Politics

WISP Industry Needs to Build a Map and Prepare for the New Form 477 Alex Goldman
[February 13, 2009] You need to know your coverage area.

Wireless Internet Providers Urge Congress to Help Small Businesses to BringBroadband to Rural and Underserved Americans WISPA
[February 5, 2009] The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association is urging Congress to help ensure that the new bill expands broadband Internet access to Americans in rural areas and to consumers with limited or no access to affordable broadband services.

F2C: Wireless Politics Alex Goldman
[April 22, 2008] Michael Calabrese of the New America Foundation talked common sense on wireless and spectrum issues.

A Startup's Alternative Spectrum Plan Gerry Blackwell
[December 31, 2007] When this company went before the FCC with an alternative way to manage spectrum, the incumbents fought back.

ISPCON: The 700 MHz Auction Alex Goldman
[November 19, 2007] A multitalented group of presenters described how the auction for this spectrum will work.

How They Got $480 Billion in Spectrum Giveaways Alex Goldman
[October 1, 2007] We need more research like this, focused on the long term effects of Washington D.C.'s short term telecommunications policies, which are greased with graft.

The Fight for 700 MHz Gerry Blackwell
[July 26, 2007] Wireless politics in Washington, D.C. heats up as a new company with powerful backers seeks to change the rules and challenge the monopolists.

ISPCON Policy Update: The Law and the WISPs Alex Goldman
[June 8, 2007] At ISPCON's regular policy and government update, there was lots of news for wireless ISPs, and some of it was good news.

National Broadband Policy Rant Mark Koskenmaki
[May 1, 2007] The federal government appears to think that without specific government policies there'd be no food to eat, no water to drink, and of course, no broadband.

WISPA's CALEA FAQ Michael Erskine of Kaballero.com (team leader), Brent Anderson of Great American Networks, Martha Huizenga of DC Access, Marty Dougherty of Road Star Internet, and Eric Plikuhu of ImageStream
[April 6, 2007] As members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss the relative benefits of various antennas, we provide additional information from the ISP-Planet archives.

FCC White Space Proceeding: What's at Stake Alex Goldman
[February 23, 2007] The FCC has spectrum to allocate, and that means big money will talk, but there's a chance that the WISP industry can get some of the additional unlicensed spectrum it wants and needs.

Action Item for WISPs: File With the FCC for More Unlicensed Spectrum Alex Goldman
[February 23, 2007] WISPs need more unlicensed spectrum, but so far barely a dozen have filed comments with the FCC arguing in favor of it. If WISPs fail to act, the usual monopolies will set the rules, again.

WISPA Meets With the FCC, Urges WISPs to File Form 477 WISPA
[February 21, 2007] WISPA told members of the ISP-Wireless list that the stature of all wireless internet service providers depends upon everyone telling the FCC they exist.

CALEA Approaches Best of ISP-Lists
[February 6, 2007] Lacking specific information, WISPs are at a loss as to how to comply with CALEA, let alone fill out the latest FCC form, due February 12, 2007.

Muni Broadband: the Good, Bad, and the Ugly Marlon Schafer
[December 26, 2006] While politicians love to throw money at broadband providers, one guy who's built a three county network without asking for a penny has a few suggestions.

The Ultimate Power of Deregulation Best of ISP-Lists
[March 27, 2006] As the regulation of the phone company is eliminated in the U.S., a glimpse of what it's like to run an ISP in Central America could be a taste of the future.

FCC Form 477 Kristopher Twomey
[March 6, 2006] The FCC is requiring WISPs to file data on their number of subscribers twice each year.

WISPs Demand 3.65 GHz Equipment Best of ISP-Lists
[December 13, 2005] As all available spectrum gets cluttered, WISPs look to new spectrum frontiers.

Wireless Regulation Matters Even More, Now Marlon Schafer
[December 9, 2005] As the FCC hands the wires back to the oedipal bells and ka-ching cable, the one path for packets that hasn't been monopolized is more important than ever.

The FCC and WISPs Alex Goldman
[November 22, 2005] While ISPs and CLECs are being written out of telecom, the FCC is working hard to make life better for WISPs, two lawyers told attendees at ISPCON.

Editorial: Why Clip Wi-Fi's Wings? USA TODAY
[October 25, 2005] Beware the spectrum grab at Boston's Logan airport.

The WISPs Respond Comments to the FCC
[October 4, 2005] WISPs across the nation have filed comments with the FCC defending the interests of entrepreneurs.

Spectrum Wants to be Free Best of ISP-Lists
[October 4, 2005] As the federal government prepares to auction off highly valuable, tree-penetrating 700 MHz spectrum for billions of dollars, WISPs offer a small government, pro-business alternative.

Senator, That's Not The Issue Alex Goldman
[September 23, 2005] WISPs who are eager to use the 700 MHz band will be disappointed. McCain's spectrum law is politics as usual in Washington, D.C. It ensures that as big money changes hands and noble sentiments about first responders are aired, special interests get special deals and small business is shut out of the spectrum.

