WWW.WISPA.ORG 3 “From Barnyards to Boardrooms …” Welcome to WISPAPALOOZA, the premier ISP industry event, and to Las Vegas for a very special week. This year marks WISPA’s 20th anniversary, and your association has come a long way from its humble beginnings in gatherings – like the “Part-15.ORG,” WISPCON and WiNOG – and mustering our first WISPAMERICA in St. Louis. Thanks to your hard work and engagement, WISPA has become an industry-recognized force, helping WISPs grow, thrive, and connect millions of Americans across the country. Built by you, the “hometown ISPs,” go-getters, risk-takers, innovators, working 24/7/365 to deliver reliable connectivity, no matter the challenge at hand, including providing critical community service during and after hurricanes, the pandemic and elsewhere. Built by you, the vendor community that is constantly innovating and always delivering value. Built by you, the providers of professional services, who facilitate the evolution of WISPs as they navigate everchanging regulatory, statutory, and capital landscapes. And WISPAPALOOZA is also built by you, offering unparalleled access to new technology, industry expertise, updates on the latest technical and regulatory trends, and 2,500-plus colleagues who come here to learn, share and have fun – all under one big tent. Many have contributed to WISPA’s legacy and continuing story, and those pioneers who had the vision and guts to get WISPA going at the beginning merit very special thanks! WISPA would not be here without them. And we would not be here without you who shape what WISPA is today and hone us for the future. Advocacy has been in WISPA’s DNA from the start. More than 20 years ago, we were already answering the FCC’s call. In the words of then-FCC Chairman, Michael K. Powell, in NPRM 03201: “Wireless broadband has the potential to be an important catalyst for positive change. From barnyards to boardrooms, wireless networking brings the benefits of broadband communications where people need them.” Sound familiar? More recently, we have created new spectrum opportunities in the CBRS, 5.9 GHz and 6 GHz bands, opened new access to government grants and funding, and successfully pushed back against burdensome regulations like “net neutrality” and other “small business unfriendly” government efforts. A lot has changed these past 20 years. The technology and delivery systems. Our business models. Regulation. The names and faces. But the toughness, self-confidence and community-based grit remains as strong as it has ever been. Perennial as the seasons, enduring with strength, carrying us forward in the years ahead. It’s not surprising that WISPA is 20. After all, it was built by you. Please join me in celebrating our awesome community. Here’s to 20 years, and many more trips around the sun to come! I am honored to stand on the shoulders of so many giants. Happy birthday, WISPA! David Zumwalt President & CEO David M. Zumwalt WISPA President & CEO
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