[WISPA] Roadstar brings fiber speeds wirelessly to Northern Virginia
604 South King Street, Suite 200 Leesburg, VA 20175 703.554.6621 (FAX) 571.258.0003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ ROADSTARS NEW INET LOUDOUN WIRELESS BROADBAND SERVICE A ROCKET SHIP ULTRA-HIGH SPEED CONNECTIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR LOUDOUN BUSINESSES! LEESBURG, VA (October 8, 2007) Marty Dougherty, CEO of Roadstar Internet, the areas largest Independently-owned Wireless Broadband Internet provider, announced today the company has successfully completed field trials of its new INET Loudoun service. He said that Roadstar began full-scale deployment of the wireless-fiber network recently and customers may now sign up for service in its OnNet designated buildings. Dougherty said Roadstar plans to connect hundreds of buildings to the INET Loudoun network within the next 18-24 months. John Wood, CEO of Loudoun County based Telos Corporation, one of the first INET Loudoun trial sites, said, Rather than calling it INet Loudoun, I think a better name is Rocket ship Loudoun. INET Loudoun service shatters all previous boundaries businesses faced obtaining real broadband connections. The new service offers ultra high-speed symmetrical connections for commercial, institutional and government use, Dougherty said. Roadstar's INET Loudoun offers fiber like connection speeds to these users hard-pressed to find any type of high capacity broadband connection options much less at a reasonable price. Dougherty predicts thats INET Loudoun service will radically change the playing field once dominated by wire-based providers. With todays announcement, Roadstar is offering INET Loudoun services that rival direct fiber links at T1 pricing levels. At the core of the INET Loudoun service offering is the latest in broadband wireless technology. Using GigE 80 Ghz licensed millimeter wave RF technology from Bridgewave Communications, Roadstar is now able to build multiple gigabit backbone network pipeswireless fiberwhich provide fiber-like connectivity speeds, but with the inherent cost and flexibility only available from wireless. Deploying wireless fiber means Roadstars INET Loudoun network will be build out in a fraction of the time it would take to construct a similar terrestrial-based fiber network. No digging or endless waits for permits and construction; in many cases customers can go from conception to online within days instead of weeks or months. Roadstar is one of the first ISP's in the nation to deploy GigE millimeter wave technology licensed by the Federal Communications Commission into the core of its network. Because of this, Loudoun businesses will be among the first in the nation to enjoy the results- high capacity connections for their business at reasonable prices. Since the companys beginnings in 2003, Roadstar Internets engineering staff has constantly researched and tested new equipment to determine the best use of available licensed and unlicensed equipment and spectrum to deliver dependable high capacity broadband to its customers. Roadstar also unveiled a new Web site at www.roadstarinternet.com and Dougherty said complete pricing information for all services could be found there. Additional information about Roadstar or the INET Loudoun Network is available at the company Web site at www.roadstarinternet.com or contact David Hughes, Director of Communications, at 703-234-9969 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Limited tours may be available of the new facilities. Roadstar Internet/INET Loudoun Fact Sheet What is different about Roadstars INET and all the other wireless services we hear about? Today, several wireless providers such as Roadstar Internet can provide users with T1-level service. There are more services coming, and the soon to be auctioned 700 MHz airwaves may bring additional providers for residential users. INET Loudoun service is radically different because it focuses on the needs of heavy users and businesses needing very dependable, high quality high capacity broadband connections. Company CEO Marty Dougherty said that by utilizing this technology, Roadstar can provide a T1 like service for significantly less expense then a standard wired T1 (1.5Meg) from an alternative provider. What we are really excited about is being able to offer you a 10-50 meg connection over the same network, he said. These lower costs mean the difference for a business considering whether to stay in or relocate into Loudoun County. For many high tech companies, a broadband internet connection is mission critical to DELIVERING their product to the marketplace. INET Loudoun connected buildings will be the place to locate! What exactly is an OnNet Building and why would a business want to locate there? If a building or complex is designated as being OnNet, business owners know in advance that the location already has the infrastructure in place to get them online in a very
RE: [WISPA] Roadstar brings fiber speeds wirelessly to Northern Virginia
Netirons. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Bushard, Jr Sent: Monday, October 08, 2007 4:51 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: RE: [WISPA] Roadstar brings fiber speeds wirelessly to Northern Virginia Nice, Like the Foundry BackboneAre you running Netiron's or FastIron's? Mike Bushard, Jr Wisper Wireless Solutions, LLC 320-256-WISP (9477) 320-256-9478 Fax -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of David Hughes Sent: Monday, October 08, 2007 3:33 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: [WISPA] Roadstar brings fiber speeds wirelessly to Northern Virginia ** Join us at the WISPA Reception at 6:30 PM on October the 16th 2007 at ISPCON ** ** ISPCON Fall 2007 - October 16-18 - San Jose, CA www.ispcon.com ** ** THE INTERNET INDUSTRY EVENT ** ** FREE Exhibits and Events Pass available until August 31 ** ** Use Customer Code WSEMF7 when you register online at http://www.ispcon.com/register.php ** WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] Longest 18ghz link
You might find this press release from Bridgewave interesting: BridgeWave Introduces AdaptPath Capability to Extend the Reach of Gigabit Wireless While Ensuring 'Five Nines' Network Availability Washington D.C.-Area ISP Deploys BridgeWave's AR80X With AdaptPath to Deliver Carrier-Class Business Services With Unparalleled Network Capacity and Uptime SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BridgeWave Communications, the leading supplier of gigabit wireless solutions, today announced AdaptPathT technology, an innovative capability that seamlessly integrates the company's AdaptRateT Gigabit Ethernet wireless links with secondary connections using complementary wired or wireless technologies. The resulting dual technology solution provides unprecedented GigE wireless link availability and range. AdaptPath link switching creates an all-weather, dual-path data connection by pairing a BridgeWave 60GHz or 80GHz GigE wireless bridge with a lower speed, highly rain-tolerant secondary path. This path can be a leased-line wired connection, a license-free 5.xGHz radio bridge or a licensed-band 6 or 11GHz link. When a momentarily severe rain downpour occurs, the AdaptPath feature automatically switches data traffic from the primary GigE link to the secondary path before the link would start to experience data errors. According to Gregg Levin, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for BridgeWave, the AdaptPath feature offers customers the best of both worlds - gigabit data rates and superior link availability at longer distances. AdaptPath is the next step in BridgeWave's strategy to offer enterprises, government entities and network operators greater flexibility in meeting their network capacity, range and uptime requirements, he says. With our extended range, AdaptRate and now AdaptPath technologies, we enable the deployment of GigE links well beyond traditional distances with the highest levels of service availability. For Roadstar Internet, a leading broadband services provider based in Loudoun County, Va., located 25 miles outside Washington, D.C., BridgeWave's AR80X gigabit links with AdaptPath and AdaptRate features are accelerating the rollout of high-capacity, reliable Internet services to area businesses. Our state-of-the-art GigE wireless backbone enables us to be first to deliver next-generation access services in this fast-growing region, says Marty Dougherty, CEO and founder of Roadstar. The combination of BridgeWave's AdaptRate and AdaptPath features takes us well beyond what's currently available in the industry. Roadstar worked with BridgeWave to determine rain fade calculations for its region, factoring in summer periods when thunderstorms are common. The solution was designed to operate at full GigE speeds the vast majority of the time. When exceptional rain events occur, the BridgeWave link's AdaptRate feature first switches from GigE to a 100Mbps data rate; then, if needed, the AdaptPath capability switches traffic to a secondary, highly rain tolerant 40Mbps 5GHz bridge. As the storm cell passes, the link immediately returns to full GigE speed. AdaptPath also reduces networking equipment costs and complexity since we don't have to provision redundant wireless paths using external Ethernet switches and routers, Dougherty adds. Overall, BridgeWave's gigabit wireless links will let us scale our network faster and more economically than any other technology. To that end, Roadstar plans to connect hundreds of buildings to its new INET LoudounT network using BridgeWave's AR80X gigabit wireless links over the next 18-to-24 months. For existing AdaptRate link customers, the new AdaptPath feature is available as a no-cost software upgrade. BridgeWave is working with leading lower-frequency microwave radio vendors to certify that their RF bridges operate correctly as AdaptPath secondary links. About BridgeWave Communications Founded in 1999, BridgeWave Communications is the leading supplier of Gigabit Ethernet outdoor wireless connectivity solutions. The company's exclusive AdaptRateT technology and Forward Error Correction capabilities deliver the highest availability at the longest distances for full-rate GigE solutions. BridgeWave's point-to-point, fixed wireless solutions are ideally suited for a wide variety of enterprise, service provider, healthcare, education, public safety and government/military network applications. With the largest installed base of GigE radios worldwide, BridgeWave delivers the highest levels of product quality and reliability. For more information, visit www.bridgewave.com. Contacts BridgeWave Communications Gregg Levin, 408-567-6999 [EMAIL PROTECTED] or HetzelMeade Communications Sue Hetzel, 760-434-9927 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Matt Liotta Sent: Monday, October 08, 2007 8:56 AM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Longest 18ghz link Travis Johnson wrote: I can
