WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER WITH US! All-Inclusive Financing: From CPE to Fiber, we can cover it all. Fast Approval: Expect a response within 24 hours. Flexible Terms: Options ranging from 12 to 60 months. We adapt to fast-changing technology by customizing financing solutions to meet your unique business needs. Why Ritalia Funding? VISIT OUR WEBSITE @ritaliafunding David Judge Djudge@rtflease.com Sales Director 818-452-5606 RitaliaFunding.com WWW.WISPA.ORG 1 As WISPAPALOOZA’s Tuesday morning opening session commenced in the Horseshoe event center, it was a day of celebration of achievements … and reflection upon those who are in need. “Forty-one of our members were affected by the [hurricanes],” said WISPAPALOOZA president and CEO, David Zumwalt, contemplating a bittersweet anniversary event in the face of adversity for so many. “Some of them could not make it to WISPAPALOOZA because they’re still at home playing cleanup.” WISPALOOZA also took time to present some of its awards, including the prestigious President’s trophy winners – Hunter Pottorff, Melissa Slawson, Richard Bernhardt and John Scrivner – who were recognized for their unique passion for the industry. Scrivner, in particular, was regarded by the association as a “WISPA pioneer,” who is at home battling health problems and could not attend the event. According to WISPA Agenda committee chair, Nathan Stooke, “John is one of those characters that, once you meet him, you don’t forget him. He’s larger than life. He’s a close friend of the WISP space. The way he talked … before WISPA even started: ‘We need to get together. Fight the good fight.’ He’s always caring about someone. Always thinking about the industry, not just himself.” Because of his vision, he continued, “we are here today.” And because of the large shadow Scrivner casts, WISPAPALOOZA will honor him with a series of success stories, as well as a giant blowup head for exhibitors and attendees to remember him on social media. WISPAPALOOZA Day2 Opens with Excitement and Reflection (Continued on page 4)
Visit Us at Booth #131 americantower.com/wisps Let’s celebrate 20 years of the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA)! Visit American Tower at Booth #131 to pick up a Wispa® chocolate bar for a chance to win a limited-edition T-shirt! You can also request a demonstration of our new network planning tool WISP Navigator™. Wispa® and the Wispa logo are registered trademarks of Cadbury UK Limited. © 2024 ATC TRS V LLC. All rights reserved.
4 WISPAPALOOZA SHOW I OCTOBER 14 – 17, 2024 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 L Z OO 2023 PRESIDENT & CEO David Zumwalt President & CEO dzumwalt@wispa.org Mark Wills Executive Administrator & Board Liason mwills@wispa.org OPERATIONS & FINANCE Kirk Fabel Senior Director, Operations & Finance kfabel@wispa.org POLICY Louis Peraertz Vice President of Policy lperaertz@wispa.org Richard Bernhardt Vice President, Spectrum & Industry rbernhardt@wispa.org GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Matt Mandel Vice President of Government Affairs mmandel@wispa.org Steven Schwerbel State Advocacy Manager sschwerbel@wispa.org EVENTS & MEMBERSHIP Gary Helmers Sales Manager ghelmers@wispa.org Jennifer Lisaius Member Relations Specialist jlisaius@wispa.org COMMUNICATIONS Mike Wendy Director of Communications mwendy@wispa.org (Continued from page 1) Marketbroadband.com Adds E-commerce Website Dev to ISP Marketing Services Additionally, Donny Smith, the founder and CEO of WISPAPALOOZA Platinum sponsor Fibersmith, pledged to match Scrivner’s GoFundMe campaign up to $10,000. “It’s sobering to think we’ve been here for 20 years,” reflected Smith, “helping each other through business decisions, growing our companies through tornadoes … and hurricanes. The journey has been important. We’ve helped each other, and we’ve helped our communities.” WISPA also took time to speak of Emily Rogers, the daughter of Briggs Rogers, who is also struggling with her health. Other award recipients were announced for WISPA’s Tier Climbers, celebrating strong year-to-year growth: • 0-250 to 251-500 subscribers – Crosslink, Outer Reach Broadband, Tekify Fiber & Wireless, Skynet Internet, New Wave Net, Impact Internet, Texas Rural Internet, Ethx, Wifi Squared, KNR Wireless and Barger Creek Wireless. • 0-250 to 2,000-5,000 subscribers or 1,000-2,000 to 2,000-5,000 subscribers – 9Stone, Cobalt Ridge, Smart Way Communications, Zion Broadband, Skypacket Networks, Further Reach, NATCO Communications, Comcell, Netafy, PhireLink and FTIWiFi. • 500-1,000 to 10,000-25,000 subscribers or 1,000-2,000 to 5,000-10,000 subscribers – VTX1, Tower Services, Succeed.Net and Sail Internet. “We’ve been a part of WISPA for 20 years. It’s funny to see how much WISPA has grown,” said Brian Young, the president of WISPAPALOOZA Premier sponsor, IPpay, WISPA secretary and chairman of WISPA’s nominations committee. “It’s super encouraging to see all of you in the room, coming out to learn more and grow more. Our heart and soul within our companies are to be bigger, better