Session Descriptions
Cisco Kicks Off Symposium
Pre-Conference Workshop, January 7
Kickoff the Wireless Symposium by attending the pre-conference workshop sponsored and presented by Cisco Systems. You will explore mobility, from the business drivers and economics, to the solutions and reference architectures that will enable your success. Particular focus will be on WiMAX and wireless convergence, which are considered definite game-changers in today's rural marketplace.
Got Spectrum?
Winners of recent FCC spectrum auctions are struggling to figure out how to best use their assets. Some have opted to sell, while others are beginning to find equipment with which to offer service. Join us for this panel discussion where we will discuss ways to make the most of your investment.
Competitive Strategies in a Wireless World
With over 260 million wireless subscribers in the US, many companies are struggling to find ways to compete in a wireless world. Some suggest that companies must have a wireless play to be competitive in the future. Others say they should focus on being the best landline provider by offering the largest pipe. Hear from operators in this panel debate different strategies, and find out how they are preparing their companies for the future.
Management Track
Securing the Business Customer
Small and medium sized businesses are often the lifeblood of rural communities. As mobile needs grow, you need to be prepared to answer the call. In this session, we will examine strategies to acquire and support business customers by providing them the security and services that they require.
Retail Store Strategies
While the internet is proving to be a useful sales tool, it cannot replace the experience that a good retail store can provide. From stunning displays, to excellent customer service, this session will focus on ensuring that your retail store is as excellent as your wireless service.
Technical Track
The Future of Wireless Backhaul
All wireless technologies need a backhaul solution to reach the PSDN or PSTN. Will an all fiber IP backhaul solution prove to the ultimate winner? If so, when should you pull the trigger? What hidden opportunities does wireless backhaul provide for the rural operator today and beyond? This session will delve into the evolution of wireless backhaul and offer considerations to reflect upon as you make your decisions regarding wireless backhaul opportunities.
LTE vs. Wi-MAX: What Technology Will Win and Wi?
AT&T and Verizon and others have committed to Long Term Evolution. Sprint, Clearwire and Intel have committed Wi-MAX. How will these battles effect rural carriers in the long term? This session will discuss the technical issues underlying the debate and provide the audience with points to ponder as they consider LTE vs. Wi-MAX in there networks.
Regulatory Update: What We Might Expect from the New Administration
After the 2008 elections, there are bound to be many changes that will affect your wireless businesses. While no one can predict the future, our distinguished panelists will give you insights into what they think we might expect from the new administration.
Femtocells and WiFi Phones: Threat or Opportunity?
While it may have once been difficult to get a signal in Rural America, new technologies are surfacing that make this an issue of the past. With these advances, customers are now able to enjoy the same service inside their home as they would near a tower, all thanks to backhaul over a broadband connection. In this panel we will discuss femtocells and dual-mode phones and examine how they might be a threat, or an opportunity to your company.
Mobile Internet Devices and Emerging Wireless Technologies
If you are a gadget geek, then this panel is for you! The iPhone, Blackberry, and Treo have set the standard for mobile computing, but many say these are just the beginning. As wireless networks become more open, new generations of devices are bound to follow (including those with no voice). Hear from this panel of experts about what the future may hold for wireless devices.
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