RE: [WISPA] Streaming Video
Yes -Original Message- From: Scott Reed [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: 7/27/07 10:59 AM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Streaming Video Since I am figuring $5,00 to $10.00 per customer the Abacast may be a little out of the price range. This is for some High School band events, so there isn't going to be a lot of $$$. Can the Slingbox send the feed to a server that then let's the customers connect to the server? Ralph wrote: He said he wants to stream and charge for access. To do that, he will need more than a slingbox! The worst thing he can do is try to stream to an unknown number of users over a pipe thats too small. That's why I use Abacast. I pay for each input stream and they stream to an unlimited number of subscribers for that price. It isn't but 250-300 bucks per stream. Thats cheap considering all that they do and that they handle billing and DRM for the customers too. Ralph -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of David Hughes Sent: Friday, July 27, 2007 10:05 AM WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] Streaming Video
Believe it or not, the best buy may be to use a Slingbox. Just use an off-the shelf switcher, several DV video cameras and output the switcher video/audio to the Slingbox and send it to any computer in the world. David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet 604 South King Street -Suite 200 Leesburg, VA 20175 Office - (703) 234-9969 Cell - (703) 587-3282 Corporate Offices - (703) 554-6621 Fax - (703) 258-0003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] AIM: dhughes248 - Video conference capable -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Scott Reed Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 7:24 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: [WISPA] Streaming Video Does anyone here have a list of the equipment to do streaming video? I may have an opportunity to setup some cameras for a local event and stream it to the web. We will want to be able to charge for access and to archive the feeds. Any suggestions? -- Scott Reed Owner NewWays Wireless Networking Network Design, Installation and Administration www.nwwnet.net Would you like to see your advertisement here? Let the WISPA Board know your feelings about allowing advertisements on the free WISPA lists. The current Board is taking this under consideration at this time. We want to know your thoughts. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ __ NOD32 2424 (20070726) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com Would you like to see your advertisement here? Let the WISPA Board know your feelings about allowing advertisements on the free WISPA lists. The current Board is taking this under consideration at this time. We want to know your thoughts. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] FCC Won't Sign Off On Google's Vision
FCC Won't Sign Off On Google's Vision Wholesale open access just isn't happening... 11:19AM Wednesday Jul 25 2007 by Karl tags: fcc competition business As we just got done predicting, it appears the FCC will be rejecting Google's open access demands for the upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction. Google had promised to invest $4.6 billion at auction if the FCC forced auction winners to offer wholesale access to broadband competitors. Google has been arguing the spectrum is the last great chance for broadband competition in a duopoly market. But a key point Martin, a Republican, would not support, and that Google insists on, is a rule forcing whoever wins the spectrum at the auction to wholesale parts of it to other companies who want to resell it. Shocking. While Google may be new to lobbying, they knew this current FCC would never sign off on their plan fully, which made the promise of billions in investment largely empty (though helpful politically). Why doesn't Google just jump in under current rules? The system is designed so they'll lose to incumbents, they argue in a new blog post. While Google embraces the kinds of openness and innovation that are the hallmark of the Internet, the incumbents apparently prefer their existing business models. -Google's Richard Whitt Our position is simple enough. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and the other commissioners have argued persuasively that we need a real third pipe broadband competitor in this country. They also believe that the upcoming 700 MHz auction is the best way to get there. All we are saying is that, based on what we know, new broadband competition will emerge from the upcoming auction only if the FCC's rules allow it to happen. For Google, and other potential new entrants, the prevailing imbalance can be corrected most effectively by introducing license conditions based on open platforms. However, the closest to open platforms the FCC is willing to get is to force auction winners to offer unlocked devices on any network using the new spectrum. The chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Rep. Edward Markey, is urging the FCC to go further if they want true broadband competition. Would you like to see your advertisement here? Let the WISPA Board know your feelings about allowing advertisements on the free WISPA lists. The current Board is taking this under consideration at this time. We want to know your thoughts. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] Verizon Changes Course, Supports Open-Access Plan
Verizon Changes Course, Supports Open-Access Plan By Kim Hart Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, July 26, 2007; D08 In a last-minute policy shift, Verizon Wireless said yesterday that it would support a plan requiring a portion of airwaves to be available to any wireless device. But the company that builds the network on those airwaves, Verizon said, shouldn't have to guarantee that all applications, such as games and videos, will work properly. Verizon has firmly opposed a proposal put forth by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin J. Martin that would require that a large swath of airwaves, to be auctioned in January, be used to build a network open to any wireless device or service. Currently, wireless carriers control the handsets and features available to consumers. Google and other Internet companies have argued that opening the network to all devices would benefit consumers and allow a new entrant into the wireless market. But Verizon has said such a requirement would hurt traditional wireless carriers, which want to buy the spectrum to roll out services on their networks. A majority of FCC commissioners told a House telecommunications subcommittee Tuesday that they supported the open access requirement. With an FCC vote on the auction's rules scheduled for Tuesday, Verizon said it will consider allowing any device to access its network. But, it said yesterday in a statement, it would guarantee only services bought directly from Verizon. Last week, ATT also said it supported Martin's open-access proposal. Google said it would consider bidding at least $4.6 billion for the airwaves but only if the FCC also mandates that the auction winner be required to resell some of the bandwidth to other companies. Would you like to see your advertisement here? Let the WISPA Board know your feelings about allowing advertisements on the free WISPA lists. The current Board is taking this under consideration at this time. We want to know your thoughts. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] FCC Majority Backs Open-Access Plan for Airwaves
