Broadband Wireless Internet Access (BWIA) / WiMAX Press Releases

Ruckus Wireless Unveils RIOT Metro Program

SUNNYVALE, CA, April 16, 2007 – Ruckus Wireless today introduced its Ruckus Interoperability and Open Testing Program (RIOT) for the metro Wi-Fi market.

The RIOT Metro program was developed to ensure the flawless operation of and interoperability between outdoor metro Wi-Fi equipment and Ruckus indoor metro Wi-Fi gateways. BelAir Networks, Mesh Dynamics, Motorola, Proxim, SkyPilot Networks and Tropos Networks are among the inaugural members. Ruckus previously announced (December, 2005) a RIOT IPTV program for the ecosystem of suppliers in the IPTV market.

Under the RIOT Metro program, wireless broadband providers can feel confident in the highest level of interoperability, performance and functionality between outdoor Wi-Fi mesh nodes and the Ruckus MetroFlex, the industry’s leading indoor metro Wi-Fi modem.

New Study Finds FCC Spectrum Auctions Prone to Anti-Competitive Behavior

Study Endorses Innovative Leasing Proposal Offered in Application of M2Z Networks to Build Nationwide Free Broadband Service

MENLO PARK, Calif., March 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new study filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) finds that the FCC's use of auctions for assigning spectrum licenses could be subject to anti-competitive behavior by incumbent carriers.

The study performed by Dr. Simon Wilkie, former chief economist at the FCC and current head of the University of Southern California Center for Communications Law and Policy, reviews past auction results and finds that auctions do not work in all circumstances to secure for the public the benefits of the efficient use of spectrum as the law requires the FCC to do. For example, in the recent AWS auctions, the study found that 98% of the spectrum in major metropolitan areas went to incumbents, effectively shutting out any new entrants.

Frontline Fills in Proposed Details Of 700 MHz Service Rules

(The feeding frenzy over the 700 MHz auctions later this year is going to enormous. - SKS)

WASHINGTON and GREENSBORO, N.C., March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- To implement its Public Safety Broadband Deployment Plan, Frontline Wireless today filed at the Federal Communications Commission a "working draft" of proposed service rules for the 700 MHz spectrum auction.  Frontline, whose plan would provide a privately-funded, national 4G public safety network for interoperability, is urging the FCC to promptly seek public comment on its suggestions.

Frontline's market-based approach would meet FCC and Congressional goals for providing adequate spectrum resources to meet first responders' mission- critical communications requirements.  Under the proposal, the FCC would license a 10 MHz block of 700 MHz commercial spectrum -- the E Block -- under the license condition that the auction winner would build a nationwide infrastructure to support the public safety broadband network.  Frontline's proposal would require that the licensee operate on a wholesale basis to support public safety network obligations that would be a license condition and provide priority access to public safety to its commercial spectrum during emergencies.

Silicon Valley Backed Plan To Provide Free Broadband Service Pending At The FCC For Nearly One Year

(Looks like M2Z Networks is trying to turn up the heat to get their proposal seriously considered by the FCC. - SKS)

Silicon Valley Backed Plan to Provide Free Broadband Service Pending at the FCC for Nearly One Year

- Swift Action Required to Grant M2Z's License Application and Maximize Direct Benefits to Consumers-

MENLO PARK, Calif., March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must take swift action to grant M2Z Networks, Inc.'s (M2Z) pending license application in order to avoid an irrecoverable loss of consumer benefits, according to a study released today.

In May 2006, M2Z filed an application to lease currently underutilized spectrum to build a fast, free, family-friendly wireless broadband network that would provide Internet access to 95% of Americans within 10 years.  In return, M2Z would contribute 5% of revenues from an enhanced service to the U.S. Treasury and allow public safety to use its interoperable network for free and on a priority basis during emergencies.

WCA Announces LMDS Licensee Strategic Initiative

WCA announced the launch of WCA’s LMDS Coalition – an ad hoc working group of LMDS licensees seeking to improve business prospects and grow the market among end-users.  In the past two weeks, WCA has convened by conference call or meeting in Washington, DC nearly 40 executives from 28 different LMDS licensees.  WCA reached out also this week by email to vendors who have made LMDS equipment in the past, as well as those whose product lines lend themselves to adaptation to the A and B block bands.  (Vendors not yet contacted should contact WCA’s liaison listed below.)  WCA is optimistic concerning the success of this effort.  Working with its law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer, WCA has a positive track record of obtaining similar successes for other services over the years when a critical mass of licensees acts in unison.  For more information on the initiative or to join the LMDS Coalition, please contact WCA's LMDS group liaison Meredith Cicerchia at meredith@wcai.com.

From WCAI's website - http://www.wcai.com/article_005.htm#a