WISPAmerica Show Daily Day 1

4 WISPA merica 2018 I MARCH 6 - 8, 2018 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 1 MER C 2018 Cambium Recognizes ‘Heroes of Wireless Connectivity’ C ambium Networks, global provider of wireless networking solutions, today announced the first recipient of the company’s “Connectivity Hero of the Year Award.” Launched in 2017, the award recog- nizes individuals who have made a difference in the lives of people and improved communi- ties through their efforts to extend wireless connectivity and connect the unconnected. “Too often technology, and specifically connectivity, is taken for granted. Many people assume they will have access to whatever information they need whenever they want it,” said Brandon Butler, senior research analyst at IDC. “The reality is there are many diverging levels of technology adoption around the world. Thanks to the hard work of men and women across the technology industry, the far-reaching benefits of connectivity are becoming more widespread.” “Visionary leaders are taking strides to connect the unconnected and are making such a difference,” said Atul Bhatnagar, presi- dent and CEO of Cambium Networks. “Wire- less connectivity is changing lives around the world by expanding education, medical and safety services. These individuals are providing templates for what can be done.” And the Connectivity Hero of the Year goes to: Evert Bopp, CEO, Disaster Tech Lab (DTL) – “Disaster Tech Lab is an Ireland- based non-governmental organization (NGO) specializing in providing internet access in disaster zones. We were contacted by the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) with the request to provide internet access to refugee camps to be established in Greece to connect more than 400,000 refugees,” said Bopp. Bopp’s DTL also provides connectivity in the wake of hurricanes and other natural disasters, such as when Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean last year and a devastating earthquake shattered central Italy in 2016. “It is my pleasure to recognize Evert Bopp of Disaster Tech Lab as our 2017 ‘Connectivity Hero of the Year,’” continued Bhatnagar. “Evert and his team of volunteers have demon- strated that they will go anywhere and help anyone by providing connectivity in the wake of a disaster.” The Connectivity Hero Awards also are presented to up to four visionary people each calendar quarter, and there is one annual award. Quarterly honorees receive a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choosing. The annual winner receives a $5,000 donation to a charity of their choosing. All winners are featured on the Cambium Networks website. Connectivity Hero Award winners for the fourth quarter of 2017 included: Paul Black, Wispa, pty – “Our network is made up of long distance wireless links mostly in remote areas to connect all of the nine provinces in South Africa. Our longest link is 210 kilometers, and we have 100 percent reliability,” said Black. Black’s designated charity is Hope.org Thembalitsha, which brings a new sense of hope to the destitute, forgotten, sick and vulnerable people of the Western and Eastern Cape. Drew Lentz, Frontera Consulting – “Our team provided Wi-Fi connectivity after Hurri- cane Harvey hit Texas. We mobilized our volunteers and built Wi-Fi networks to help aid agencies and families immediately,” explained Lentz, whose designated charity is the CodeRGV digital literacy program, which provides boot camps, classes and open sessions to encourage children and adults of all ages to get involved in technology. Minn Thein, Frontiir Communications – “We have built a nationwide broadband network including Myanmar towns and villages to provide affordable digital access and bridge the digital divide,” said Thein. Frontiir has donated equipment and expertise to aid in the rehabilitation of the hard-hit Chin State. Nominations for the next round of Connec- tivity Hero Awards are open now and can be submitted at www.cambiumnetworks.com/ connectivity_ hero m Visit Cambium Networks at WISPAMERICA booth #304. A dish installed on a mobile Italian Red Cross unit by DTL and partners after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck central Italy in 2016. Satellite dish installed by DTL and partners at an ANPAS emergency relief camp in Amatrice, Italy, which was near the epicenter of the earthquake. Of the 297 who died in the disaster, 234 were in Amatrice.