FCC Majority Backs Open-Access Plan for Airwaves By Kim Hart Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, July 25, 2007; D02 A majority of the members of the Federal Communications Commission told a House panel yesterday that they support an open-access requirement for the coming radio spectrum auction that would give consumers more choices for cellphone devices and services. The open-access proposal, first outlined about two weeks ago by FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin, has become central to the debate over how the airwaves will be used when television broadcasters give them up in 2009. The FCC plans to auction these airwaves to companies in January. The measure would require the highest bidder to use a third of the airwaves to build a network that is available to all wireless devices and services. The hearing yesterday before the House subcommittee on telecommunications and the Internet was the first time the commissioners publicly shared their views about the rules for the auction and was probably the last chance for Congress to weigh in before commissioners vote on the rules, perhaps as early as next week. Democratic Commissioners Jonathan S. Adelstein and Michael J. Copps said they supported the open-access plan, while Republican Commissioners Deborah Taylor Tate and Robert M. McDowell said they were undecided. The Martin proposal was unpopular among Republican subcommittee members, who say the auction should be free of conditions -- in part because rules could reduce the revenue it generates, which is expected to be about $15 billion. About $10 billion of that has been allocated for federal use. Democrats on the panel supported the provision on the grounds that it would give consumers more choices than wireless providers like ATamp;T and Verizon Wireless now provide. Google, which has expressed interest in bidding, has said the open-access requirement is not enough to allow a new entrant into the wireless market. On Friday, the company said it would spend at least $4.6 billion to bid on the spectrum if the FCC also mandated that the winner lease some of the airwaves to other companies offering broadband services that do not restrict devices or services. Martin has resisted what is being called the wholesale measure, saying it would discourage the winner from investing in the network. Excluding ATT, the wireless industry opposes any restrictions on how the spectrum will be used. Last week, ATT said that it supported Martin's proposal but would not make a decision about whether to bid until the FCC's rules were finalized. The proposal is not designed to facilitate the entry of any one company, Martin said. While there isn't a company that supports my proposal, I think consumers will. McDowell said he was leaning against Martin's proposal for open access because it could raise prices for consumers. Although McDowell said he would like to see the wireless industry become less restrictive in the devices and services it offers consumers, he questions whether that should happen through natural evolution or government mandate. Several lawmakers expressed concern that the open-access rule would shut small and rural companies out of the auction. If a condition is placed on the largest piece of the spectrum, well-established carriers such as ATamp;T and Verizon may opt to bid on smaller licenses eyed by rural carriers, Rep. J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) said. Martin said he favored breaking up the spectrum into licenses of various sizes to let a diverse mix of companies participate in the auction. Would you like to see your advertisement here? Let the WISPA Board know your feelings about allowing advertisements on the free WISPA lists. The current Board is taking this under consideration at this time. We want to know your thoughts. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] FBI Seeks To Pay Telecoms For Data
FBI Seeks To Pay Telecoms For Data $5 Million a Year Sought for Firms To Keep Databases By Ellen Nakashima Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, July 25, 2007; A07 The FBI wants to pay the major telecommunications companies to retain their customers' Internet and phone call information for at least two years for the agency's use in counterterrorism investigations and is asking Congress for $5 million a year to defray the cost, according to FBI officials and budget documents. The FBI would not have direct access to the records. It would need to present a subpoena or an administrative warrant, known as a national security letter, to obtain the information that the companies would keep in a database, officials said. We have never asked for the ability to have direct access to or to 'data mine' telephone company databases, said John Miller, the FBI's assistant director for public affairs. The budget request simply seeks to absorb the cost to the service provider of developing an efficient electronic system for them to retain and deliver the information after it is legally requested. The proposal has raised concerns by civil libertarians who point to telecom companies' alleged involvement in the government's domestic surveillance program and to a recent Justice Department inspector general's report on FBI abuse of national security letters. In one case, a senior FBI official signed the letters without including the required proof that they were linked to FBI counterterrorism or espionage investigations. The report also disclosed that the bureau was issuing exigent letters, telling telephone companies that the bureau needed information immediately and would follow up with subpoenas later. In many cases, agents did not follow up. Moreover, Inspector General Glenn A. Fine found, there was no legal basis to compel the disclosure of information using such letters. The proposal is circumventing the law by paying companies to do something the FBI couldn't do itself legally, said Michael German, American Civil Liberties Union policy counsel on national security. Going around the Fourth Amendment by paying private companies to hoard our phone records is outrageous. Mark J. Zwillinger, a Washington lawyer who represents Internet service providers, said companies have no business reason to keep the data. Moreover, he said he did not think telecom companies are in the business of becoming the investigative arm for the government, keeping data just so the government can get access to it. That's really what the government is asking for: 'Keep data on hundreds of millions of users just in case we need to get data for 15 individuals.' Last year, according to industry sources, U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III urged telecom providers to keep subscriber information and network data for two years. Legislation is pending in Congress that would require companies to keep the data. What type and for how long would be up to the attorney general. The administration is also attempting to win immunity for telecom companies from criminal and civil liability for any role in the surveillance program. Telecoms have been providing data legally to the government and then charging for it, said a government official not authorized to speak publicly about the matter and who spoke on condition of anonymity. The cost is about $1.8 million a year since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the official said. The idea now, the official said, is to have the telecom companies create and maintain databases of phone and Internet records so that when they receive a subpoena or national security letter, they can deliver the information expeditiously in electronic form. Zwillinger, an Internet and data protection expert with Sonnenschein Nath amp; Rosenthal and a former federal prosecutor, said that merely retaining the records creates a very attractive trove of data that can be subpoenaed by other entities, such as lawyers in divorce proceedings or other civil litigation. The FBI's proposal to pay companies for the records was reported previously by ABC News. Would you like to see your advertisement here? Let the WISPA Board know your feelings about allowing advertisements on the free WISPA lists. The current Board is taking this under consideration at this time. We want to know your thoughts. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] Congress Realizes Broadband Data Sucks
Congress Realizes Broadband Data Sucks Finally does something about it years later... User erin1 writes in: The Senate Commerce Committee today voted unanimously in favor of S. 1492 (pdf), which would require the FCC to come up with a revised definition for broadband within 120 days of the bill's enactment, report broadband access by nine-digit ZIP codes rather than five, and create a $40 million, five-year matching grant program for organizations that work to spur broadband adoption. The FCC has long qualified anything over 200kbps as broadband, and considers a zip-code to be wired for service if just one user in that zip-code has service. This has led to countless rosy FCC reports, despite very obvious coverage gaps when the states themselves look more closely. Rosy reports make the FCC look good and telco/cable lobbyists very happy. Only recently did the FCC admit their methodology is flawed, though they've been largely uncooperative when consumer advocates have tried to obtain more comprehensive broadband data. This push to improve the data collection comes nearly a half-decade after people (us included) started really griping. It should only take another five years to decide how to properly measure broadband, and perhaps another five after that to determine how exactly to proceed -- at which point hopefully we'll all already have 10Gbps firing directly into our cerebellums. David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet 604 South King Street -Suite 200 Leesburg, VA 20175 Would you like to see your advertisement here? Let the WISPA Board know your feelings about allowing advertisements on the free WISPA lists. The current Board is taking this under consideration at this time. We want to know your thoughts. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] FCC Auction Should Allow for Open Wireless Network, Say Lawmakers
