The exciting thing about wireless technology is the industries ever expanding possibilities to impact how we communicate, how we do business, and how we run governments. People all over the world are welcoming the increased convenience and safety that wireless technologies offer. As the industry expands it is the role of the WCA to facilitate and direct the discussion between providers, regulators, and users to explore best practices and insure this uncharted territory is positive and profitable for all involved.

When most consumers think of wireless technology they think of mobile phones which have freed individuals to work or plan their social lives while on the move as they communicate with friends, family, or business colleagues at any time from any place. Beyond traditional voice transmission digital technology now allows carriers to expand services to many more consumers while charging them less. These same advances bring ever expanding possibilities for the uses of personal wireless devices. Currently, the industry is moving away from finding new cell subscribers and looking towards improving existing services and breaking ground in new fields.

Potentials of wireless technology go far beyond personal communications. Law enforcement and federal agencies are employing wireless technology to protect our national security and ensure the safety of our families in times of natural or man-made crisis. The tragic events of September 11th and Hurricane Katrina highlighted the need for emergency and commercial info structure that could save lives and keep things running smoothly. Wireless technology offers solutions and also brings advances in healthcare and education. All of these possibilities are now a reality but require more government planning and comprehensive planning- this is where the WCA strives to bridge the gap.

The term "Broadband" refers to Internet access at high-speeds, with greater bandwidth allowing faster, more robust and uninterrupted data transmission. Broadband enables users to take advantage of a much wider range of applications which require larger data capacity than dial-up permits. Consequently, Broadband has become an important tool in a variety of medians including cultural, educational, economic, public safety, telehealth e-commerce and e-government applications among others.

WiMAX, short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a new technology exciting citizens and the wireless industry. This technology is providing Broadband service over long distances in a variety of ways, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular type access. It is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, which is also called WirelessMAN. WiMAX has gained popularity in the industry and is known among many consumers because it has been promoted as the best option for municipal wireless. In the next few years several US cities (including Washington DC and Chicago) will be test market for this citywide wireless Internet access. There are two branches: Fixed WiMAX and Mobile WiMAX. In fixed wireless networks both the transmitters and receivers are stationary during use while wireless allows the receiver to move during operation.

HSPA is an acronym for High Speed Packet Access. This next generation of wireless Broadband promises to bring faster speeds to users and lower costs for service providers. The innovation in HSPA is a combination of HSDPA in the downlink and Enhanced Uplink in the uplink, both of which are specified in 3GPP Release 5/6. HSPA provides data rates up to 14 Mbps in the downlink and 5.8 Mbps in the uplink. This means faster downloads of mobile TV and applications and cheaper production coast per gigabyte. Some vendors like Nokia and Ericsson are already making HSPA upgrades available to current users.

CDMA, or Code-Division Multiple Access, is a digital cellular technology that uses spread-spectrum techniques. Currently CDMA is available in cell phones as a premium service. Unlike WiMAX it is rarely discussed as a solution for municipal wireless and government applications. With this technology, every consumer is provided the full available wireless spectrum with divisions made assigning each user a specific code so that information is precisely delivered. Individual conversations are encoded with a pseudo-random digital sequence. CDMA consistently provides better capacity for voice and data communications than other commercial mobile technologies, allowing more subscribers to connect at any given time. This technology is used in EVDO and UMB wireless connections.

EVDO is short for Evolution Data Optimized. The service works on existing cellular phone CDMA networks, with a subscription and an EVDO card to plug into your computer you get a broadband connection anywhere you get cell service. EVDO is based on the 1xRTT standard, which is available in almost all cell phone coverage areas and provides Internet speeds of 60K-100K. Signals are secure so users can access private networks and the connection is strong even at high speeds. This service is currently available with Verizon and Sprint Nextel.

UMB, or Ultra Mobile Broadband, is another 4G technology competing with LTE. It is a project headed by Qualcomm to build upon existing CDMA- 2000 technology and bring it up to competitive 4G markets. Supporters of UMB say it will provide a more seamless transition from 3G since it builds on the same technology. Also known as Rev C (EVDO Revision C). The technology works with existing CDMA cell phone coverage and can provide extremely high speed broadband with a theoretical max of 280Mbps.