and stronger. Congratulations to WISPA for 20 years, and congratulations to all of you. There’s a whole lot of learning and whole lot of knowledge here.” Concluding with the official announcement of the return of WISPAMERICA 2025 in Oklahoma City – March 24-27 - Stooke spoke encouragingly about an industry on the upswing, reflective of this hunger for learning. “It’s no longer about the technology you use to get the customer. It’s about the customer experience. We have to fight for these customers. They’re voting with their wallets, and the fastest growing segment is fixed wireless,” said Stooke. “The customer does not care how they get their service,” he added. “They just want it to be reliable.” m Small and medium-sized ISPs are often challenged by the time and resources needed to develop a website and storefront that effectively underpins marketing efforts. An ISP website should include important elements such as: a serviceability tool for prospective customers, customized landing pages tying directly to marketing activity and e-commerce for end-to-end engagement, from landing page to online checkout. Fortunately, MarketBroadband’s new turnkey solution delivers these elements in a customizable solution. “Whatever marketing tactic you use, the first place most buyers go to is your website,” said Ken Janc, president of Lorex, the company behind Marketbroadband.com. “Style, look and feel are important, but even more important is the process you put the user through. Are you sending them to a landing page that ties directly to the marketing they are responding to? Can they easily determine if their home or business is eligible for your service? Can they buy online? These should all be yes answers. “A professional look and feel, along with the three key elements for user engagement is the target here,” Janc added, “and this is a need that we believe our industry-specific solution can help fulfill.” MarketBroadband.com specializes in providing turnkey marketing programs for wireless and fiber/wireline ISPs. m Visit Lorex and MarketBroadband.com at WISPAPALOOZA booth #343.
Solving Fiber Deployments for Rural Environments The small footprint of the FiberFlex 600 active cabinet delivers exactly what rural fiber expansions need as operators look to connect homes in less densely populated areas. • Optimize deployment flexibility • Speed your installation • Cut network design time The FiberFlex 600 reduced footprint and mounting options offer the deployment flexibility to overcome permitting and right-of-way challenges. The all-in-one design has up to 72 internal feeder fiber distribution ports, supporting passive centralized or distributed split downstream and provides the means to add fiber, active equipment, DC power and environmental control systems. Ask Clearfield® to tell you how. Enabling the Lifestyle that Better Broadband Provides Technologies that speed your fiber broadband buildout. Learn how to simplify your deployments at SeeClearfield.com or call 800-422-2537 CLEARFIELD IS PROUD TO SUPPORT BUILD AMERICA, BUY AMERICA (BABA).
6 WISPAPALOOZA SHOW I OCTOBER 14 – 17, 2024 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 L Z OO 2023 Tarana recently announced progress with three veteran cable operators, representing significant uptake of the company’s next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) broadband technology in the U.S. cable industry. Tarana’s` ngFWA technology is the first of its kind to deliver truly fiber-class broadband with wireless economics and scalability, said the company. After launching commercially in late 2021, ngFWA first took off with WISPs including Wisper and Nextlink. Now more operator segments — cable companies in particular — are turning to ngFWA to enhance and extend their broadband networks, opening new doors for their businesses. Most recently, Cox — the largest private broadband company in the United States — began a field pilot with Tarana equipment in both licensed and unlicensed spectrum to tap new market opportunities. Back in April, Tarana announced their partnership with Mediacom, the fifth largest cable company in the United States. Mediacom is using ngFWA to meet RDOF requirements and expand its footprint of reliable, high-speed internet to thousands of unserved households in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. “The Tarana solution that we are deploying is highly effective in helping Mediacom meet and exceed its RDOF deployment obligations.” said Fuad Alnajjar, Mediacom’s vice president of business engineering. Midco, a leading connectivity company that offers services including cable TV, phone and internet, is using Tarana ngFWA for 11 Connect America Fund (CAF) buildouts where deployment costs and challenging terrain rendered both fiber and legacy FWA solutions impractical. Delivering high-speed broadband for just $39/month, Midco’s wireless offering is highly competitive and allows them to extend their business into new markets. “We began deploying Tarana’s solution this year, and it’s enabled us to increase the available bandwidth and better