FCC Auction Should Allow for Open Wireless Network, Say Lawmakers By Kim Hart Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, July 12, 2007; D08 Key lawmakers on Capitol Hill yesterday supported the idea that regulators should give consumers greater control over how they use their cellphones. Several members of a House subcommittee voiced agreement with a proposal that would require a portion of valuable airwaves about to be auctioned off by the Federal Communications Commission to be used for an open network that would connect to any mobile device or service. Such a rule would benefit technology companies such as Google, Intel, Yahoo and Skype, who want more ways to reach their customers without going through carriers. The plan could hurt wireless carriers, who say unfettered access to their networks would undermine billions of dollars of investment for high-speed services. This issue of open access lies at the center of the debate about rules that will govern the spectrum auction, which are expected to be released this month. FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin has proposed setting aside one-third of the spectrum for an open network that would work with any cellphone. Supporters of Google and its partners say an open network would promote innovation by letting consumers use services on new devices like the iPhone without being limited to a single network. But critics argue that placing such conditions on the bidding process would actually stifle competition and reduce revenues from the auction, which is expected to yield between $15 billion and $20 billion for the U.S. Treasury. Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), who chairs the subcommittee that handles telecommunications and Internet issues, urged the FCC to seize this opportunity to create an open-access opportunity for wireless service in this auction. He added that wireless carriers are exerting far too much control over the features, functions and applications that wireless gadget makers and content entrepreneurs can offer directly to consumers. Ranking Republican Fred Upton of Michigan countered by saying the wireless market is already vigorously competitive. No matter how you slice it, he said, the proposal smothers investment in a competitive market, and in the end would leave consumers worse off and with fewer choices. The four-hour hearing highlighted the divergent views of policymakers and industry representatives on the consequences of using a slice of the spectrum for an open-access network. Steven E. Zipperstein, general counsel for Verizon Wireless, testified that competition already forces wireless companies to invest in new products and networks, ultimately benefiting consumers. He also said that any open-access requirement would make the spectrum less valuable to companies like Verizon Wireless. But Jason Devitt, who runs a Silicon Valley start-up that sells wireless products and services, disagreed. While the major carriers such as Verizon Wireless and ATamp;T bring new products to market, he said, there are so many other products and services not getting in front of consumers because carriers act as gatekeepers. I'm an entrepreneur, and I'm mad as hell I have to ask for permission to innovate, he said, referring to what he called the wireless companies' death grip on the market. Google, which has been lobbying Congress and the FCC in favor of open networks, has not decided whether it will formally bid on a piece of the spectrum and build a wireless network. On the company's public policy blog, Google's Washington telecom and media counsel, Richard Whitt, wrote Tuesday that the company was still interested in participating in the auction but said it's clear that the incumbent carriers have built-in advantages that will prove difficult to overcome. Google said it favors openness that allows all services, applications and devices to work on the wireless network. Some consumer advocates say the auction rules Martin proposed this week do not go far enough to promote real competition. In addition to allowing any device to connect to the network, the FCC should require the auction winner to wholesale the spectrum to companies that impose no rules on what type of services and equipment consumers can use, said Art Brodsky of Public Knowledge, an advocacy group. Martin seems to be testing the waters, Brodsky said, with draft rules that seem to favor high-tech companies over the major telecom carriers. He wants to see the congressional and industry reaction, he said. He's trying to see what kind of support he'll get. Would you like to see your advertisement here? Let the WISPA Board know your feelings about allowing advertisements on the free WISPA lists. The current Board is taking this under consideration at this time. We want to know your thoughts. -- WISPA Wireless List:
[WISPA] Spectrum Sale May Open Market
Spectrum Sale May Open Market FCC Rules Could Be Boon For Technology Companies; Loosening Telecom's Grip By AMOL SHARMA and COREY BOLES July 11, 2007; Page A2 - WSJ A coming government auction of valuable radio spectrum could hand Google Inc. and other technology companies their first significant victory in a battle to loosen the grip held by telecom operators on the wireless and broadband markets. Federal Communications Commission draft rules would set aside part of the available spectrum for creation of an open network free of the constraints that large telecom operators like ATT Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. normally impose. The spectrum being auctioned is estimated to bring in $15 billion to the Treasury. The new open-access rules would apply to a slice that is big enough to create a nationwide network. SLICING THE SPECTRUM . The News: The FCC's draft rules for a coming auction of radio spectrum would set aside part of it for creation of an open network big enough to be nationwide. . The Background: Big telecom operators have maintained a grip on wireless and broadband markets, controlling mobile devices, software and services subscribers can use and locking phones to carriers. . What's Next: The initial rules will be debated in coming weeks ahead of a vote Google, a satellite-TV provider, or another new entrant could now be enticed to bid in the auction and enter the wireless market as a competitor to the large carriers. In a number of filings at the agency and in a letter late Monday, Google has argued that some spectrum should be set aside for an open network. EBay Inc.'s Skype has also weighed in with filings to back such rules. Though Google has considered the idea of buying spectrum and outsourcing the building and operation of the network to a third party, according to one person familiar with the company's thinking, it remains unclear whether Google is ready to spend billions to build and operate a new wireless network. Another person familiar with the matter said that a direct bid by Google for spectrum is very unlikely at this point, because the Internet company views such a move as outside its core activities. Google, Skype and others in the high-tech industry say large telecom firms stifle innovation by controlling which mobile devices, software and services subscribers can use and locking phones to a particular carrier. For example, ATT has exclusive carriage of Apple Inc.'s iPhone. Those Internet companies have had difficulty bringing services such as free Web calling to the mobile-phone market, while handset makers like Nokia Corp. have had trouble bringing popular European phones to the U.S., where the telecom operators control what phones are used on their networks. [Kevin Martin]The telecom carriers say the draft rules for the auction are unnecessary and have been engineered to fit Google's business model -- and to scare off Verizon and ATT from bidding for that slice of spectrum. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said in an interview that the draft rules would spur innovation by handset makers and other technology companies bringing out mobile phone products and services. He cited as an example Wi-Fi capable cellphones that have been slow to roll out in the U.S. I think consumers would dramatically benefit from that kind of capability, he said. The initial FCC rules will be debated at the agency in coming weeks ahead of a vote, for which a date hasn't been set -- but they will likely form the basis of the final auction rules. Some mobile-phone entrepreneurs and consumer advocacy groups said the draft rules didn't go far enough to ensure that a new operator with an open network will enter the wireless market. Verizon has fiercely opposed any restrictions on how it operates its wireless and landline networks. Telecom companies have a sizable lobbying army in Washington and have gained clout through a recent round of mergers. Just last year, Verizon and ATT lobbied successfully to quash legislative proposals to regulate their Internet services and prevent them from speeding up their own Internet traffic -- or that of preferred business partners -- while letting Web services from rivals travel at slower speeds. Backers of so-called net neutrality want to ban such preferential treatment. Net neutrality is the notion that owners of phone and cable networks can't dictate how a consumer uses the Internet or discriminate against any Internet content, regardless of the source of the content. The large carriers won another victory two weeks ago when the Federal Trade Commission said in a closely watched 170-page report that such net neutrality regulations were unnecessary. The coming auction has moved the debate over net neutrality to the wireless industry. U.S. wireless carriers exert multiple layers of control. You can build a totally terrific product, but getting it distributed is a big issue, said Doug Garland, a mobile-industry veteran who once headed up Yahoo
[WISPA] International Interest in WISPA member.
