Redding, CA (PRWEB) March 02, 2015 -- WISPAmerica, an annual conference and trade show dedicated to the fixed Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) industry, topped attendance by attracting over 600 attendees, a 21 percent increase over the prior attendance record. The conference, which is hosted by the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA), was held last week, February 23-26, at the St. Louis Union Station - a Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in St. Louis, MO.
The conference took place in the midst of a legendary ruling by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), declaring broadband as a utility. As this directly impacts attendees and exhibitors alike, WISPAmerica was abuzz with meetings, networking and sharing of ideas. In addition to the learning sessions, equipment vendors provided product certification training both before and after the conference.
Attendees were also privileged to have FCC Commissioner, Michael O’Rielly, as a Keynote Speaker on the eve of the broadband ruling. As a supporter of the WISP industry, Commissioner O’Rielly acknowledged the negative impacts the FCC net neutrality ruling will potentially have on the 3,000+ rural Internet service providers (ISPs). He addressed his support for efficient spectrum policy as providers need more spectrum to satisfy consumer demand. Commissioner O’Rielly noted that 401 million devices were connected to the Internet last year in which fixed ISPs serve seven percent of the most rural population.
“The timing of WISPAmerica could not have been better as it allowed attendees from the fixed wireless industry to meet, learn and strategize during this landmark time,” said Chuck Hogg, President of WISPA. “We are pleased that Commissioner O’Rielly took the time from his busy schedule to address the attendees. Our record-breaking attendance is testament that rural Internet providers have a strong and necessary presence throughout the United States."
About WISPAmerica
WISPAmerica is an annual conference and tradeshow dedicated to the Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP) industry. The conference attracts more than 600 attendees, 50 exhibitors/sponsors and over 30 business, regulatory and technical learning sessions.
About WISPA
WISPA is a membership-driven trade association that promotes the development, advancement and unity of the fixed Wireless Internet Service Providers industry. WISPA has over 800 members that support WISPA’s advocacy, education and other collaborative industry initiatives. For more information, visit http://www.wispa.org.
Media Inquiries:
Suzanne Urash
CRE8 Group, Inc.
suzanne(at)cre8groupinc(dot)com
Tel:1.813.649.8504
Alex Phillips, WISPA, http://www.wispa.org, 540.908.3993, [email protected]
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