serve our customers,” said Midco chief operating officer Ben Dold. “Tarana has been a great partner, and it’s clear they have a vested interest in our success.” Each of these operators, and more than 250 others around the world, are leveraging Tarana ngFWA as a replacement for legacy FWA equipment and as a complement to their existing networks to enhance coverage and capacity wherever adding more wired connections is too costly or time-consuming. “After another recent press release announcing ngFWA adoption by UScellular, the nation’s fifth largest mobile network operator, it is clear that Tarana’s technology is gaining momentum in the cable industry and other segments,” announced the company, “all of which are seeking a more efficient and effective way to deliver high-speed broadband.” m Visit Tarana Wireless at WISPAPALOOZA booth #141. Tarana ngFWA Gains Momentum with U.S. Cable Operators Comcast and CommScope announced that CommScope’s full duplex (FDX) DOCSIS amplifier is now live and serving customers on Comcast’s network. With the deployment, Comcast can seamlessly deliver multi-gig symmetrical services, enhanced reliability, security and performance, to customers served by the vast majority of its current network architecture. “With this first CommScope Full Duplex (FDX) DOCSIS amplifier live in our network, we are positioned to accelerate the pace of our FDX DOCSIS 4.0 deployment,” said Comcast chief network officer, Elad Nafshi. “This pioneering smart amplifier will enable us to deliver multi-gig symmetrical services and leverage industry-first imbedded AI capabilities to deliver unprecedented intelligence, service automation and reliability across our network.” Since launching FDX DOCSIS 4.0 in October 2023, Comcast has scaled the offering to more than one million homes – spanning six markets – with plans to continue accelerating the pace of activation. With this first successful deployment of CommScope’s FDX amplifier, Comcast has a clear path to delivering an unparalleled network experience to homes and businesses across the U.S. CommScope delivered the first prototype full duplex DOCSIS (FDX) amplifiers to Comcast’s advanced technology labs in February 2023; in the following months, the companies undertook system testing to understand and implement technology improvements in advance of this deployment. “Building a future-proof network demands that we’re continually evolving and refining our hardware and software to support everincreasing customer demand,” said Nafshi. “CommScope is a long-standing leader in technology development to support next generation connectivity. Their FDX amplifiers and RPD nodes afford us the flexibility to seamlessly upgrade legacy hardware or deploy hardware where it makes sense for us and our customers, while delivering all the capacity, power and longevity we’ll need into the future.” This milestone represents the first field deployment of STARLINE full duplex (FDX) DOCSIS amplifiers, which employ unified DOCSIS 4.0 silicon technology, in Comcast’s network. Comcast has also begun deploying CommScope’s Opti Max OM6000 FDX node, which utilizes the RD1710-X6 remote PHY device. CommScope’s FDX nodes and amplifiers operate in the upstream on a traditional 5-85 MHz mid-split upstream band. In FDX operation, however, both upstream and downstream traffic share the same spectrum, which begins at 108 MHz and extends to 684 MHz. FDX operation uses this shared spectrum dynamically by “directing” portions of the shared spectrum toward the upstream or downstream band based on traffic demands. This dynamically shared spectrum is used to increase the bandwidth that is available for upstream signals. m Visit CommScope’s booth #600 at WISPAPALOOZA. Comcast Adds CommScope’s FDX DOCSIS Amplifier on its Network
Own the Neighborhood™ Fiberhood or Fixed Wireless Deployment Lorex, Inc. 18324 Joplin St. Elk River, MN 55330 Visit Our ISP Marketing Superstore! Call Now! 800.792.8812 MarketBroadband.com Get Your Entire Team Marketing from Construction to Installation Check Out What’s New! Pre-Sales Marketing Kit BUY NOW Door Hangers BUY NOW Brochures “Excuse Our Mess” Postcards Generate sales before you deploy with this Soft-touch Pre-Sales D2D Marketing Kit. Installation Crew Marketing Kit Brochures Business Card Magnets Refer-a-Friend Cards ABC Broadband 888.888.8888 ABC Broadband Refer a Friend Prime the pump on referrals and boost new customer satisfaction. Corporate O ce Marketing Kit BUY BUY NOW NOW Display Ads BUY NOW BUY NOW Digital Direct Mail CTV & OTT GIS Map-Based Direct Mail and Online Digital Display (Banner) Ads for multi-touch or programmatic marketing. Deployment Crew Marketing Kit Fiber Coming Soon! Vehicle Magnets Flyers A-Frames External Vehicle Brochure Holders ABC Broadband Fiber Internet Coming Soon! Fiber Internet Info Take One! Let “drive-by’s” answer their own questions vs wasting crew time. QR coded vehicle signage and vehicle mounted brochure holders answer it all. Booth 343 E-Commerce Websites ABC Broadband NEW PRODUCT! Paid Search/Pay-Per-Click (PPC Ads) GIS Targeted NEW PRODUCT!