Roadstar was visited by a group of folks from Armenia wanting to learn how we did our thing here with licensed and unlicensed frequencies. Story and photos at www.roadstarinternet.com/albania.html if you are interested. Dave David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet 604 South King Street -Suite 200 Leesburg, VA 20175 -HOME OF INET LOUDOUN- Office - (703) 234-9969 Direct - (703) 953-1645 Cell -(703) 587-3282 Corporate Offices - (703) 554-6621 Fax - (703) 258-0003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] AIM: dhughes248 - Video conference capable -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] Fixed link to international visit
Sorry for the typo - correct link is http://www.roadstarinternet.com/albanians.html David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet 604 South King Street -Suite 200 Leesburg, VA 20175 -HOME OF INET LOUDOUN- Office - (703) 234-9969 Direct - (703) 953-1645 Cell -(703) 587-3282 Corporate Offices - (703) 554-6621 Fax - (703) 258-0003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] AIM: dhughes248 - Video conference capable -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] Use PR to educate lawmakers, decision makers in your community
Fellow WISPA members: We are beginning a PR campaign to enlist the help of our local, state and national representatives into supporting the need to set aside bandwidth in the whitespace frequencies for wireless broadband. Loudoun County in Northern Virginia is probably much like your coverage area (except you folks in the desert region) in that you have large areas to cover. Some or much of that area is probably forested or tree landscaped which essentially precludes many people from getting a reliable signal. If solons can see that these people represent potential votes then they might be convinced to get on board and support us. Congress has sent a message to the FCC that it may be exercising more control over such things as frequency allocations and serving the public good. If we can get them in our corner the FCC might give us more credence. It also would not hurt to place a call to your local newspapers and radio stations to get them interested in this story, especially if you can bring service to those in the hinterlands who have only dreamed of it. I am a former newspaper editor and editor of a business magazine and would be willing to help any member seeking advice how to do this. Many news media outlets, especially in smaller markets, would probably appreciate a high-tech story. The key is to explain the advantages offered through these frequencies as well as what problems face companies willing to invest in the technology. Just remember not to get to technical or jargon where you don't lose the reporter. Always ask if they understand the concept and if not devote the time to explain it to them. If you don't what gets printed or aired could end up being in error or just so much dross. David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet 604 South King Street -Suite 200 Leesburg, VA 20175 -HOME OF INET LOUDOUN- Office - (703) 234-9969 Direct - (703) 953-1645 Cell -(703) 587-3282 Corporate Offices - (703) 554-6621 Fax - (703) 258-0003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] AIM: dhughes248 - Video conference capable -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] MobiTV to Link Cable DVRs to Phones
I judge on video quality on my Sprint 6700 smartphone. If I have at least 1 EVDO bar I can usually get full motion video with good resolution on the small screen. Sound is pretty good, excellent if you use the stereo headphones instead of crappy speaker on the phone. But, it does eat batteries at a bodacious clip (grin). Dave -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Scrivner Sent: Friday, March 30, 2007 1:12 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] MobiTV to Link Cable DVRs to Phones Can you tell me what quality this is? Frames per second? Lines of resolution? Image size supported? This is amazing if it can deliver decent quality. Scriv Peter R. wrote: Compression for video is down to 135k to stream video David Hughes wrote: Let us hope that the cable companies will also eat the bandwidth that will be involved in this. I have a TIVO attached to a Slingbox and use my cell (Sprint 6700) to watch DC programming anywhere I can get an EVDO signal or Wi-Fi, but it is a real bandwidth hog. ___ MobiTV to Link Cable DVRs to Phones Service Could Be Offered As Part of Sprint Nextel Joint Venture with Cable Operators By Todd Spangler David Cohen 3/27/2007 8:40:00 PM Orlando, Fla. -- MobiTV CEO Phillip Alvelda said the mobile-technology provider is developing a way for cable operators to let subscribers stream programming stored on their digital-video recorders to mobile phones. The DVR-to-mobile service could be offered as part of the four operators' joint venture with Sprint Nextel, which announced Pivot as the new brand name for their mobile-wireless packages Monday at the CTIA Wireless 2007 convention here. However, according to Sprint spokeswoman Melinda Tiemeyer, the Sprint-Cable JV doesn't currently have a DVR-to-mobile-phone feature on its road map. When we get to that point there are going to be a lot of different people involved, not just MobiTV, she said in a voice-mail message. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] MobiTV to Link Cable DVRs to Phones
Let us hope that the cable companies will also eat the bandwidth that will be involved in this. I have a TIVO attached to a Slingbox and use my cell (Sprint 6700) to watch DC programming anywhere I can get an EVDO signal or Wi-Fi, but it is a real bandwidth hog. ___ MobiTV to Link Cable DVRs to Phones Service Could Be Offered As Part of Sprint Nextel Joint Venture with Cable Operators By Todd Spangler David Cohen 3/27/2007 8:40:00 PM Orlando, Fla. -- MobiTV CEO Phillip Alvelda said the mobile-technology provider is developing a way for cable operators to let subscribers stream programming stored on their digital-video recorders to mobile phones. The DVR-to-mobile service could be offered as part of the four operators' joint venture with Sprint Nextel, which announced Pivot as the new brand name for their mobile-wireless packages Monday at the CTIA Wireless 2007 convention here. However, according to Sprint spokeswoman Melinda Tiemeyer, the Sprint-Cable JV doesn't currently have a DVR-to-mobile-phone feature on its road map. When we get to that point there are going to be a lot of different people involved, not just MobiTV, she said in a voice-mail message. Alvelda said MobiTV has been working with Scientific Atlanta and Motorola to integrate the DVR functions in their set-tops with the MobiTV infrastructure for sending TV signals over wireless carriers' networks. The service will be similar to what Sling Media offers with SlingPlayer Mobile, which lets a user watch live or recorded TV on a mobile device. Except, added Alvelda, we're paying people for the programming. Ultimately, MobiTV expects to be able to stream TV content from 20 million digital set-top boxes that have DVRs in the networks of the four operators -- Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Bright House Networks. It's just a software upgrade, Alvelda said. Alternatively, he added, the cable industry may develop a network-based DVR system that could provide the same streaming-to-mobile feature as long as programmers give their consent. A federal court last week ruled that Cablevision Systems' network-DVR violated copyright laws in a suit brought by major broadcasters and cable programmers. As for pricing and availability, Alvelda said that would be up to the individual operators. Bright House and Time Warner declined to comment on their plans; Comcast and Cox did not immediately respond to requests for comment. MobiTV provides what it internally calls MSO TV to the members of the Sprint JV. The programming, which the operators offer in different tiers, includes ABC News, Fox News Channel, Fox Sports, The Weather Channel, Bloomberg, Fuse, E! News and ESPN highlights. Using the Sprint wireless network, Comcast offers mobile service in Boston and Portland, Ore.; Cox in San Diego and Phoenix, and Time Warner in Raleigh, N.C., Austin, Texas, and Cincinnati. Bright House hasn't announced when or where it will launch mobile service. The MSOs haven't talked about the ability to watch DVR content on phones, but they've touted other features that integrate with cable services, such as accessing TV listings through their mobile phones and checking home e-mail on the mobile phones. In other MobiTV news, the company announced a mobile-advertising alliance with Yahoo, whereby the Internet giant will be the ad-network partner for MobiTV's mobile-video-advertising sales and delivery, providing access to a one-stop, fully integrated mobile-media buy across all advertising modes, including text, banner and mobile video. Yahoo launched its Yahoo! Mobile Publisher Services Tuesday. MobiTV, based in Emeryville, Calif., now has about 250 employees. The privately held company doesn't disclose finances. Its backers include Adobe Systems, Hearst, Oak Investment Partners, Menlo Ventures, Redpoint Ventures and Gefinor Ventures. MobiTV offers 35 TV channels in the United States, with distribution partners that include Sprint and ATT, which offers MobiTV programming through Cingular Wireless and ATT Broadband TV. David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet Leesburg, VA 20175 -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] FCC begins testing mysterious white space wireless broadband device
