WISPA

David Zumwalt, CEO of the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA), had a completely different viewpoint. He argued that there’s not going to be enough BEAD funds to reach everyone with fiber. And it’s a no-brainer that other technologies such as fixed wireless access (FWA) will be required. Zumwalt also said that people don’t really need the incredibly high speeds of fiber. He said the average speed utilization at the residential level is 6.5 Mbps. “The marketing plan you buy is not related to your actual usage,” said Zumwalt. “We’re over deploying broadband capacity now.” He said other types of utility services are “demand engineered” based on actual need. https://lnkd.in/ecswixxR #WISPA #FBA #Fiber #FWA #Wireless #Broadband

“When you are spending your own money or you are deploying money that you are getting from the government, you want to be able to do it in a commercially reasonable way with proper stewardship,” said Zumwalt, adding that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program does not have enough funds to support fiber builds to every unserved address in the country. https://lnkd.in/eqERThTM #WISPA #BEAD #NTIA #ISP #Fiber #FWA #Broadband #Wireless

Become a #WISPAPALOOZA sponsor. Contact Gary Helmers at ghelmers@wispa.org. #WISP #WISPA

Attend WISPAPALOOZA: https://lnkd.in/eKRKrCUk See the full agenda of panels here: https://lnkd.in/eimB79TP #WISPAPALOOZA #WISPA #WISP #ISP #Broadband #FWA #Fiber

Fixed wireless frenzy "DigitalC is getting in on a fixed wireless craze that's been sweeping the U.S. for the past few years. Customer satisfaction reports from Ericsson and J.D. Power found consumers are gravitating toward FWA since it’s a cheaper internet alternative. "And as grant processes get underway for the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, wireless internet service providers (WISPs) want to make sure fixed wireless voices are heard. In an encouraging turn of events, NTIA Chief Alan Davidson last week disclosed plans to release guidance that will allow (in some cases) the use of unlicensed spectrum for BEAD projects. Many WISPS use unlicensed spectrum to provide service." https://lnkd.in/entjHC6D

Go for the gold! New members - Join today, save 20%. https://lnkd.in/eUfn7_C8 #WISPA #Broadband #FWA #Fiber #Spectrum #WISP #ISP

6th Circuit Stays FCC Title II "Net Neutrality" Order (autumn oral arguments being set): a 3-judge panel in the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed the FCC's "Net Neutrality" Order, pending oral arguments in the weeks ahead. The panel found that ISPs have "shown that they are likely to succeed on the merits" and that the issue "implicates a major question." WISPA was a petitioner in this appeal. The Stay Order is attached.

The following statement may be attributed to Louis Peraertz, VP of Policy for WISPA – Broadband Without Boundaries: Washington, DC, July 30, 2024 – WISPA is encouraged by statements made yesterday by Assistant Secretary of Commerce and NTIA Administrator, Alan Davidson, that he expects states and territories will be able to use BEAD funds to deploy networks using alternative technologies, such as networks using entirely unlicensed spectrum, where other technologies cannot cost-effectively meet the goals of the Infrastructure Act.  WISPA has long held that BEAD’s programmatic exclusion of unlicensed technology was at odds with Congressional intent, potentially leaving many behind in the digital divide.  WISPA believes that BEAD can only succeed if unlicensed technology can be deployed – not only in extremely high-cost per location threshold areas, but elsewhere where it makes sense.  Americans on the wrong side of the digital divide cannot wait years to get access.  They need it as soon as possible.  WISPA looks forward to commenting on the soon to be released guidance from NTIA on alternative technologies. #NTIA #FWA #Wireless #Unlicensed #Broadband #DigitalDivide #WISP #WISPA

Register today here: https://lnkd.in/eKRKrCUk #WISPA #WISP #FWA