Rev C, also known as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), is the version Revision C of Qualcomm's EVDO wireless technology. The technology works with existing CDMA cell phone coverage and can provide extremely high speed broadband with a theoretical max of 280Mbps.

Wi-Fi is the promotional name for the technology of Wireless Fidelity. Wi-Fi is a shorter range system, typically hundreds of meters covering only the network operator's own property. Typically Wi-Fi is used by an end user to access their own network, which may or may not be connected to the Internet. If WiMAX provides services analogous to a cell phone, Wi-Fi is more analogous to a cordless phone. Wi-Fi is popular in offices and cafes all around the world as it allows people within a certain area to access the same Internet connection.

LTE, or Long Term Evolution is a 4G service being developed by the 3GPP, the Third Generation Partnership Project. LTE itself is a new technological approach with a new modulation technique called OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex), and antenna technology called MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). It promises to be more robust that 3G networks in multi-path scenarios, this means better service in downtown buildings and city streets. It will also lower the cost to providers since it requires fewer nodes to be installed and operated. Verizon will begin running tests of the network in 2008.

Cable Broadband represents one of the largest sectors of the Broadband market. It has a fixed channel capacity and is shared by a population of users. Service speed can vary depending on how many people are using the service at the same time. Cable providers must monitor usage patterns, and scale the network appropriately, to ensure that customers receive adequate service even during peak usage times.

DSL Service or Digital Subscriber Line, is a high-speed Internet service that provides high-speed networking over ordinary phone lines using Broadband modem technology. DSL technology allows Internet and telephone service to work over the same phone line. With services primarily in homes and small businesses, DSL only works over a limited physical distance and remains unavailable in many areas where the local telephone infrastructure does not support this technology.

Legislators and Thought Leaders- Legislators can help the development of wireless when they understand how it can improve the lives and safety of their constituents. The Congress can create laws governing the activities of the FCC and open the door to an environment of growth and research. Law makers also control the funding of new government initiatives that could benefit through lower costs and higher productivity of wireless technologies.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - The FCC is a bipartisan party was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC decides who can use public air space (spectrum) and how they can use it to benefit citizens. Within the FCC, the Bureau of Wireless Telecommunication oversees cellular and PCS phones, pagers and two-way radios. This Bureau also regulates the use of radio spectrum to fulfill the communications needs of businesses, aircraft and ship operators, and individuals.

Rural Utility Service (RUS) - The RUS is a division of the Department of Agriculture. Since 1995 the Rural Development Telecommunications Program has worked to bring the same technology advances available in major cities to citizens living in rural areas. RUS provides grants to companies expanding in rural areas and the Distance Learning and Telemedicine program continues its charge of bringing electronic educational resources to rural schools and improving health care delivery in rural America.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) - NTIA is the President's closest advisor on telecommunication and information policy. This division of the Department of Commerce also manages the Federal use of communications spectrum, performs cutting-edge telecommunications research and engineering, including resolving technical telecommunications issues for the Federal government and private sector and administers infrastructure and public telecommunications facilities grants.

International Telecommunications Union (ITU) -The ITU is a branch of the United Nations and is an international organization established to standardize and regulate international radio and telecommunications. It was founded as the International Telegraph Union in Paris on May 17, 1865. Its main tasks include standardization, allocation of the radio spectrum, and organizing interconnection arrangements between different countries to allow international phone calls.

Wireless service providers- These companies are an important sector of the industry as they drive the development of new technology and bring it to consumers and governments. The business sector is responsible for making wireless technology something that changed the lives of average Americans and pushing the industry to develop new uses for existing spectrum.

Ecosystem partners- Ecosystem partners design and build wireless devices for use with wireless service providers. Each new generation of devices is better, faster, and more cost effective.

Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) - A group formed in 1998 and comprised of manufacturers and industry specialists to work on a consensus for globally applicable technology standards for new generation wireless devices. Since that time the group has taken on such projects as developing and testing 4G wireless technology such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology.