FCC begins testing mysterious white space wireless broadband device By Eric Bangeman Earlier this month, a consortium of companies including Microsoft, Intel, Dell, and Google submitted a device to the Federal Communications Commission for approval that would use the so-called white space in the analog television spectrum for wireless Internet access. The FCC is testing the new device and will have results ready in July, according to an attorney for the companies, and the Commission could then adopt final rules for such devices in the fall of this year. Related Stories * Bill would open up TV white space for wireless Internet The analog TV spectrum has been eyed hungrily by a number of parties, including the FCC, wireless providers, and rural dial-up users longing for a low-cost broadband solution. When the US completes its transition to digital television broadcasts in February 2009, much of the spectrum between 54MHz and 698MHz (channels 2 through 51) will become available. It's often referred to as beachfront property because signals in that area of the spectrum travel far and wide, and can easily be received indoors. In the meantime, many people are hoping that the unused white space that exists between the individual channels will be made available for use by unlicensed devices like the prototype developed by the consortium. A bill introduced last week by Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) would force the FCC to make a decision about the white space, something that the Commission has already indicated its intent to do. Despite the recent movement towards increasing the amount of wireless spectrum available for broadband access, it appears as though we will have to wait until February 2009 for white-space devices to hit the market. Rep. Inslee's bill sets a hard deadline of February 18, 2009, although it mandates that the FCC make the spectrum available at the earliest technically feasible date. The coalition of companies backing the prototype wireless device has said that they will not go on sale until February 2009. Although little is known about the mysterious device, its implications are far reaching. Should the tests go well, it could have the effect of dramatically changing the broadband landscape in the US. Wireless networks using the spectrum should be relatively easy to deploy, and would provide residents of rural areas easy access to broadband while giving everyone else a third alternative to DSL and cable. David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet 604 South King Street -Suite 200 Leesburg, VA 20175 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] IPTV
One of the major cable systems just lost that fight. The studios and networks filed suit and won on the issue of copyright infringmement. Dave David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet 604 South King Street -Suite 200 Leesburg, VA 20175 -HOME OF INET LOUDOUN- Office - (703) 234-9969 Direct - (703) 953-1645 Cell -(703) 587-3282 Corporate Offices - (703) 554-6621 Fax - (703) 258-0003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] AIM: dhughes248 - Video conference capable -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sam Tetherow Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 11:06 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] IPTV Peter, do you have much information on Network DVR (like the term). I would think that if you could get DR owners to agreee to Network DVR it would just be a small jump to real VOD. But then again, I still struggle with the concept of them bitching about people copying stuff that they broadcast freely over the air... Sam Tetherow Sandhills Wireless Peter R. wrote: Remember that like the term wireless, iptv has way too many meanings. IPTV to the telcos is TV to the cablecos. By saying IPTV, they figure they get around a lot of stuff and make it sound better than broadcast TV. Broadcast TV isn't much of a bandwidth problem - they do it fine today. TV over the internet will take time since most people don't want to watch TV on a laptop or PC. Until the Converged Living Room becomes mainstream, bandwidth won't be a huge problem. VOD (video on demand) is being confused with Network DVR. Instead of home DVR, it will be at the NOC. Maybe the way hotel on-demand is. That's what the content companies want. We'll see. Even DISH promises Caller ID on the TV screen, but that isn't IPTV. Just some thoughts this morning. Peter -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] More static on WhiteSpace issue
Sparring over broadband via TV March 17, 2007 WASHINGTON -- Microsoft Corp., Google Inc. and other technology companies are bumping into resistance from television broadcasters as they seek regulatory approval to deliver high-speed Internet service over unused television airwaves. The technology companies, which have submitted a prototype device to the Federal Communications Commission for testing, say their intent is to make broadband Internet connections accessible and affordable to millions more Americans. Broadcasters, though, fear the unproven device could interfere with TV reception, and even some technology experts have reservations about how well the device will perform. Matters could get even more complicated, broadcasters say, when the industry switches from analog to digital signals in February 2009. At the center of this dispute are unused and unlicensed TV airwaves, part of the spectrum known as white spaces. They are located between channels 2 and 51 on televisions that aren't hooked up to satellite or cable, though use of such services would not preclude anyone from accessing the Internet over unused spectrum in their region. This is some prime spectrum real estate, said Ben Scott, policy director for Free Press, a national nonpartisan public interest research group that supports using the public airwaves for Internet service. The technology companies want to beam Internet access through the white space and into computers and mobile devices. They argue rural Americans would benefit greatly because the technology enables Internet service to remote areas at a fraction of the cost of cable- and telephone-based subscription services. This is Wi-Fi on steroids, Scott said. Scott Blake Harris, an attorney representing a coalition of technology companies that typically compete with one another, said he believes the FCC should authorize this technology so long as its proponents can prove it will not disrupt TV programming. But broadcasters want the FCC to proceed cautiously. The National Association of Broadcasters, which represents more than a thousand local TV stations as well as major broadcasters including Walt Disney Co.'s ABC division and Univision Communications Inc., insists the industry is not against the new technology - only worried about unintended consequences. If they [the technology companies] are wrong, once those devices get introduced that means that people won't be able to get clear television pictures, NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton said. Shure Inc., a manufacturer of wireless microphones, has also expressed concerns, saying use of white space for Internet services could cause interference with audio systems at concerts and sporting events. Potential pitfalls aside, proponents of the new technology - including Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., Intel Corp. and Philips Electronics North America Corp., a division of Netherlands-based Royal Philips Electronics NV - say it could also spur innovation. Paul Brownell, a government relations manager at Dell, said white-space spectrum could be used to stream video and audio throughout a house without running wires all over the place. Dell is interested in building computers that would come preprogrammed to recognize Internet service delivered via white space. Advocates said the white-space spectrum is too valuable to be left idle because the television airwaves can transmit better signal quality through obstacles and to a wider geographic area. In rural areas, the new technology is an attractive alternative to phone-, cable- or satellite-based Internet service because it would not require expensive infrastructure to be built, they said. The lack of infrastructure is a key reason why many rural areas lack high-speed Internet service. A recent Pew Internet American Life Project found that only 30 percent of rural residents have high-speed Internet as compared with 49 percent for suburban residents and 52 percent for urban Americans. David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet 604 South King Street -Suite 200 Leesburg, VA 20175 -HOME OF INET LOUDOUN- Office - (703) 234-9969 Direct - (703) 953-1645 Cell -(703) 587-3282 Corporate Offices - (703) 554-6621 Fax - (703) 258-0003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] AIM: dhughes248 - Video conference capable -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] Big Boys Eyeing Whitespace spectrum
