India Is Close to Completing Technical Work on the 2.5 GHz Band

I’m back in the office this week after yet another trip to India (followed immediately by a trip to the NEBSA conference) to meet with the expert committee dedicated to resolving MSS/WiMAX sharing issues in the 2.5 GHz band. Although the work of the committee is not yet concluded, the committee has narrowed things down to just a handful of remaining technical issues (largely surrounding WiMAX antenna design and MSS mobile filters). Most importantly, the committee concluded that additional testing is not necessary at this time (although it is always possible that the issue could be reopened). If all goes well with the remaining issues, the BWA spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band could be made available as early as this spring.

E-Band Communications Sets a Goal to Become the Leading Manufacturer of High Capacity Gigabit Wireless Backhaul Solutions

By Todd Easterling, strategy and marketing consultant, E-Band Communications Corporation

Sam Smookler, co-founder and CEO of E-Band Communications, says his strategy to build the industry’s most advanced high-capacity wireless backhaul solution began with the vision that the demand for bandwidth for mobile subscribers was on the verge of unprecedented growth, driven by smartphones, PDA’s and other portable data hungry devices. Sam and co-founder and CMO, Saul Umbrasas, recognized that product performance and cost effectiveness for carrier deployments were critical factors for success. To this end, even prior to its first funding, the company forged an exclusive license with a leading defense technology company for the design and production of multi-function MMIC’s (Monolithic Millimeter-wave Integrated Circuits) that would form the technology platform for achieving the cost and performance objectives needed for the market. Although E-Band Communications began as a new player in the wireless backhaul market only a few years ago, this innovative technology has won glowing reviews and acceptance by some of the most prominent carriers in the world, and the company has grabbed first place in U.S. market share.

That leadership position was a direct result of the company’s strategic plan. Early on, E-Band’s leadership team agreed on an initial three-pronged strategy, First and foremost, they pulled together an outstanding team of people, the “best of the best” to take the dream to reality; the second ingredient was technology leadership to offer carriers the system performance needed for next generation, 4G networks namely, a gigabit of bandwidth with low latency, longer range (2 to 4 miles) and affordable cost for large scale deployments. This was more than PR hype. It was a dedicated and focused goal, to make a superior yet lower cost 70/-80 GHz wireless solution. And to do that, E-Band needed something different right at the core of the radio’s design. It needed a tangible technology advantage, and one which other backhaul manufacturers could not replicate. The proprietary MMIC technology provided that advantage.

The third ingredient was E-Band’s focus on the carrier market. To that end, it set out to enlist the endorsement and support of leading carrier customers early on. This support came in the form of a top-three U.S. carrier who, upon learning of E-Band’s technology advantages, invested in the company. This not only added solid financial backing and confirmation of the company’s product performance claims, it also attracted some of the industry’s top wireless veterans – high-frequency RF engineers, MMIC designers and high-volume manufacturing experts to join the E-Band Communications team.

In 2009 E-Band’s strategy paid off. It commercialized the world’s highest performance multi-gigabit capacity radio that was deployed as a core backhaul solution in the world’s most advanced 4G carrier network across 25 major metropolitan areas of the USA. The end result of E-Band’s product strategy is a GigE radio with the longest distance, highest reliability and lowest cost in the industry. The “E-Link 1000EXR” radio features the highest output power in the industry at +22 dBm, lowest latency at less than 5µs, and ability to handle jumbo packets of 16,000 bits and higher that are critical for today’s multi-media applications.

Today, the company’s technology leadership and performance advantages have been so well-received by 3G and 4G (WiMax and LTE) carriers that it .has surpassed its nearest competitor’s volume for USA Carrier sales by over 50% in 2009, and the company continues to grow in 2010 as it expands global sales channels and adds to its customer base. The original vision of worldwide escalation of bandwidth demand for subscribers is now a reality and it is clear that E-band technology in the 70/80 GHz spectrum will play a critical role in satisfying backhaul demands for 4G networks that will enable subscribers to ultimately have individual access to 100 megabits of bandwidth from service providers as LTE “evolves”.

E-Band Communications Corporation is now in full-scale production and still has some exciting innovations on the drawing board for the future. Having transitioned from merely a power point presentation for venture capital meetings just three and a half years ago to a fully integrated supplier of carrier grade systems, the E-Band team is enthusiastic and optimistic about the future and says “Bring it on.”

For more information on E-Band’s equipment, please visit http://www.e-band.com/ or contact Saul Umbrasas, Chief Marketing Officer for E-Band Communications at saul@e-band.com.

NEBSA Conference Is a Smashing Success

I had the privilege of speaking at the opening breakfast of the NEBSA conference this year, and I was definitely impressed by the event. Attendance was up this year over last with many first-time attendees. The resort where the conference was held was elegant and tasteful, as was the presentation put on by the conference organizers. It was a delightful event and one I highly recommend to those who are interested in the educational side of the 2.5 GHz band.