Wireless Communication Association (WCA) - WCA was founded in 1988 as a trade association for the wireless industry. WCA works to bring together carriers, ecosystem partners, and government officials facilitating discussions such as spectrum harmonization and educating policy makers and the public on the most exciting developments in the wireless Broadband industry, both domestically and internationally.

Learn about some of the most interesting and new developments in the wireless industry!

In reality, the wireless revolution already has reached the farthest corners of the globe—where global positioning system (GPS) devices guide soldiers, mountaineers, sailors, and even drivers. The WCA and other industry leaders are working to bring better technologies to governments, international businesses, and those in need.

According to TIA’s 2006 Telecommunications Market Review and Forecast, international telecom revenue is growing at equivalent or better rates as in the US, with expansion in every continent. Broadband wireless is expected to be the biggest growth market in the coming years. In 2005 Broadband access increased 53.7% worldwide, surpassing dial-up.

Spectrum bands such as  2.5/2.6 , 2.3 and 3.5-3.6 GHz  provide true Broadband data speeds and accommodate high-bandwidth applications for a large audience of wireless customers. Globally harmonized spectrum, flexible use, consistent regulatory treatment, and interoperability among service providers are required in order for such bands provide global wireless Broadband services. To advance this goal, the WCA Board of Directors has created the WCA Global Development Committee (GDC) to provide a vehicle for international development of these bands.

Every country has it’s own needs and target areas: Europe and US are concentrating on new applications and equipment, while in Latin America and Africa the increased stability and growing economies bring attention to infrastructure and equipment development. Each region also presents unique geographic and cultural obstacles that call for specialized local knowledge. With member companies on six continents, WCA is well positioned to lead the exploration of this new frontier.

Telehealth brings advances in communications technology to the medical field. Exciting developments include interactive video and medical technology to connect doctors patients, translators, educators, and administrators in different places and to expand service capabilities, save time and control costs. Wireless Broadband is an essential part of bringing medical care to where it is needed most. With the help of increased funding for Broadband initiatives, Telehealth could bring everything from paperless medical records to video conferences sharing best practices to telepsychology developments for rural areas.

TeleMedicine links:

• Current federal funding for Telehealth comes from the Health Resources and Services Administration, US Dept of Agriculture Rural Utility Services, and the FCC
• For more information on rural Broadband visit our rural Broadband website
• Recent legislation to pass congress includes H.R.2673 and H.R.3038
• Telemedicine information exchange (TIE) provides several useful databases

In the United States and around the world the wireless industry has constantly shown that technology saves lives. Whether it is first responders using wireless communications to coordinate wildfire evacuations, Motorola working to rebuild critical infostructure in remote areas of Mexico devastated by flooding, or WiMAX systems managing rescue missions after the Pacific Tsunami, wireless is essential in effective disaster relief. In November 2007 WCA brought government agencies and industry partners together at a Physically Diverse Networks Summit (link to PDN page here) to discuss the tools available, the program included representatives from the Department of Commerce, the Committee on Homeland Security, and The White House.

The lack of interoperable communication systems for first responders has become a widely discussed problem, particularly following the Hurricane Katrina disaster and 9-11 attacks, during which police, fire and medical teams from different counties were called into assist in an emergency but were unable to effectively communicate with each other and coordinate their disaster response.  Interoperability has resulted from a number of factors including frequency restrictions, outdated and non-compatible communication devices due to regional funding of public safety operations, and federal spectrum allocation. Wireless services have proven indispensable for support of disaster recovery. Typically, they are the first Telecommunications Service called upon if the wire line PSTN infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

Disaster Relief links:

• The Department of Homeland Security has released a document reviewing the interoperability challenge entitled: Can We Talk? Public Safety and the Interoperability Challenge.
• An upcoming  FCC auction will re-allocate the U.S. 700 MHz band and reserve 24 MHz for state and public safety use.
• Comments from the Spectrum Coalition for Public Safety before the FCC.

The FCC is set to auction off the use of the 700 Mhz spectrum, a newly opened public spectrum, on January 24, 2008. These auctions are open to any eligible company or individual that submits an application and upfront payment, and is found to be a qualified bidder by the Commission. FCC auctions are conducted electronically and are accessible over the Internet. The auction is a step forward in plans to roll out municipal wireless and also a chance for the government to bring Broadband Internet to less profitable rural areas, this means advances in small business and rural schools.

