. They want to roll out these services now.
However, one of the biggest challenges service providers are facing today is insufficient indoor coverage for wireless broadband access. The timing of 3G service rollouts is making this problem more relevant, as service providers realize that services will have limited success without addressing the indoor coverage issue. The cost to address these shortcomings with traditional macrocell base station solutions is too high and not feasible for most clients.
A picocell or, as Octo-Wireless prefers to call it, a microcell approach addresses these challenges in a much more cost-effective manner. Octo-Wireless’ goal is to lead the market in providing trusted wireless microcell solutions, which will enable its customers in the utilities, telecom and enterprise markets to access and really enjoy the limitless capabilities of the wirelessly enabled Internet.
A founding member of the WCAI’s 3.65 GHz Working Group, Octo-Wireless is also actively involved in assisting 3.65 GHz licensees in the United States with deployments and expansion of their networks.
Octo-Wireless is an ideal partner for operators that work toward reducing their networks' carbon footprints. Octo-Wireless ships products and solutions that meet or exceed industry standards and comply with the European RoHS requirements thus creating environmentally friendly technology advanced green products.
For more information on Octo-Wireless, please visit www.octo-wireless.com or contact Frank Koopman at fkoopman@octo-wireless.com.
Friday, December 4, 2009
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.
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.
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