FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai Gives Stellar Speech at WISPAPALOOZA 2014
(PRWEB) October 16, 2014 -- Federal Communications Commissioner Ajit Pai spoke at WISPAPALOOZA, an annual conference and trade show dedicated to the Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) industry, during its Annual Awards Banquet on October 15 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.
During his speech, Commissioner Pai observed that almost half of all Americans can now access high speed broadband using fixed wireless technology. He discussed a number of his views on how the FCC could better enable small broadband providers to extend their services.
First, Commissioner Pai noted the FCC’s decision to add unlicensed spectrum for outdoor use to the 5 GHz band, and cited his support for rules opening up the 3550-3650 MHz band. The Commissioner also heralded new rules, to be adopted on October 17, that will increase the ability of WISPs to obtain co-location approval on wireless infrastructure.
Second, Commissioner Pai reiterated his position that Title II regulation of the Internet would place extreme burdens on small businesses that serve rural customers. He said, “The concerns of small businesses need to be front and center in this debate, not an afterthought to an ideological crusade.” He added that “Small ISPs serving rural areas already face enough challenges. Consumers have lower income, distances are farther, and deployment is more expensive. Regulating broadband under Title II would only exacerbate these problems.”
“We thank Commissioner Pai for attending our conference and spending time on the exhibit hall floor to see the tremendous innovation that is driving our industry. His remarks were spot-on in recognizing the ways the FCC has and can promote fair competition for small broadband providers. said Chuck Hogg, President of WISPA“WISPA looks forward to working with Commissioner Pai, and all of the FCC Commissioners, in advancing the public’s interest in receiving affordable fixed broadband service into the future.”
About WISPAPALOOZA
WISPAPALOOZA is an annual conference and tradeshow dedicated to the Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) industry. The conference attracts more than 1,100 attendees, 100 exhibitors/sponsors and over 50 business, regulatory and technical learning sessions.
About WISPA
WISPA is a membership-driven trade association that promotes the development, advancement and unity of the wireless Internet service provider 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.
Rick Harnish, WISPA, http://www.wispa.org, 866-317-2851 Ext: 101, [email protected]
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