ALTIUS Builds Wireless Testing Lab

By Jim Connor, President, ALTIUS Communications

ALTIUS Communications, a WCAI member, is pleased to announce a new, innovative service that enables real-time testing of equipment for evaluation purposes. A tower site has been built within half mile of ALTIUS' headquarters in Maryland and features Motorola Canopy, Alvarion, and Redline equipment. We expect soon to have Base Station gear from Huawei and Purewave also available for trial and testing. Customers can use the service to determine which equipment best meets their needs as well as test general equipment features.

The tower features the following equipment for testing:

• Motorola 2.4 GHz Advantage AP
• Motorola 5.7 GHz ADVANTAGE AP - Connectorized with a 120-degree Sector Panel Antenna
• Motorola 900 MHz Connectorized AP with Horizontal Omni antenna
• Motorola CMM with GPS
• Alvarion 5.7 and 5.3 VL Equipment
• Redline 3.65 GHz WiMAX base station

The below list of equipment is scheduled for completion during the first quarter of 2010:

• Motorola 3.65 GHz Base Station
• Huawei 2.5 GHz Base Station and EMS Network
• Purewave 3.65 GHz Base Station

ALTIUS has several varieties of subscriber units available for on-site testing. We feel that this service is yet another important tool we offer our customers in helping them decide which technology is right for them. We are constantly striving to find new ways to enhance our value-add to the customer experience and remain their number one choice for equipment.

Please give us a call and set up your time to "drive test - before you buy!" Call our office at 410-667-1638 for more information or email us at sales@altiuscomm.com.

Net Literacy Works with WCAI Members to Increase Broadband Adoption

The digital divide is expensive! It diminishes the quality of people’s lives, reduces their competitiveness and life options, and closes them off from a world of information, entertainment, and communications. The WCAI and its members are working together to make a difference while increasing broadband adoption in America.

Net Literacy (www.netliteracy.org) is a 501(c)(3) organization where high school and college students do all the volunteering and whose board of directors is 50% comprised of students. Net Literacy empowers youth to increase computer availability and Internet literacy focusing on underserved youth, families, and seniors citizens. It has increased computer access to over 130,000 individuals in four states. Increasing broadband adoption is good public policy, and US Senators Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar Co-Chair Net Literacy’s Honorary Board of Directors. The Honorary Board includes Lt. Governor Skillman, Congressmen, and Mayors. Net Literacy has been recognized by our nation’s leadership, from President Clinton in a NYC ceremony to President Bush in a White House ceremony.

The company’s initiatives are divided into five major programs:

1. Senior Connects Program – This program promotes senior citizen computer and Internet literacy by supplying computers and training materials; or by building public computer labs and teaching senior citizens (and especially those seniors that are mobility impaired or lack reliable transportation) computer and Internet skills. Senior Connects (www.seniorconnects.org) has provided many residents with their first access to public computer labs within their own facilities. The students do all of the installation, computer and software set-up and training – while the management of the facilities must agree to install and maintain Internet access for its residents.

2. Safe Connects Program – With Internet predators and chat room bullying, finding effective ways to educate children about Internet safety has become a critical issue and this Net Literacy program has established a “student-teaching-students/parents” model program for school systems throughout America. The program includes PSAs, 25 minute video presentations, and student presentations to other students. The program was jointly announced by the Indiana Department of Education and Net Literacy. More information about Safe Connects is available at www.safeconnects.org.

3. Community Connects Program – Computer Connects is another Net Literacy program that has built hundreds of computer labs to increase computer access to the underserved. Community Connects (www.communityconnects.org) provides a computer or computer lab to HUD and Section 8 apartments with 50 or more dwelling units, community centers, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, public libraries, and schools.

4. Computer Connects – Every Saturday, many schools gather to work together to repurpose thousands of computers in support of the Community Connects and Senior Connects programs. During weekdays, high schools and colleges also repurpose computers providing thousands of computers for schools. Schools use the computers to build computer labs, place computers in the classrooms, and provide computers to families not having a computer at their home. Student volunteers dispose of unusable computers in an EPA compliant manner, preventing computers and monitors from being delivered to landfills. Learn more by visiting www.computerconnects.org.

5. Financial Connects – Financial literacy is a required life skill, and America’s access to debt and credit is increasingly migrating to the Internet. Financial literacy provides students information that ranges from online banking to avoiding identify theft, and from how to find online scholarships and grants to how to save $100,000 – or many of $100,000s. A financial literacy portal containing a list of the 200 “best of class” online interactive financial games, videos, and calculators were aggregated after an exhaustive search of more than 5,000 financial literacy websites. The website will be launch in February at www.financialconnects.org.

