Spit in One Hand and Wish in the Other

Spit in One Hand and Wish in the Other

The sermon at church last Sunday inspired this post.  During the sermon, the minister quoted an old cliche, which I had never heard before.  "Spit in one hand, wish in the other and see which one has the most in it".  As these words sunk in, I realized this one simple cliche epitomizes an entrepreneur. These words undoubtedly were the basic ideology of our founding fathers as they built our great nation. They did not "wish" to live in a great nation, they created it on bit at a time.  For these pioneers knew "wishing" was wasted energy.  

Everyone wishes to have a better life for themselves, their families and their communities.  The one's who reap the bounties of their aspirations, are those who put their back, minds and efforts into achieving their goal.  

In today's modern world, it seems the media exploits the successful, the wealthy, the famous.  Why?  Audience!  These people have become idolized figureheads for the majority of society.  These people do not attempt to fill their left hand with wishes, they have filled their right hand with accomplishments.  A feat the rest of society only dreams of.  

As one contemplates the condition of our American economy, a look back in history readily reveals hints of our recent "fall from the top".  We used to be a nation of "doers".  Nearly everyone learned the talents necessary to improve their family and community lives. They were not afraid to work hard to "git r dun".  It seems in the past quarter century,  much of the population has become "couch potatoes".  They expect fame and fortune to come to them, just as the media promises.  A large portion of the American population have become dependent on entitlements.  Our nation has become a nation of "left-handers" or "southpaws" as it may be. (Only because I referenced filling the left hand with wishes previously).  

Unfortunately, our government has contributed to our country's economic demise. Instead of enabling the people to be self sufficient, it seems we are constantly told why we can't do things for ourselves.  The people's ability to create, to build and to accomplish are often hampered by over-regulation,  To reverse this trend, we need enabling policy instead of entitlement policy.  In short, we need to put the nation back to work by offering incentives rewarding creativity and hard work.  It is time to create opportunity within our borders by leveraging our expansive assets at home.  We cannot continue to export our precious opportunities when the world has become so flat.  We need to develop and exploit our opportunities at home first.  Then we can export the products and services created at home.

Ahh, but some will say it is too expensive to build products in the United States, other countries can do it cheaper.  Why is that?  It is more expensive because of the massive over-regulation on American businesses.  I refrain from pointing my finger at any one influencing industry, for self-interested industry lobbying efforts have contributed to much of our over-zealous government regulation.

It is time every American citizen realizes that they have a choice.  A choice to improve our nation by pulling themselves up by their bootstraps and contributing.  A choice to put your education to work.  A choice to voice your opinions to the representatives and senators elected to represent you.  A choice to make your dreams come true instead of wishing it true.

I have been blessed working in an industry of hard-working entrepreneurs the last 17 years.  These people believed in working hard to improve their communities, using whatever tools and resources they could find.  Because of their hard work, millions of Americans now enjoy the benefits of broadband.  This is one example of how a program was developed by our government which enabled innovation.  We need more self-enabling programs such as unlicensed and/or affordable spectrum for small businesses.

Spit in your hands, wipe them on your jeans and get to work.  Our nation needs you, each and everyone of you!  Your wishes will only come true, if you work to make them come true.  

Good Bye WISPA, Hello Future

Good Bye WISPA, Hello Future

As 2014 comes to a close, I realize my 11 years of involvement in the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, also known as WISPA, is rapidly coming to an end.  As I have prepared to move on to new career opportunities the last couple months, I have experienced about every emotional a person can go through.  But at 52 years old, I am prepared to leap into a new world of opportunities. I will not depend on my past accomplishments or reputation. Whatever journey I choose, I will attempt to positively change the environment for those who I join in the journey or with whom my path should cross.  

It has been an extremely busy year and I recently realized I hadn't posted to my blog since my first post in May.  I just took time to read "Goodbye Old Barn". I had no idea I would be saying "Goodbye WISPA" just seven months later.  I challenge my successors to take care of this great organization.  I do not want to witness similar results as I have seen with my previous creations. (refer to Goodbye Old Barn).

My final legacy for WISPA, its members and administrative team has be my diligent push to streamline our administrative database, billing and website tools into one platform.  A platform that will allow member individuals and visitors to more easily manage their WISPA experience.  A platform which will promote the industry and our member businesses with new website functionality and a new look.  A platform which our members and new visitors can register for WISPA conferences, meetings and membership in the same location.  A platform where individuals and companies can manage their demographics, employee records, and registrations with one login.  A platform which combines three previous databases into one, so all membership records are consistent across the board and minimizes administrative functions. Most of all, a platform which will strengthen the WISP industry community.  While I'll be gone before the final product is released, I challenge the team working on it, to pick up the ball where I leave off and finish it well.

It's unbelievable I have met, worked, debated and played with so many great people in the last 11 years.  I am truly a lucky man to have had this experience.  There isn't enough virtual paper to thank everyone who has helped me along this journey. While I have met thousands of visionaries, entrepreneurs and hard-working people, I would be dismiss if I didn't mention a few of my closest friends and those who showed the utmost respect and confidence in my abilities to lead WISPA the past 6 years.  I can only hope the future holds the same opportunities.

Thank you John Scrivner!  John was the strong base WISPA's foundation needed back in 2004.  He was the strong-willed leader with dreams he was determined to carry out.  These dreams were not selfish dreams, but altruistic visions for a united industry. The industry was built by independent thinking entrepreneurs cooperating together building a strong, unified and common-sense voice with the intent of lobbying a corrupt telecommunication industry, the regulators and politicians in Washington DC.  John was the first President of WISPA, a honorable man and a great friend.