Tech Firms Push to Use TV Airwaves for Internet Cable, Phone Companies Watch Warily By Charles Babington Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, March 13, 2007; D01 A coalition of big technology companies wants to bring high-speed Internet access to consumers in a new way: over television airwaves. Key to the project is whether a device scheduled to be delivered to federal labs today lives up to its promise. The coalition, which includes Microsoft and Google, wants regulators to allow idle TV channels, known as white space, to be used to beam the Internet into homes and offices. But the Federal Communications Commission first must be convinced that such traffic would not bleed outside its designated channels and interfere with existing broadcasts. The six partners -- Microsoft, Google, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Intel and Philips -- say they can meet that challenge. Today, they plan to give FCC officials a prototype device, built by Microsoft, that will undergo months of testing. If the device passes muster, the coalition says, it could have versions in stores by early 2009. Proponents liken the idea to so-called WiFi signals, which provide wireless Internet access from phone or cable companies to users in airports, coffee shops and elsewhere. These devices have the potential to take the success of the WiFi phenomenon to another level, said Jonathan S. Adelstein, an FCC commissioner. Warily watching from the sidelines are the major telephone and cable companies that compete to bring high-speed Internet into millions of businesses and homes. Telecommunications officials and analysts differ on the degree to which TV-spectrum-based Internet access might seriously threaten existing Internet providers. Some said a new Internet provider might force the older companies to drop prices. Others said the available white-space spectrum might be too limited to make much of an impact. Wireless carriers said they were not afraid of new rivals. The wireless industry was born in a competitive environment, said Jeffrey Nelson, a Verizon Wireless spokesman, playing down the risk to his company. ATT said in a statement that FCC rules should protect not only current TV band incumbents from interference but also those services that will be introduced into adjacent spectrum in the future. Several analysts said a TV-spectrum system might make the most sense in rural areas, where high-speed Internet access via phone or cable lines is expensive to deploy. Small companies might build some towers, beam white-space spectrum to farm homes and cabins, and connect it to an Internet provider, they said. In urban areas, a TV Internet system might somehow be combined with phone- or cable-provided Internet service to redirect signals through every wall of a house or office -- without replacing the phone or cable company as the provider, said a person affiliated with the coalition. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the record about such possible uses. In a document filed with the FCC, the coalition stated: As the world's largest producers of consumer electronics, software, semiconductors, personal computers, and peripheral devices, the Coalition's members stand ready to commit substantial resources to bring these advancements to consumers. Google joined the coalition because the effort could create opportunities to transmit information over new platforms. It also might strengthen Google's hand should the traditional Internet pipelines -- big phone and cable companies -- start charging Internet companies higher prices to move their content more swiftly to consumers. It recognizes that the heart of the problem is a lack of competition on the broadband platform, said Rick Whitt, Google's telecom and media counsel in Washington. We're very interested in finding ways to create platforms for other broadband connectivity. Staff writers Sam Diaz and Alan Sipress contributed to this report. David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet 604 South King Street -Suite 200 Leesburg, VA 20175 -HOME OF INET LOUDOUN- Office - (703) 234-9969 Direct - (703) 953-1645 Cell -(703) 587-3282 Corporate Offices - (703) 554-6621 Fax - (703) 258-0003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] AIM: dhughes248 - Video conference capable -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] Press Release: WISPA, Part-15.org concur on whitespace usage issues
PHONE: (509) 982-2181 FAX: (509) 982-2238 1 DR. Park Road Suite H1 Mt. Vernon, Il. 62864 WISPA and Part-15.Org Concur on use of Whitespace Spectrum Washington, DC (March 1, 2007) One of the key issues concerning commercial wireless broadband providers is how the FCC will control the unused television channels' white space to unlicensed use for broadband and wireless innovation (FCC Docket 04-186). The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, as well as Part-15.Org, both leading representatives of the industry, have joined forces in agreement to refute claims made by the television broadcast industry that unlicensed devices operating in unused TV channels would interfere with TV reception and other licensed uses of the TV band; and second, whether the TV white space spectrum should be exclusively licensed instead of unlicensed. Both industry representatives told the Federal Communication Commission that opening this spectrum to unlicensed use will help provide more affordable and ubiquitous broadband coverage, particularly in rural areas. It will also pave the way for improved home and enterprise networking, wireless device and service innovation Both Part-15.Org and WISPA explain in their comments to the FCC that licensing is both impractical and inadvisable in this band and argue that the interference-avoidance mechanisms proposed in the FCC's original 2004 rulemaking are sufficient-along with specific technical parameters to be developed by the FCC-to protect licensed TV band users. Marlon K. Schafer, FCC Committee chairperson for WISPA, said that he is pleased both groups are working together on this important issue. An unlicensed environment will encourage entrepreneurship, and this is especially important in rural areas where major providers are not willing to expend the needed capital for a relatively few subscribers. He also said the organizations want to make sure that incumbent, licensed users of the spectrum are not harmed by unlicensed use. We want to be good stewards of the environment. Schafer said that a May, 2006 Pew Report showed more than eight million wireless broadband subscribers were in place, with that number increasing daily. We believe at least twice that are waiting for service because we have technological and physical band limitations that this spectrum could help alleviate. There are vast areas of the nation where VHF and UHF analog television signals are not received and by reusing this essentially vacant spectrum, we can help bring high-speed broadband connectivity to these waiting homes, businesses, schools and governments on a cost-effective basis, he said. Michael R. Anderson, chairman of the License Exempt Wireless Internet Service Providers Organization, Part-15.ORG, said that continuing to do business as usual regarding spectrum utilization is not in the best interest of rural Americans. He said the FCC's recent approach to open additional spectrum to license exempt broadband providers exemplifies their docket to remove common barriers that have stifled the growth of broadband for over a decade. PART-15.ORG applauds the FCC for their bold initiatives in moving forward with opening up the 'white space' for full utilization for broadband, Anderson said. For more information please contact: Marlon K. Schafer FCC Committee Chairman Founding Board Member (509) 982-2181 (509) 988-0260 cell WISPA - Wireless Internet Service Providers Association is dedicated to promoting and improving the WISP industry. We welcome you to our web site and invite you to read about the association and its efforts. -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] muni wi fi pricing
