In this discussion should we have it, a history of the first cellular networks their evolution and when the industry started to explode would need to be laid out. Starting from the early 80's on up through. This is important because as Gino has suggested, the WISP industry is following a very similar path and has always suffered from brand/product image, recognition and understanding. Cellular phones back then suffered the same problem. The word cellular was understood as a biology term by most. The term "Car Phones" was better understood and only those who had a lot of money had those and it was a party line system with no privacy. People had them out of extreme necessity only. The concept of anyone other than the phone company being able to deliver a phone service would not have ever seemed possible to a consumer. At that time the breakup of Ma Bell was just happening. A person could easily start a cellular network, no spectrum auctions back then. Just apply to the FCC and pay the license fees.
Of an interesting side note, I had the opportunity to be working on a consulting project for AT&T in Portland Oregon years ago, we had to review leases, zoning approvals and other documents to determine if sites could be expanded and what work was required for same. Sometimes leases mentioned specific frequencies and antennas etc. so they might have to be renegotiated or modified to add data and new frequencies and antennas. In this process I had my hands on Craig McCaw's first 4 cell tower leases on his first built cellular system. It was very cool to be holding that piece of history, his personal signature and all. Such an innovator that hadn't hit his stride yet. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Brian Webster Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2018 5:42 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Cellular One approach to WISP I won't be there. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Gino A. Villarini Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2018 2:25 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Cellular One approach to WISP Should we discuss it as session at wispamerica? From: Af <af-boun...@afmug.com> on behalf of Brian Webster <i...@wirelessmapping.com> Reply-To: "af@afmug.com" <af@afmug.com> Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 1:50 PM To: "af@afmug.com" <af@afmug.com> Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Cellular One approach to WISP Absolutely. I have had a method like this in my head for year. Craig McCaw really helped those independent operators when he created a national branding for the A side cellular operators that had to compete with the B side that were all the established ILECs. If there were an interested group of WISP's who wanted to explore the concept I would be willing to have a conference call and discuss. Thank You, Brian Webster www.wirelessmapping.com www.Broadband-Mapping.com From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Gino A. Villarini Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2018 9:58 AM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Cellular One approach to WISP Hey Guys Those who know the history behind Cellular One, don't you think this should be repeated in the WISP industry?