8 WISPAPALOOZA SHOW I OCTOBER 14 – 17, 2024 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 L Z OO 2023 Broadband networking solutions provider Comtrend is demonstrating its latest innovations at WISPAPALOOZA. A central focus will be OpenPON, its groundbreaking open-architecture approach to fiber delivery that is expected to help revitalize fiber deployments. Comtrend has been promoting OpenPON nationwide, in particular highlighting the advantages of vendor flexibility and competitive pricing that are enabled by its open-market model. OpenPON is designed to offer scalability, flexibility and cost-effective alternatives to proprietary systems, making it particularly well suited for the WISP market. Additionally, Comtrend plans to unveil its expanded ONT lineup, which includes the GRG-4283, GRG-4286, GRG-4361 and soonto-be-released XGSF-4606 SFP ONT. WISPAPALOOZA attendees, it noted, will be able to witness a live demonstration of OpenPON, featuring the XGS-PON micro OLT and Comtrend’s ONTs, in collaboration with disaggregated networking solutions provider Fonex. The companies plan to showcase how service providers can deploy scalable, costeffective broadband services using a combination of an XGS-PON micro OLT, ONT and Ethernet gateway. The demonstration is expected to highlight the benefits of OpenPON architecture in creating adaptable and futureready networks. Comtrend will also participate in a panel discussion in which it explores how its new coax-based DPU can bring gigabit speeds throughout MDUs by leveraging combined technologies to optimize efficiency and reduce cost. Join Comtrend senior director of product strategy, Bradley H. Joe, for this discussion on innovative approaches to delivering gigabit speeds to MDUs that do not have fiber infrastructure. The session will explore how hybrid solutions – combining various technologies – can optimize efficiency and reduce cost. The discussion will also address how integrating alternative tools can accelerate deployment timelines, increase scalability and generate faster revenue capture. This session, Fiber Networks: Leveraging Hybrid Solutions, is scheduled to take place on Wed., Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m., in Champagne room 4. m Visit Comtrend at WISPAPALOOZA booth #302. Comtrend Demos OpenPON, Broadband Solutions BillMax Billing Solutions, a software company for internet and VoIP providers, introduced a new REST API that allows clients to more easily automate their billing processes, retrieve real-time data and more efficiently manage accounts from any platform or application. BillMax’s REST API supports seamless integration with its billing solutions, offering developers a standardized method to access and manipulate customer data, billing information and service provisioning. Users are invited to visit BillMax’s Swagger page to interact with its API endpoints in a user-friendly environment, in addition to testing requests, viewing responses and understanding how to more easily integrate robust billing functions into their applications. Also included are tools and resources for automating billing processes, retrieving customer insight, enhancing service delivery and accessing more efficient and scalable integration. “We’re pleased to offer this API to our clients so they are better able to serve their customers,” said Paul Slezak, CEO, BillMax. “Being able to quickly, easily and seamlessly integrate sales, marketing, provisioning and other 3rd party solutions is critical in these days of rapid development.” BillMax Billing Solutions helps businesses, and in particular the ISP and VoIP verticals, manage customer’s lifecycle to improve customer service, reduce cost and lower administrative overhead. Since 1998, the company has completed hundreds of installations for clients worldwide. m Visit BillMax Billing Solutions at WISPAPALOOZA booth #329. Intracom Telecom is spotlighting its UltraLink-GX80, a high-performance e-band radio that it is touting as a true “game-changer.” The 71-76 / 81/86 GHz technology has been tested and proven for demanding environments, extending a cost-effective alternative to traditional optical fiber. Its compact, all-outdoor design serves to streamline installation while also minimizing deployment footprint and TCO. The UltraLink-GX80 includes several networking features to support the smooth delivery of carrier ethernet and IP/ MPLS services, achieving e-band link ranges of up to nine miles, with accompanying speeds of up to 10 Gbps in both directions. This makes the radio an ideal deployment for middle-mile applications. It can also be configured for dual-band operations, allowing for either easier upgrades to existing microwave links or the deployment of new long-range connections. m Visit Intracom Telecom at WISPAPALOOZA booth #335. BillMax Billing Solutions Intros REST API Intracom Telecom Shows Off E-Band Technology to Transform Wireless Transport
10 WISPAPALOOZA SHOW I OCTOBER 14 – 17, 2024 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 L Z OO 2023 Nokia launched its new Beacon 19 Wi-Fi 7 gateway. Beacon 19 is designed to provide seamless, high-capacity mesh networking to assist operators in delivering improved broadband experiences. A tri-band device, the Beacon 19 Gateway offers up to 19 Gbps of Wi-Fi capacity to better meet the essential demands associated with streaming, online gaming, video, smart home and in-home security applications. With the widespread adoption of XGS-PON and the rise of 25G PON services, Wi-Fi upgrades are critical for delivering multi-gig speeds into the home. Nokia’s Beacon 19 is specifically designed to allow service providers to offer a best-in-class Wi-Fi 7 experience that incorporates Wi-Fi 7’s full capabilities, reducing network congestion with three radio bands to eliminate slowdowns and buffering issues. The Beacon 19 also supports multi-link operations (MLO), enhancing connection speeds by allowing devices to simultaneously send and receive data across different frequency bands and channels. Nokia’s Beacon 19 is powered by its Corteca software. Nokia Corteca works end-to-end, from applications embedded in the device, through the home and into the cloud. Built on open industry standards (TR-369, EasyMesh), Corteca integrates advanced Wi-Fi and device management while offering a marketplace with applications - including those of third parties - that run on fiber (ONT) gateways, FWA gateways and mesh Wi-Fi beacons. “Wi-Fi 7 is a pivotal new technology that will power the connected home of the future,” said Justin Doucette, the head of Wi-Fi, fixed networks with Nokia. “The Beacon 19 Wi-Fi 7 gateway is designed to help service providers make sure multi-gigabit speeds reach every corner of the house. Combined with our Corteca software, built-in TR-369 support for management, and open framework, it makes managing devices in the home much simpler. This means providers can easily optimize Wi-Fi, offer new services, and ultimately give their customers a fast, reliable and seamless broadband experience” “With the rise of XGS-PON and 25G PON services, Wi-Fi upgrades are becoming critical for delivering multi-gig speeds into the home,” added Michael Philpott, research director, digital consumer services, Omdia. “Since becoming standardized in January 2024, we’ve already seen 11 percent of the 61 telcos we benchmark launch Wi-Fi 7, and with other launches already announced, we expect that number to quickly grow. Wi-Fi 7 sets the stage for a faster, more connected future and solutions like Nokia’s Beacon 19 will allow service providers to offer a best-inclass Wi-Fi experience to its customers.” m Visit Nokia at WISPAPALOOZA booth #347. Nokia Expands Wi-Fi 7 Portfolio with Launch of Beacon 19 Gateway
WWW.WISPA.ORG 11 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 Harmonic’s BEAD Solutions Speed Up FTTH Deployments According to executives at Harmonic, the company’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) solutions enable broadband operators to deploy high-speed fiberto-the-home (FTTH) services faster, utilizing the domestically manufactured Fin remote OLT (R-OLT) in conjunction with an operator’s existing network edge devices. The Americanbuilt Fin 10G R-OLT SFP+ can serve customers at ranges up to 20km, extending the reach of existing network edge devices to address isolated unserved and underserved communities. “We are fully supportive of the BEAD-BABA program’s efforts to bring internet access to all,” said Dan Gledhill, senior vice president, fiber broadband at Harmonic. “Enabling efficient delivery of high-speed fiber broadband services from both new and existing network equipment lets operators mitigate mid-mile construction, allowing efforts to focus on last-mile fiber connections to end subscribers. Our solutions help operators cut the cost of deployment projects, reduce time to market and help streamline delivery into rural communities.” The Fin pluggable module can be hosted by Harmonic’s portfolio of rack-mounted switches and Jetty remote switches. Jetty fits into Harmonic’s Ripple and Oyster nodes and can also be retrofitted into third-party nodes thanks to Harmonic’s unique Raft adaptive solution for legacy enclosures. Jetty supports long range 10/25G Ethernet so operators can also daisy chain nodes to more efficiently expand service areas and optimize use of existing fiber assets. The company expects to complete the BEAD and Build America, Buy America (BABA) certification process for the Fin R-OLT module by the end of the year and for other key fiber products in 2025. m Visit Harmonic at WISPAPALOOZA booth #636. You deserve better. Just because. You’ve worked hard, met all the challenges and have built a successful ISP. To grow your business to the next level you deserve better and more cost-effective solutions. The BillMax billing and customer care platform provides fully customizable enterprise level components for billing and customer service management. Build a better business; own your destiny. Learn how at BillMax.com. BOOTH 329 Explore how WISPs can leverage IoT to unlock opportunities in both rural and urban environments on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in meeting room Concorde C. Discover the transformative potential of LoRa (Long Range) and IoT technologies in driving solutions across industrial, municipal and utility sectors. Topic experts from CTIconnect, Hechtmen Venture Development, Two-Hops Wireless and Cal,net will offer insights into the latest IoT trends and the implications of emerging standards like Matter for operator-managed Smart Homes. Learn how WISPs can play a crucial role in providing connectivity infrastructure for IoT deployments, enhancing efficiency, and enabling smart city initiatives. m Learn About IoT Opportunities
12 WISPAPALOOZA SHOW I OCTOBER 14 – 17, 2024 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 L Z OO 2023 Winncom Technologies expanded its distribution agreement with Nokia to include the Central American and Latin American markets. Winncom’s service offerings and global reach, coupled with Nokia’s robust networking solutions, are expected to assist CALA ISPs and integrators in helping to close the digital divide. In other news, Winncom Technologies and fiber product manufacturer FIBRAIN have signed a global distribution agreement. This new partnership aligns FIBRAIN’s top-tier fiber products with Winncom’s global reach and value-add services creating a broader range of innovative connectivity solutions available to customers worldwide. And finally, Tarana’s wireless broadband solution G1 is now certified and available in the U.K. through Winncom Technologies. The next-gen FWA broadband platform is now fully compliant in 5GHz, and global distributor Winncom Technologies is accepting orders from U.K. operators immediately with future expansion plans to include the rest of Europe. m Visit Winncom at WISPAPALOOZA booths #631, 534 and 241. Visit Nokia at booth #347. Winncom, Nokia Extend Distribution Agreement to Central, Latin America • Single CRM screen for all customer data and interactions (with integrated help/ticket system) • Automated billing, payments and network integration • Mobile-friendly interface for installers • Full electronic work flow • End User Portal provides 24/7 customer access and service updates • Auto-disconnect for non-payment and auto-reconnect when payment received via End User Portal • Financial Dashboard and comprehensive Business Reporting • Retro Wireless ▪ LTE & Traditional Fixed Wireless ▪ Cambium, UBNT, Telrad, Baicells etc. • Fiber Focus: ▪ DZS ▪ Calix ▪ UFiber ▪ Vetro ▪ Render • Other Integration Examples: ▪ VoIP: Alianza ▪ Bandwidth Control: Bequant, Preseem, Saisei, Cambium ▪ Mapping: Google Maps, TowerCoverage ▪ Scheduling: Google Calendar Azotel is more than a billing and operational support system. It's a powerful, flexible ISP automation tool that provides unparalleled efficiency and customer satisfaction. Developed by a WISP operator in 2002, Azotel has grown into a feature-rich, time- tested system in use by WISPs & Fiber Broadband Operators around the world. Whether you have 100 or 100,000 subscribers, Azotel can save you money and bring ease to your operations. Michael Sheward | CTO, Solutions4ebiz | Azotel N America Distributor SCHEDULEADEMO | sales@azotel.comor | Call +1 877-666-3249 azotel.solutions4ebiz.com Essentia Inc. is now showcasing its joint use and make-ready solutions set at WISPAPALOOZA. These offerings can accelerate project schedules and streamline broadband deployments. Essentia’s joint use and make-ready solutions specifically streamline the process of negotiating pole application approval timelines, addressing construction needs and meeting design standards, with turnkey project management, pole inspection services, OTMR best practices and real-time reporting to promote efficiency at every step. This results in an overall faster pole licensing experience, as well as improved make-ready designs and enhanced construction safety, all aimed at protecting one’s interests. m Visit Essentia Inc. at WISPAPALOOZA booth #317. Essentia Showcasing Joint Use and Make-Ready Solutions
WWW.WISPA.ORG 13 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 SignaQual, Developed by RSI, Announces Major Upgrades to SelfQual SignaQual, a broadband qualification and lead-management solution developed by Regulatory Solutions, Inc., announced new integration upgrades to its SelfQual web page extension. These enhancements are designed to help ISPs seamlessly import leads generated from their websites directly into major ISP billing systems, among them Powercode, Sonar, Splynx, UISP and VISP. While SignaQual helps ISPs streamline the customer qualification process, the SelfQual extension enhances this capability, allowing potential customers to check service availability and initiate service requests online. With the latest upgrades, SelfQual extends direct integration with leading billing systems in order to revolutionize how ISPs can manage leads and customer data. Key Features of this aspect include: • Seamless data import into ISP billing systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry while reducing errors and improving efficiency. • Real-time synchronization to ensure that lead information is synchronized in realtime with the billing systems, enabling ISPs to respond quickly to customer inquiries and manage new accounts with improved speed and accuracy. • Email alerts, including notifications of web page service inquiries. • Customizable workflows, which allow ISPs to customize how lead data is processed within their billing systems, allowing for tailored workflows that fit specific business need. • Seamless connectivity to billing systems, so ISPs can provide a more cohesive and responsive CX. • Scalability, as the upgraded SelfQual platform is designed to scale with ISP growth, supporting the seamless handling of increasing lead volumes and more complex customer management needs as ISPs expand their operations. “These enhancements mark a pivotal moment in how ISPs can manage their customer interactions,” noted Brian Webster, Regulatory Solutions CEO. “SelfQual, as an extension of SignaQual, which RSI developed, is now more powerful than ever. By integrating with leading billing systems like Powercode, Sonar, Splynx, UISP and VISP, we’re empowering ISPs to streamline their operations and enhance the customer journey. RSI’s vision has always been to drive innovation in the broadband industry, and this upgrade is a testament to that mission.” The integration upgrades are now available to current and new SignalQual customers. m Visit Regulatory Solutions, Inc. at WISPAPALOOZA booth #452.
WWW.WISPA.ORG 15 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 Discover essential tips and strategies for scaling your Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) from a financial perspective in this insightful session taking place Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in meeting room Platinum – Horseshoe. Learn effective financial structuring techniques to attract funding opportunities and accelerate company growth. Explore key considerations such as financial forecasting, budgeting for expansion, optimizing capital allocation and identifying potential funding sources including grants, loans, and investor partnerships. Whether you're a startup or looking to expand, this session will provide practical insights into navigating financial challenges and maximizing profitability while scaling your WISP operations. m Cambium Networks recently announced the launch of the PMP 450v 2×2 Subscriber Module, what the company called a “cutting-edge addition to its extensive portfolio of networking solutions.” The PMP 450v 2×2 Subscriber Module is designed to deliver superior performance with a maximum throughput of more than 600 Mbps operating in either 5 GHz or 6 GHz in a single platform. This new module is engineered to meet the growing demands for high-capacity and flexible network solutions, particularly in environments with crowded spectrum and capacity constraints. Other features and benefits of the PMP 450v include wide channel bandwidth, supporting up to 80 MHz of occupied channel bandwidth for increased data transfer rates and a component carrier architecture that includes two component carriers to maximize capacity and coverage but reduce interference. Spectrum flexibility means the unit perates across the 5-7 GHz spectrum, providing greater flexibility in deployment, while it’s built on a highly flexible FPGA-based architecture, enabling easy updates and customization. Rich management integration means seamless integration with Cambium Networks’ cnMaestro management system, offering comprehensive monitoring and management capabilities. “The PMP 450v 2×2 Subscriber Module is a testament to our dedication to innovation and excellence in connectivity solutions,” said Morgan Kurk, President and CEO of Cambium Networks. “This new module will empower network operators to maximize their spectrum resources while maintaining exceptional performance and reliability.” Cambium Networks equipment can operate across 850 MHz of the 6 GHz spectrum band allocated by the FCC and 950 MHz allocated by the Canadian authorities. m Visit Cambium Networks at WISAPALOOZA booth #537. Scaling Your WISP From a Financial Perspective Cambium Unveils PMP 450v 2×2 Subscriber Module