Wi-Fi Planet Keynote: Wi-Fi vs. Telcos Alex Goldman
[July 26, 2005] In his keynote speech at the Wi-Fi Planet Conference & Expo, "Wi-Fi vs. Telcos", a famed Internet guru spelled out why he's looking to nimble wi-fi providers, not "telcos, cablecos, and cellcos" for innovation and the next killer app.

Wi-Fi at the War Office Gerry Blackwell
[July 25, 2005] All Points Logistics is an integrator that is striking gold with military and government deployments after earning a certification from the Department of Defense, but it won't be alone for long.

Mysterious OSHA Best of ISP-Lists
[July 19, 2005] Members of the the ISP-Wireless discussion list warn that for this government regulator, almost no corporation is too small.

You May Not Want To Know This Best of ISP-Lists
[June 7, 2005] Earl Comstock, once a candidate for FCC Chairman, told ISPCON attendees that WISP regulation could change in ways most entrepreneurs are not prepared for.

Talking to South Africa's Regulators Marlon Schafer
[December 13, 2004] One WISP CEO and consultant writes about a unique oppotunity to shape wireless Internet industry regulation on another continent.

A Trip to Southern Africa Marlon Schafer
[November 26, 2004] Sometimes life takes the strangest twists and turns.

End E-Rate Now Dave Hughes
[July 23, 2004] A wireless industry pioneer says that the E-Rate should be seen as a system fraught with fraud and a secret subsidy for phone companies. The FCC should be investigating the E-Rate, not trying to cover up its flaws.

It's Time to Log on to the FCC Dave Hughes
[July 2, 2004] A wireless industry veteran and pioneer calls on fellow WISPs to file comments with the FCC. "You don't have to hire a lawyer, or go to Washington. Just e-file!" If you're in the office this weekend, now's the perfect time.

Wireless Broadband on the TV Airwaves Eric Griffith
[May 18, 2004] A new FCC proposal says frequencies generally reserved for television broadcasts may soon be used for wireless data services, and the Commission is holding a hearing tomorrow.

FCC Proposal Brings WISPs Hope and Fear Best of ISP-Lists
[May 18, 2004] As the FCC prepares to change the wireless broadband rules (perhaps for the better), WISPs share their hopes and fears about these new rules.

How to Talk to the FCC Marlon Schafer
[April 27, 2004] So, you've been in business long enough to know what rules you like and what rules you don't. It's time to talk to the government.

How I Talked to the FCC Marlon Schafer
[April 27, 2004] Here's how I made the connections that led to my first FCC meeting.

Nomadix's Hotspot Patent, Revisited Alex Goldman
[March 9, 2004] It can be difficult to understand the meaning and import of any individual patent, as this discussion of Nomadix's patent shows.

Following the (Electrical) Code in an Office Matt Gunter
[Febraury 3, 2004] WLAN deployments have a whole slew of issues to factor in besides signal coverage—such as safety. Here's a look at the guidelines for properly setting up an enterprise network.

A Broad Patent for Hotspots Alex Goldman
[January 27, 2004] Last week, Nomadix announced that it has been awarded a patent covering key aspects of revenue generation at hotspots. We asked Nomadix's co-founder and CTO how the company plans to use its new power.

More PANS, Less POTS Alex Goldman
[November 18, 2003] Thomas Hazlett, conservative critic of government regulation and former FCC economist, wittily criticized current wireless regulation in a timely speech last week in New York.

Australia Considers TV Broadband Craig Liddell
[December 10, 2002] The government of Australia is looking at VHF and UHF television spectrum as a possible vehicle for the delivery of wireless rural broadband Internet and telephone service.

Call a Lawyer or a Vendor? Best of ISP-Lists
[November 26, 2002] Members of the The ISP-Wireless discuss whether to cooperate or litigate when a rival WISP interferes with your business.

Senators Support Wireless Broadband Roy Mark
[November 22, 2002] A bipartisan pair of senators, George Allen and Barbara Boxer, say that federal broadband assistance efforts have stalled because they have ignored vital fixed wireless technologies.

FCC Report Proposes New Spectrum Auction Plan Roy Mark
[November 19, 2002] Study says about seven percent of the most valuable spectrum is available. Proposes "two-sided" auction plan with voluntary participation by incumbents to free-up more spectrum.

Q&A with Kevin Werbach on Open Spectrum Erin Joyce
[November 11, 2002] Werbach recently spoke about some of the ideas behind open spectrum, the decentralization trend in technology, and, of course, how he thinks last week's mid-term elections might affect policy.

Battle of the Bands, Wireless Style Patricia Fusco
[September 16, 2002] LMS companies attempt to grab 900 MHz spectrum puts their interests on a collision course with millions of American businesses and consumers that use Part 15 devices on a daily basis.