Net Literacy’s programs are independently beginning to be developed by students from New York to California and around the world (www.netliteracyalliance.org). The US Internet Industry Association recently submitted a Filing to the FCC naming Net Literacy’s model as the preferred approach to reducing the digital divide in the United States. Net Literacy was selected by the European Union Study on Digital Inclusion as one of the 91 most promising good practice initiatives based upon an investigation of 32 countries including the EU Member States, the United States, Norway, Iceland, Canada, and India. Microsoft’s publication Innovating for inclusion: A Digital Inclusion guide for those leading the way, cites Net Literacy as one of the best of class digital inclusions examples. The US Broadband Coalition cited Net Literacy and its model several times as examples in its “Adoption and Usage Report” that was prepared for the FCC and has been featured in ads by Broadband For America, an organization co-chaired by Former FCC Chairman Michael Powell and former Congressman Harold Ford, Jr.

Net Literacy’s content and programs are available at no cost to all WCAI members.

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.

Harris Stratex Networks Changes Its Name to Aviat Networks

By Stuart Little, Director of Corporate Marketing, Aviat Networks

On January 28, Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. will become Aviat Networks, Inc. Our new name and brand represent a culmination of our company’s transformation over the last three years from that of a specialized microwave backhaul equipment vendor to a world-class wireless IP network solutions provider, with a comprehensive portfolio of wireless access, backhaul and core networking products and lifecycle services.

OUR MARKETS

Wireless public and private telecommunications operators need to be able to offer leading edge services and expand into new and emerging markets in order to position themselves for the future. Unfortunately they lack the time, resources, or local expertise to tackle new opportunities, while protecting their existing business given constrained resources and ROI pressures.

Mobile service providers also have a new sense of urgency to invest in their backhaul network to avoid the capacity crunch that is being driven by the explosion in bandwidth demand as a result of the introduction of new smart devices and the evolution of networks to LTE. At the same time these operators must address the so-called ‘Revenue Gap’ – the widening divergence between increasing network operational costs and flat subscriber revenue.

All around the world service providers and network operators are also now planning to introduce new broadband services or simply lower network operational costs to strengthen their competitive position. From Africa throughout Asia and in the USA, operators are building networks that extend simple voice or new broadband data services to un-served or under-served communities, and are seeking to implement new technologies such as Smart Grids, often funded by government stimulus funds.

OUR SOLUTIONS

Aviat offers best-of-breed transformational broadband solutions that provide operators with the speed and agility to seize new service and market opportunities, while optimizing legacy investments which fuels sustainable growth, as well as operational peace of mind.

With a rich legacy of innovation and technical expertise, we deliver complete wireless solutions to build, expand and evolve communications networks globally. Our products and services extend from the core to the edge, private and enterprise networks to broadband mobility, planning to execution.

Our LTE-ready microwave backhaul solutions provide the most comprehensive IP transport features of any other wireless backhaul solution in its class, giving operators the peace of mind that the solution that they deploy today will provide a smooth migration path to all-IP networks needed tomorrow, extending life of their existing infrastructure and without having to make a risky early leap to all-IP.

Our WiMAX access portfolio provides an immediate and cost-effective solution to deliver high speed broadband wireless data services. Our solution includes everything an operator could need, from access, high speed wireless backhaul, to core services and umbrella service assurance, all backed by a broad range of deployment options and services, including end-to-end managed services that address multi-vendor, multi-protocol environments.

OUR ADVANTAGE

Our global reach and strong portfolio accelerates time to market and ensures a scalable, high performance network. Unlike monolithic telecommunication vendors who subscribe to a “one size fits all” approach to serving operators – large and small – which results in vendor lock-in, Aviat is known for its highly individualized transformation experience which net better results.

In an environment of uncertainty and unrelenting competitive pressures, Aviat has the experience and agility to anticipate what’s coming to help our customers make the right choices so that their investments today aren’t left stranded tomorrow. Because we’re thinking ahead, our products and services are designed for flexible evolution, so no matter what the future brings operators will have all options that they need to move forward and thrive.

And with local presence on the ground worldwide, our migration experts understand specific local requirements and customs. We work by the side of our customers with personal attention and collaboration to understand and meet the unique challenges of their business and markets.

WE MAKE BROADBAND NETWORKS WORK

Aviat Networks is enabling the broadband future. From fixed networks to broadband mobility, from TDM to all Ethernet/IP, from public to private, from planning to managed services, from the core to the edge – we help customers create, expand and manage the best networks for their markets and their bottom lines.

For more information visit www.aviatnetworks.com.

Fletcher Heald & Hildreth: Assisting the Industry Since 1936

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.

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!