16 WISPAPALOOZA SHOW I OCTOBER 14 – 17, 2024 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 L Z OO 2023 According to sources at the company, residential and commercial applications across the globe will experience enhanced, high-performant connectivity as a result of ZINWELL joining the HomeGrid Forum. A provider of networking technologies, ZINWELL brings a comprehensive portfolio of G.hn Access solutions for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications. This announcement, which comes following the company’s exhibition at the HomeGrid Forum booth during Network X, exemplifies the commitment of both organizations to driving the advancement and adoption of G.hn-based solutions to enable service providers to meet the rising demand for Gigabit Internet and reliable in-home coverage. “We are thrilled to welcome ZINWELL to the HomeGrid Forum community,” said HomeGrid Forum president Livia Rosu, also leading the strategy alliances landscape at MaxLinear. “Their expertise and extensive portfolio in G.hn Access and In-home technology will help elevate the work we do in advancing the deployment of nextgeneration home connectivity solutions.” ZINWELL’s G.hn solutions are designed to maximize the potential of existing coaxial, phone line, and in-home power line infrastructures, delivering speeds of up to 2 Gbps. Their extensive product portfolio including Reverse-Power-Fed outdoor DPUs, indoor coax DPUs, wired/Wi-Fi CPEs, SFPs and powerline adaptors provide flexible and scalable solutions for diverse deployment scenarios. The company, which is based in Taiwan, recently achieved ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Certification, demonstrating its commitment to secure and reliable development, manufacturing, and data integration services for customers around the world. “We are excited to join HomeGrid Forum and collaborate with its members to further drive and develop G.hn technology,” said SC Lin, broadband access division head at ZINWELL. “Our involvement will enable us to push forward innovations that enhance the next generation of networking, helping service providers around the world deliver seamless connectivity.” This latest addition to the HomeGrid Forum aligns with the Forum’s mission to promote G.hn as a versatile and reliable industry network standard, supporting in-building and multi-gigabit solutions. m Visit ZINWELL at WISPAPALOOZA booth #306. ZINWELL joins HomeGrid Forum Visit SAF at booth #318 for a chance to win great prizes throughout WISPAPALOOZA, including one of three FreeMile 60 GHz Links. Stop By SAF to Win
WWW.WISPA.ORG 17 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 Paymentus to Bring Advanced Billing and Payments Capabilities to Altera Digital Health Paymentus Holdings, Inc. recently announced an agreement with Altera Digital Health Inc. to offer its industryleading Electronic Bill Presentment and Payments (EBPP) platform in conjunction with Altera’s suite of healthcare IT solutions. Altera’s portfolio of industry-leading digital health solutions is designed to support integrated care delivery and practice optimization across the spectrum of care. Altera solutions are used by physician practices, rural and community hospitals, and local and regional health networks worldwide. Offering Paymentus’ industry-leading billing and payments platform with the Altera solution suite will address key components of revenue cycle management: billing and payment optimization. “Our focus is to simplify bill payments everywhere to better serve consumers anywhere,” said Dushyant Sharma, founder and CEO of Paymentus. “Healthcare billing is a historic pain point for patients and healthcare providers alike. Working with Altera, we will offer the modern, convenient Paymentus customer billing experience to healthcare providers and patients as a component of their healthcare IT platforms, driving higher patient satisfaction and more efficient, secure back-office operations.” Healthcare bills are the single largest source of personal debt in the United States , outweighing all other debt combined and 50% of healthcare providers say they are challenged by large patient balances. The payment disconnect between providers and patients is a significant part of the problem. According to JP Morgan Chase, 71% of healthcare providers rely on manual or paper-based systems for payments and collections, while 75% of their customers are eager to make online payments. Leveraging Altera and Paymentus solutions together will enable providers to deliver up-to-theminute patient billing information to patients via their electronic health record, send statements along with payment reminders and updates via secure digital communications – including email and text – and receive and post payments from a variety of payment sources to optimize revenue cycle management. “Healthcare providers worldwide use Altera’s solutions to deliver coordinated and comprehensive care to their communities,” said Jay Adams, group leader, Altera Digital Health. “Providers want to offer the simple and flexible payment experience that patients have come to expect in every area of their busy lives as a component of care. We are excited to work with Paymentus to make this a reality for our clients and the people they serve.” Paymentus offers a comprehensive and flexible billing and payment experience for healthcare providers and their patients. With advanced engagement solutions, patients can personalize how billing information is presented, reducing confusion regarding payment obligations. Billing notifications can be delivered securely via text and email and feature click-to-pay functionality to encourage on-time payments. The Paymentus Instant Payment Network (IPN) provides more ways to pay than any other payment solution, including ACH, secure IVR, text, email, and chat, as well as with popular digital wallets from PayPal/Venmo, ApplePay, and GooglePay. m Visit Paymentus at WISPAPALOOZA booth #531.
