SPECIAL FOCUS DAY: 1st December 2009

Broadband Stimulus Package
Working towards Sustainable Strategies for Carriers to take Advantage of the Broadband Stimulus Package
  • Chairman: Akshay Sharma, Research Director, Carrier Network/Converged Infrastructure, Gartner Dataquest, USA
  • 9.15

    • Conference Welcome & Speed Networking

  • Helen Ponsford, Conference Manager, Informa Telecoms & Media , UK
  • 09.30

    • Rural Utilities Service Update on Broadband Funding: To What Extent Will The Broadband Stimulus Package Pave The Way For Wider Reform of the USF?

  • David Villano, Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program, RUS/USDA, USA

    • + expand

    • How can the fund be put to best use in serving rural America? How are contributions to the USF determined?
    • How does the introduction of the Broadband Stimulus Package affect the competitiveness of existing USF recipients?
  • 10.00

    • How Can Carriers Ensure Plans To Serve Areas That Were Previously Unviable Are Sustainable? What Happens When The Stimulus Money Runs Out?

  • Jason Lazar, Vice President, Business Development, KeyOn , USA

    • + expand

    • What support is there for managing OPEX after the stimulus money has been spent?
    • How KeyOn's 'Rural UniFi' initiative offers a way for wireless broadband companies to unlock the value of their networks
  • 10.30

    • Examining The Role of Local Governments In NTIA Funded Projects: How the 'Elevate Miami' Initiative has Enabled Unserved Urban Citizens To Prosper

  • Peter Korinis, CIO, City of Miami, USA

    • + expand

    • Should broadband access be considered a public good? The social importance of access for the underserved
    • How many network construction jobs are likely to be created by the Broadband Stimulus Plan?
    • How does increasing coverage to rural areas benefit the wider economic community?
    • How does the government plan to measure spending and results?
  • 11.00

    • Networking & Refreshments Break

  • 11.30

    • What Will Carriers Need To Do To Win Stimulus Dollars In Future Funding Rounds? How Many Carriers Will The $7bn Be Divided Between?

  • Paul Sinderbrand, Partner, Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer , USA

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    • When will the second Notice of Funds Availability be released? Will there be a third?
    • How will the next NoFA differ from the first? How can carriers influence the direction in which RUS and NTIA go?
    • What are the "lessons learned" from the first round, and how can applicants benefit from past mistakes?
  • 12.00

    • Changing The Economic Status Of 'Super Rural' Areas Through The Practical Application Of WiMAX As A Last Mile Solution

  • Nelson Geel, CTO, Axiom Technologies , USA

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    • What are the traditional barriers to rural broadband?
    • WiMAX: The wireless alternative for service fulfilment
  • 12.30

    • Improving Access and Affordability: A Stimulus Funded State-Wide Broadband Solution to Enable Braodband Anytime Anywhere

  • Glenn Ishihara, President, Cleartalk , USA

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    • How does cleartalk plan to take advantage of stimulus funding?
    • Building upon Cleartalk's established infrastructure to tap into new market opportunities?
  • 13.00

    • Networking & Lunch Break

  • 14.15

    • PANEL DISCUSSION Will WiMAX Be Awarded The Lion's Share Of The $7bn? Will The Stimulus Package Revive The WiMAX Ecosystem In The USA?

  • Paul Sinderbrand, Partner, Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer , USA
  • David Villano, Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program, RUS/USDA, USA
  • Randall Schwartz, Principal Consultant, Wireless 20/20, USA
  • Jason Lazar, Vice President, Business Development, KeyOn , USA

    • + expand

    • Putting the Stimulus Program into perspective: Is $7bn enough to make a difference to theWiMAX ecosystem?
    • Who stands to benefit the most from the Broadband Stimulus Package?
    • Is there a role for tier 1 carriers in the Stimulus Program?
  • 15.00

    • Migrating Existing Successful Operations FromPre-WiMAX ToWiMAXWith OrWithout The Help Of Stimulus Monies

  • Philip Merrill, Founder & President, Beamspeed , USA

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    • What are some of the key steps to take in migrating an established customer base without disrupting service?
    • Why does it make sense for Beamspeed to migrate toWiMAX technology now?
  • 15.30

    • Networking & Refreshments Break

  • 16.00

    • Economics Of Equality For Remote Tribal Communities: The Business Case For Using Stimulus Funding To Bring Broadband To The Navajo Reservation

  • John Badal, CEO, Sacred Wind Communications, Inc. , USA

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    • In high cost areas and with a low income subscriber base, stimulus funding for capital investment is a must
    • Understanding how tribal customers have the same broadband needs as others
    • How the special economic and cultural characteristics of serving tribal communities demand a local focus that can best come from local ownership
  • 16.30

    • How To Proceed To Success: What To Do If You Get Money, And What To Do If You Don't Get Money In The First Round?

  • Randall Schwartz, Principal Consultant, Wireless 20/20, USA

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    • What features are required in building a network to qualify for stimulus dollars?
    • What elements of the process for grant allocation and conditions of funding are likely to be changed for the second and third rounds?
  • 17.00

    • The Business Model for Broadband Infrastructure and Public Community Centers

  • Joe Tortoretti, President, e-Path Communications , USA

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    • How e-Path Communications is helping municipalities to conquer the digital divide, encourage economic development and greater sense of community
    • Explaining the impetus behind the Public Community Center service strategy
  • 17.30

    • Close of Special Focus Day