WISP Group Works With FCC Roy Mark
[August 28, 2002] The Broadband Wireless Alliance has inserted itself into the regulatory process and is working for the FCC to resolve bandwidth disputes between WISPs working in license-free spectrum.

Small Cities Serve Their Own Gerry Blackwell
[June 25, 2002] All across America, municipal and county governments are waking up to the hard economic truth of the Digital Divide—and deciding to do something about it.

FCC Launches Effort to Free Spectrum Roy Mark
[June 14, 2002] The FCC hopes to aid commercial development and growth of spectrum in the 71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz and 92-95 GHz bands, capable of supporting multi-gigabit-per-second Internet speeds.

House Panel Urges Expedited UWB Proceedings Roy Mark
[June 6, 2002] Tauzin claims FCC bureaucrats, as well as members of the aviation and military industries, are conspiring to stifle development of ultra wideband technology.

When the FCC Knocks on Your Door Jim Wagner
[May 16, 2002] According to the jumble of guidelines concerning wireless communications, almost any ISP that offers wireless broadband services could be operating an illegal system.

Senate's Turn on Broadband Deregulation Roy Mark
[May 1, 2002] New legislation would allow the FCC to decide what regulatory requirements are appropriate for cable, DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite broadband.

Would the USF Help or Harm Wi-Fi? Best of ISP-Lists
[March 21, 2002] Some members of the ISP-Wireless list say that if the FCC rules that Wi-Fi providers must pay into the USF, that will subsidize ILEC competition while others believe they'll get money back from rural schools.

FCC Ushers in Ultra-Wideband Era Roy Mark
[February 15, 2002] Unanimous vote clears the way for technology that proponents say will provide higher data rates and lower power consumption than either 802.11 or Bluetooth.

Amateur Regulation Best of ISP-Lists
[August 28, 2001] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss an attempt by ham radio operators to clarify interference issues in the 2.40 GHz to 2.45 GHz spectrum. Make the FCC your business.

Specter of Opening 3G Spectrum
[March 28, 2001] Like children drawing imaginary lines of spatial demarcation in the backseat of a car, the Commission must redraw spectrum boundaries in the nation's airwaves in order to fulfill the promise of 3G broadband.

It's the Law Best of ISP-Lists
[January 6, 2001] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss the value of a government license. Why are annual fees necessary? Is it just "another tax the average voter never hears about" or does licensing serve a purpose?

Clinton Leaves 3G Legacy Patricia Fusco
[October 18, 2000] President Clinton issued and austere memorandum ordering that federal departments and agencies work in harmony with industry leaders to build third-generation wireless systems nationwide by July 2001.

FCC Investigates High-Speed Internet Service Roy Mark
[September 29, 2000] The critical issue is whether or not the FCC should require open access to cable and other high- speed systems.

Licensing for Antennas and Towers Best of ISP-Lists
[September 13, 2000] Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss what permits and licenses are required to put up antennas or towers.

Political Action Committees Alex Goldman
[September 8, 2000] Many ISPs complain that the incumbents have unfair advantages due to favorable regulation. Incumbents and Microsoft top the PAC gift-giving list.

Legacy of the 106th Congress Patricia Fusco
[September 8, 2000] The 106th Congress is nearly finished. Of the laws that Congress has not yet passed, we examine those that would have the greatest effect on the Internet economy.

FCC Opens Spectrum Patricia Fusco
[September 1, 2000] The FCC makes a major policy shift, allowing hopping channels to span 75 megahertz. Hopping enables data transmission speeds of 10 megabits per second. But some equipment manufacturers, including Cisco, are worried.

SBC Spends $5 Million, Picks Up $1.3 Billion Patricia Fusco
[August 31, 2000] SBC moves into streaming media as it gets paid to outsource the risk and reward associated with building its wireless network.

Fed's Fancy Footwork for Wireless Auctions Patricia Fusco
[August 30, 2000] FCC's latest rules invite smaller wireless firms to the big dance but still enforce spectrum caps.

The Politics of Numbers:
A Second Look at the FCC's Second Broadband Report Patricia Fusco
[August 9, 2000] There is some good news surrounding the Federal Communication Commission's recent report, which attempted to measure the deployment of high-speed and advanced telecom services in the U.S.

FCC Delays Auction Again Patricia Fusco
[August 3, 2000] Next-generation wireless Internet services delayed again. Federal regulators hold the future of wireless services hostage while spectrum hogs defer abandoning their frequencies.

Rural Broadband Access:
Congress Finally Barks Up the Right Tree Patricia Fusco
[March 28, 2000] As a part of its rural broadband initiative, the Federal Communications Commission is exceptionally active in making high-speed Internet services in rural areas a high priority. Until recently, however, regulatory attempts to bridge the nation's rural broadband service gap have reminded us of a toothless canine: they've had no bite.