18 WISPAPALOOZA SHOW I OCTOBER 14 – 17, 2024 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 L Z OO 2023 FiberLight, LLC, a fiber infrastructure provider with more than 20 years of experience designing, building, and operating mission-critical, high-bandwidth networks, announced a contract to build a 10 Gbps fiber optic network for the Region 16 Education Service Center (ESC), situated within the Texas Panhandle. With the city of Amarillo as its center, Region 16 comprises 60 individual school districts and three charter schools. Its 226 campuses serve 80,000 students, spanning small districts of fewer than 30 students and others with nearly 30,000, including more than 11,000 teachers and staff. Beyond the upgrade that FiberLight’s network will bring to schools is its transformative impact on the area’s last-mile internet service providers. The ESC benefits from the E-Rate program, overseen by the FCC. This program provides discounts to assist eligible schools and libraries in obtaining affordable internet access and telecommunications services. The connectivity that FiberLight will bring to rural communities within the panhandle aligns with and is a primary goal of the E-Rate program. “Through this deal, we’re delivering fiber across 26,000 square miles to a vast majority of those in the Texas Panhandle,” explained Ron Kormos, chief strategy officer at FiberLight. “What’s most exciting is what this connectivity will mean to the teachers, students and staff at Region 16 schools and the long tail effect to the area’s city halls, police and fire departments, hospita, and the private sector, which will also benefit from this investment.” FiberLight will deliver its technical assets and expertise to Region 16. The organization is required to generate $10 million as part of its 22 percent of the E-Rate program, which it will work to fund through grants, local dollars and philanthropy. “With FiberLight’s expertise, Region 16 Education Service Center is investing in futureready infrastructure that transcends mere connectivity,” said Michael Keough, chief technology officer, Region 16. “As we strive to be an indispensable part of our community’s public service, this investment will go beyond empowering classrooms to enhance educational experiences, bolster public safety, catalyze economic growth, and foster community resilience. It’s a testament to the collaborative spirit of our region, where we’re building futures together.” While the contract’s impetus is to bring the advantages of high-speed fiber connectivity to classrooms and student learning, it also promises new benefits to the Texas Panhandle’s businesses and residents. “FiberLight has developed a reputation of delivering fiber to underserved, rural areas; our deployment across the Panhandle and Region 16 – Texas’ most underserved area – is a model that we’re quite familiar with,” said Bill Major, CEO of FiberLight. “Initially, our fiber backbone will benefit students and educators, but in the long term, there will be a knock-on effect that will activate last-mile fiber providers to deliver fiber to area homes and businesses.” “The leadership from Region 16 and FiberLight is building a stronger and more connected Texas. This deployment helps advance a statewide strategy for ‘Intelligent Infrastructure’ which touches the day-to-day lives of each of our citizens and is crucial to competitiveness and economic prosperity,” said Jeffrey DeCoux, chairman, autonomy fellow at the Autonomy Institute. “FiberLight has helped deploy critical digital infrastructure statewide, including the nation’s first Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zone on Texas SH130.” FiberLight plans to break ground on the project by the first quarter of 2025. m Visit FiberLight at WISPAPALOOZA booth #212. FiberLight to Deliver Connectivity to Schools and Municipalities Across Texas Panhandle Peraso to Showcase 60 GHz FWA Tech, Several Customer Solutions at WISPAPALOOZA Peraso Inc., a provider of mmWave wireless technology solutions, is showcasing its innovative 60 GHz fixed wireless access (FWA) solutions designed to provide next-generation connectivity for WISPs. “As the demand for faster and more reliable internet services continues to grow, Peraso is proud to offer innovative solutions that address the needs of WISPs,” said Ron Glibbery, CEO of Peraso. “Our 60 GHz FWA technology competes directly with fiber solutions, while also providing a scalable and cost-effective way to bring ultrafast connectivity to remote and underserved communities. We anticipate a very strong reception at the show and look forward to exploring new opportunities in multiple strategic markets.” The 60 GHz frequency band offers distinct advantages over other industry solutions, including wide bandwidth, minimal interference and the ability to support gigabit-level speeds, said the company. Peraso’s FWA solutions are designed to enhance network capacity, reduce deployment costs and offer flexible, reliable coverage for both urban and rural settings. In addition to its 60 GHz FWA technology, Peraso will be at WISPAPALOOZA showcasing partner solutions from industry leaders, including Jaguar Wave, Ketsen, Miliwave, Techyon Networks and Zinwell. m Visit Peraso at WISPAPALOOZA booth #638. Hear experts discuss how all available technologies combine to let operators make the decisions that best meet their needs, serve their markets and align with their business models. 8:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Event Center at Horseshoe Don’t Miss Thursday’s Keynote Panel
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