For more information visit FCC “About Auctions” or the FCC 700 Mhz home.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is the application of information technology -- computers, sensors, and communications -- to the problems and opportunities of surface transportation. Since its advent in the early 1990s, ITS has become an increasingly important component of the overall transportation environment. A current focus of ITS is the integration of vehicle and infrastructure systems through wireless communications. Such integration can help both vehicles and the infrastructure performs better and, most important, have a significant impact on reducing highway fatalities and injuries. In addition, wireless communications are the key to helping emergency fleets (fire, police, and ambulance) and first responders coordinate their efforts, both for routine operations and dynamically in times of natural or human-caused disaster.

WCA’s ITS Committee has created an extensive website with news and helpful links for those who want to learn more about ITS.

Military, homeland and port security users rely heavily on Broadband enabled networks and information systems to keep them connected through applications such as video surveillance and real-time intelligence gathering. Additional development of wireless Broadband network capabilities is allowing mobile monitoring via remote security applications. Government officials have rightly expressed great interest in the opportunity to employ wireless technology in preventative security measures.

Following Sep.11 attacks President Bush issued an Executive Order establishing a requirement “to secure information systems for critical infrastructure, including emergency preparedness communications, and the physical assets that support such systems.” In November 2007 WCA and the Department of Commerce hosted a Physically Diverse Networks Summit (add link to PND page) bringing key leaders from the White House and all areas of the federal government together with industry pioneers to discuss secure infrastructures available to governments. Tim Young, speaking on behalf of the White House Office of Management and Budget confirmed that the President hoped to set an example of preparedness that could be adopted and implemented in every state, showing the government’s commitment to utilizing advances in the wireless industry to protect American citizens.

Homeland security links:

• WCA’s task force on Public Safety and Homeland Security
• The FCC's Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau moniters FCC activity in national and homeland security, emergency management and preparedness and disaster response among other things.
• In July of 2002, the GSA Federal Technology Service released the National Security/Emergency Preparedness Telecommunications Study.

"Municipal Wireless Networks" primarily refers to city-funded or enabled Broadband wireless networks serving consumers, businesses and/or government employees with Broadband capabilities which could use Wi-Fi (IEEE 82.11) mesh networks or pre-WiMAX (IEEE 802.16) architectures. "Community Wireless Networks" primarily refers to Wi-Fi hotspots (sometimes connected over inter-connected areas and operated at low-cost or no cost by volunteers), although sometimes the term overlaps in usage with "Municipal Wireless Networks." Municipal networks may also rely on a wired or hybrid infrastructure.

Everyone agrees that municipal wireless would be beneficial for many consumers; however, there is some debate in the industry over how to best bring these advances to the market.

WCA’s Municipal Wireless Taskforce has provided a website with many interesting news updates, links, and white papers.

While Broadband is readily accessible in most major American cities, a quarter of the country's population lives in rural towns where access can be both scarce and expensive. Rural Broadband initiatives hope to bring Broadband to more isolated regions with low population density, in the most cost effective manner. Advocates argue that without affordable access to the Internet, rural Americans are at a social, economic and public disadvantage. A number of solutions have been proposed and the Senate is currently reviewing an act to establish a Rural Broadband Office in the Department of Agriculture.

Policy makers and social activists are also excited about wireless Broadband’s potential to increase Internet access at inner city schools and low income areas. These areas were not explored earlier because of the extensive capital cost associated with wiring building in older areas but wireless has opened the door for previously underserved Americans to gain access to the benefits of the Internet.

Broadband has numerous applications in education and is being increasingly sought after by states looking to improve both upon public and higher education services. The benefits range from enhancing the learning experience to establishing shared networks for educational institutions, bringing new, real-time media into the classroom, and allowing rural schools access to the plethora of resources online. The U.S. Department of Education's National Technology Plan calls for comprehensive Broadband access for public schools, colleges and universities however funding and maintenance of the infrastructure factors into the debate as well.