UTC Region 3 Spring Meeting Review, Biloxi MS, March 4 -6 2009

This was the first regional UTC show we had the opportunity to attend or speak at, so we were fortunate to do both. There was a well attended vendor showcase on the evening of the 5th. About 30 vendors had booths and were kept busy by the 150 plus attendees. The next day consisted of 5 technical paper presentations. In addition to Spectrum Bridge, GE, Tait and Exhalt focused on wireless technologies and solutions. All the presentations were well received and elicited good questions from the audience.

Many utilities expressed a significant need for spectrum that supports point to point microwave and backhaul, in addition to mobile radio and wide area networks for automatic meter reading /smart infrastructure. This provides additional opportunities for Spectrum Bridge as our microwave portfolio becomes more robust in both coverage and channel capacity.

Spectrum Bridge will also be exhibiting at the UTC Telecom 2009 show in Las Vegas from June 1st through the 4th. If you are attending this show - please come see us.

NEBSA Attendees Convene on Substantial Service Deadlines and Creative Distance Learning Applications

Spectrum Bridge exhibited at the 2009 Annual National Educational Broadband Services convention in Boca Raton, Florida February 23rd through the 25th. Panel speaker Bob Rini of Rini-Coran addressed legal concerns for EBS holders who must meet the May 2011 substantial service requirements, and provided tips on finding innovative ways to monetize their excess capacity EBS spectrum. Among other highly attended sessions included one on the $7 billion Broadband Stimulus Package and several outstanding sessions on mobile learning technologies and other creative distance learning techniques. Some of the exciting curricula presented included case studies of elementary and secondary science and biology programs involving transmission of real time data captured directly from tropical rain forests by and to students in classrooms here in the U.S.

“This is a great group whose members are committed to applying cutting edge wireless technology for anytime, anywhere learning for students,” said Walt Bolil, EBS Advisor and Business Development Manager at Spectrum Bridge. “We were delighted to talk to so many members who are also looking for creative solutions to monetize their excess EBS capacity for funding these valuable programs, and look forward to helping them.”

EBS holders may contact Walt directly for a complimentary consultation on their excess spectrum assets at (407) 792-1570 x531

DistribuTECH Show - Short Review

In a time of economic downturn, how many companies are willing to participate in trade shows? Apparently plenty; this year’s DistribuTECH Conference and Exhibition drew a record crowd, impressive since the event is in its 19th year.

The 2009 DistribuTECH ran from February 3-5 and contained over 325 booths, covering approximately 89,000 square feet in the San Diego Convention Center. Spectrum Bridge exhibited and sent three staff members to the show: Walt Bolil, Business Development Manager; Lou Eisenberg, Senior Account Manager; and Michael DeBoer, Marketing Manager.

“Smart utilities are looking for a more stable way to ensure their new devices stay connected rather than relying on unlicensed frequencies or carrier networks" said DeBoer. "When they invest tens of millions of dollars into upgrading to smart grid equipment, the wireless infrastructure it is all based on should be solid; which is where dedicated licensed frequencies can be to their obvious advantage.”

One of the high points of the show was when a Saturn Sky roadster was given away. Attendees had to visit a select number of booths to get a card stamped for entry into the drawing. Once all the stamps were collected, the card was turned in at the PennWell booth (the show organizers). On the last day of DistribuTECH, a large crowd gathered at the PennWell site to see who would win. Three names were drawn and one winner picked. The winner was shaking at the knees when he was chosen; a great moment.

Congratulations to PennWell and all who made the 2009 DistribuTECH show such a success.