NIA's 2006 Annual Conference Program

2006 and Beyond

February 20-23, 2006

Marriott Riverwalk Hotel

San Antonio, TX

Welcome!

We are truly in a renaissance period with accelerating growth in wireless broadband technologies, the finalization of key standards, the launch of field and market trials, and the consummation of "Anytime, Anywhere" learning.

The Educational Broadband Service (EBS), and each of us who hold a license in the spectrum, are key to this renaissance.

What will you do with your license now that the spectrum can be used for mobile, high-speed Internet services?  What technologies and services are best to further education in your area?  Will you partner with an operator, or other educators, or build your own services?  How will you transition from the old ITFS band plan to the new EBS band plan?

We hope that this week's presentations and exhibits will help you address these questions with knowledge and confidence.  We also hope this opportunity to network with leaders from education, industry and with top attorneys and engineers will aid you and your organization in this year of transition.

On behalf of the NIA Officers and Board of Directors,

Welcome to NIA's 2006 Annual Meeting and Conference!

Patrick J. Gossman, PhD

NIA Board Chairman

Director, Academic Technologies and Customer Services

Computing and Information Technology

Wayne State University

Subjects covered in the NIA 2006 Annual Conference Sessions

Professional Development Seminar

RFP's and Excess Capacity Leases for EBS

An Update on the New FCC Rule Making

"It all begins with the Rules"

The Financials - EBS in 2006 - What is the spectrum worth?

FCC Regulatory Nuts and Bolts

Municipal and Corporate Broadband Partnerships

EBS/ITFS and Excess Capacity Leasing

The Broader World of Broadband

NIA Annual Member/Membership Meeting & Annual Report

Transition Perspectives, Plans & Initiatives for 2006

Transition Plans & Initiatives for 2006 - Cont'd

An Update on the New FCC Rule Making

"It all begins with the Rules"

The FCC's final decisions on the rules that apply to EBS will determine how much the twenty (20) years effort of ITFS licensees to protect their spectrum will result in real benefits to the educational community

The Financials - EBS in 2006 - What is the spectrum worth?

How the fair market value of the spectrum is estimated; a discussion of the multiples being paid for EBS/BRS and a analysis of recent transactions with comparisons to other wireless spectrum and guidelines for evaluating and comparing lease offers.

FCC Regulatory Nuts and Bolts

EBS licensees and their FCC Counsels have now had experience operating under FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) forms and processes. 

What does an EBS licensee need to know to comply with the regulations that apply to applications, deadlines, on filings, etc.?

Municipal and Corporate Broadband Partnerships

Milwaukee and other municipalities have announced that they are seeking partners to build local broadband wireless systems.  The presentation will explore how educational institutions with EBS spectrum can play a important role in the process.

EBS/ITFS and Excess Capacity Leasing

The panel reviews the hot button issues of excess capacity leasing.  In the past year representatives of both the educational and commercial communities have gained substantial experience in negotiating excess capacity lease agreements.  Find out which terms favor the long-term benefits to EBS licensees

The Broader World of Broadband

The scorecard of players providing broadband services or planning to join the universe of broadband providers continues to expand.  And, so does the variety of devices and technologies they and consumers will use.

We'll identify the current and possible future trends including the spectrum, technologies and devices, the services to be provided, and how their presence affects EBS licensees.

Transition Perspectives, Plans & Initiatives for 2006

At least two of the companies with interests in the ITFS/EBS/MMDS spectrum are actively engaged in planning and undertaking the FCC mandated transition of ITFS to EBS.

What are their plans?  How do they view the transition process?  What progress are they making and how will that affect other EBS.ITFS licensees.?