I heard the mayor of St. Cloud speak at the DigitalCities Expo last year. He said that there was a lot of complaints from people who could not receive the signal inside their homes and they were disappointed in the speeds they received. Consumers wanted the city to pay for the APs at the homes because the network was paid for with tax dollars. David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet 604 South King Street -Suite 200 Leesburg, VA 20175 -HOME OF INET LOUDOUN- Office - (703) 234-9969 Direct - (703) 953-1645 Cell -(703) 587-3282 Corporate Offices - (703) 554-6621 Fax - (703) 258-0003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] AIM: dhughes248 - Video conference capable -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of chris cooper Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 2:46 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: [WISPA] muni wi fi pricing I read the article describing pricing and take rates for two separate muni networks: St. Cloud - free access, 80% take Tempe - $19.95/mos first 3 mos, $29.95/mos after that, 15% take Im wondering - is this a perception of value? Does free=low value/low network quality in the mind of the subscriber? Why would the take rate only be 15% for a $30/mos account in an urban market? Competitive pressure? Has anyone tried a wi fi pricing model somewhere in the middle? Maybe $10/mos w/ X take rate... Thanks Chris -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] Site Survey
I am no not an engineer, but why not use a push-up hinged on bed of the truck. Put a cheap rotor on it and the device in the rotor. The push up will collapse/extend to whatever height you need WITH the device. It may be a dumb idea - but it seems to me it should work. Dave David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cell (703) 587-3282 Home (703) 234-9969 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Monday, February 12, 2007 1:13 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Site Survey This is half-way there for the 1-person install. I'd like to have a solution where an installer can test (ping test/bandwidth test/snr test) from the proposed CPE antenna mount location WITHOUT screwing the mount on. This means the installer will have to be holding the CPE in place WHILE running the test. I've put a 300' cat5 cable on a garden hose reel and mounted it inside my truck. This allows for easy DE-SPOOLING. Then I rigged it up so that I can SPOOL it back up using my cordless drill. So then we run the temporary test cable up to the proposed site and power the CPE using the 100-watt inverter on the truck (laptop is on its own battery power). The installer can test if we have a snowball's chance by looking at the LEDs on the back of the Tranzeo unit. Here's the problematic part... Without an extra body helping him, the installer must mount the CPE to perform the actual tests. If it is not successful (latency, interference, etc), then we have to choose a different mount location and we have put holes in the customer's house unnecessarily. Picture this: A wi-fi PDA that hooks up wirelessly to an AP on the truck. The AP is connected (via ethernet port) to the CPE. The installer can run tests from the PDA while holding up the antenna, right? Anyone doing something similar? Mark Nash Network Engineer UnwiredOnline.Net 350 Holly Street Junction City, OR 97448 http://www.uwol.net 541-998- 541-998-5599 fax - Original Message - From: Mac Dearman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'WISPA General List' wireless@wispa.org Sent: Monday, February 12, 2007 5:24 AM Subject: RE: [WISPA] Site Survey Brian, Buy a Tranzeo TR-CPQ 19 and then all you have to do is lock onto the correct AP before going up. It's a lot easier to plug the POE in at the truck and drag up a 100' or so of CAT5 cable and just watch the lights on the CPE. Every light has a minimum db signal level associated with. Mac Dearman -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Brian Rohrbacher Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2007 11:57 PM To: Conversations over a new WISP Trade Organization Subject: [WISPA] Site Survey I always keep my eyes peeled looking for a better way to do site surveys than dragging my laptop and a CPE around to every site. http://www.ubnt.com/super_range_cardbus.php4 Anyone think that would do the trick for .11b site surveys? Some of you use palms, don't you? Brian -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ __ NOD32 2055 (20070212) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
[WISPA] The need to broaden public understanding of our industry's service to the community
I'd like to expand a little on what Marty said related to Articles III and IV: ARTICLE III We will publicize our services in a professional manner upholding the dignity of our profession. We will avoid all conduct, practices and promotion likely to discredit or do injury to our field of endeavor ARTICLE IV We will strive to broaden public understanding and enhance public regard And confidence in our Industry - - - - - - - - - I am the director of corporate communications for Roadstar and my credentials include more than three decades as a journalist. While not an engineer like most of you folks, I do understand perception and what it takes to get noticed by the public, and more importantly, the media in your respective coverage areas. I have been a geek pretty much all my life and I understand WISPS and how the technology works and how to translate that to readers. I did it for three years here in Loudoun County, VA as editor of Loudoun Business. It may be hard to believe that a county within spitting distance of Washington and home to AOL, the headquarters of MCI and literally where all major Internet cross in Dulles, VA has relatively poor access to broadband beyond a narrow fiber corridor along Rt. 7 and new Verizon FIOS in major population areas. Wireless Broadband has been a godsend to thousands of homes and businesses here. LBs former publisher and owner ordered that Loudoun Business be the leader in publicizing the need for increased broadband coverage and the growing role of companies like Roadstar. One of the first stories we did was about a man who brought a T-1 to his home and resold bandwidth over 802.11c wireless to his neighbors because they could not get DSL, fiber or wireless in their neighborhood. It generated several letters to the editor and interest by the county. A few months later another company named Roadstar had a visit from the then FCC chief, Michael Powell. He came all the way from DC to see Roadstar's unique way of aerially backhauling his backbone bandwidth several miles from Ashburn to a barn located in a meadow in the Blue Ridge. That signal was then rerouted to neighborhoods throughout the area and bringing broadband to homes, schools and businesses crying for it. The story was carried in local media, as well as the papers and TV stations in DC and beyond. My point is that it is important to get the media on your side, send out press releases about what you are doing. Drop into the editor and publishers offices and explain the importance of broadband to the city or county's business community and how it will be needed to attract and keep high-paying jobs. Plus, your professional perception will be perceived. Unfortunately, most of these folks wont know jack about what you are talking about. Marty and I see part of WISPAs mission is to help members deliver the message free of geek speak and in a package that newspapers and radio and TV news types can understand and use. Think of it this way: Let's say a newspaper writes a story that's equivalent to three columns wide by 8-10 inches deep with a picture. Multiply that by their advertising rate. Folks, that is the minimum that story is worth to your business. Better still, these stories start the buzz that money can't buy. What you dont want is to ask someone have you heard of 'X' company, the wireless broadband provider? and get a blank stare back. If I or Roadstar can help any of our fellow members dealing with the press, we are here for WISPA members. Thanks for your time. David T. Hughes Director, Corporate Communications Roadstar Internet Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cell (703) 587-3282 Office (703) 234-9969 AIM: dhughes248 -- -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Marty Dougherty Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 5:12 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: RE: SPAM ? RE: [WISPA] Understanding STAROS with High Power cards. Of course I am a paid member- I wouldn't have a right to be in the middle of this conversation without it! Marty ___ Marty Dougherty CEO Roadstar Internet Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 703-554-6620 www.roadstarinternet.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Cliff Leboeuf Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 12:18 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: RE: SPAM ? RE: [WISPA] Understanding STAROS with High Power cards. Marty, I believe that this list of 'open to the public,' and therefore users are not subject to the code of ethics that a member agrees to when they join. The paid members have access to a private discussion group with added benefits over and above the public list. The private list is also where the official WISPA positions are decided. I would also hope that any 'paid member' would hold themselves to a higher standard than perhaps the 'rouge' list user. I think that the official WISPA position has