Thank you Matt Larsen!  Matt was the rebel, thought provoker and voice which shook the industry and challenged the members to revolt against the status quo in the telecommunication industry.  Matt was a founding member, first Vice-President, second President and was involved at the Board level for at least 9 years.  He earned the title of "Wireless Cowboy" through his talented writing and speaking skills and his enviable ability to challenge the large phone companies.  He is also one of my closest friends and allies during this journey.

Thank you Jack Unger!  The father of the WISP industry.  Jack's knowledge of RF, FCC doctrine, dynamically changing RF/IP technology have been unmatched.  His desire to teach and his writing talents have educated those thirsty to learn how to provide wireless broadband worldwide.  Jack's a past WISPA Board 
secretary, FCC Committee Chairman and currently works passionately writing. editing and polishing WISPA FCC filings.  Jack is the soft spoken, level headed thinker who challenges deep thought on topics which affect the industry. His services have been invaluable and under appreciated.

Thank you Elizabeth Bowles!  The fourth WISPA President, who served 3 terms.  Her confidence in my abilities to take the lead as Executive Director and to act as my sounding board for advise was undeniably valuable.  During her tenure,  we created two annual conferences which continue to grow; we increased membership 3x's; and we raised revenues 6x's.  Elizabeth continues to serve the industry as Legislative Committee Chairperson.  She has testified at Congress with dignity and continues to strengthen WISPA's credibility and impact in Washington DC.

Thank you Mac Dearman, Butch Evans, Steve Coran, Lee Loker, Travis Johnson, Gino Villarini, Charles Wu, Chuck McCown, Jeff Kohler, JC Utter, Jeff Broadwick, Brian Webster, Jim Patient and many others who have been my friends and confidants along the way.  Your efforts to promote and improve the wisp industry have been so important. 

And thank you mostly to the thousands of members for whom I have served, it has been a pleasure.  Your support has been instrumental in WISPA's success.  You the members, own WISPA.  You have respectfully supported our efforts with your hard-earned dollars.  You have developed a knowledge sharing community, which has taken on the challenge of expanding broadband access across all areas of the country.  It is your duty to carry on this legacy and support the current and future Board of Directors.

Mostly, thank you to my very patient and beautiful wife Sandi and my three beautiful daughters who have grown up this last decade.  The sacrifices they made so I might pursue my WISPA mission is appreciated so much.  I love you all.

I hope my next journey enables me to continue to bring future opportunities to this great community. I will never forget this last decade of awesome experiences.  I wish for success for your businesses and lives.  Happy Holidays and have a great year in 2015!

Where there is a WISP, there is a Way!  Carry on.

Is Washington Abandoning Small Businesses and Consumers in Rural America?

Is Washington Abandoning Small Businesses 

and Consumers in Rural America?

I generally am not political if I can avoid it. I believe each party has solid points of contention and the best laws are created through negotiation of the issues between parties. Without debate and negotiation, the result is improperly vetted laws and regulations. We haven’t seen a lot of political cooperation in the last six years. It is no secret, large corporations continue to sway legislation (from both parties) with their bulging pocketbooks for the sole reason of making their pocketbooks bulge even more. Legislation is crafted with the help of corporate lobbyists to eliminate or minimize competition. Once competition is eliminated, there is little incentive to provide top quality products and services and prices rise. This historical phenomenon has been increasing every year. We are no longer a “government of the people, by the people, for the people” as Abraham Lincoln stated in his Gettysburg Address. We have morphed into a “Government oblivious to the people, managed by the corporations, for the corporate profits”, a country where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, while the middle class pays the way for both extremes.

As I evaluate the 2012 Election Results, it is apparent the Democratic Party carried a majority of metropolitan areas of our nation. Republicans carried the majority of rural states. President Obama carried 26 states or 51.1% of the popular vote. The total was President Obama - 65,915,796 to 60,933,500 for Romney, a difference of just under 5 million votes. President Obama narrowly won in Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. I point this out because each of these states has large areas of rural populations. Why should I care, you say. The answer is Broadband. Most of these rural states are served predominately by fixed wireless Internet providers, otherwise known as WISPs. It is estimated that over 3 million households and businesses receive their broadband service from the WISP industry.

“Small business and entrepreneurs”; a favorite theme of political propaganda, such as this statement made by President Obama in his 2014 State of the Union address: “Let’s do more to help the entrepreneurs and small business owners who create most new jobs in America. Over the past five years, my administration has made more loans to small business owners than any other.” Or this one from President Bush’s 2005 State of the Union address:“To make our economy stronger and more competitive, America must reward, not punish, the efforts and dreams of entrepreneurs. Small business is the path of advancement, especially for women and minorities. So we must free small businesses from needless regulation and protect honest job creators from junk lawsuits.” These statements are nothing more than feel good propaganda and it seems, more often than not, are hollow to the core. These statements remind me of the TV commercial years ago, “Where’s the beef?”

WISPs are the epitome of small business and entrepreneurial spirit. These businesses are and were created in unserved and underserved communities to build broadband access out of necessity where no other telco or cable company provides service. The creation of IP networking and unlicensed spectrum has allowed entrepreneurs to construct telecommunication delivery systems which handle voice, data, video and every other Internet application. No longer is telecommunications only a business for the telecommunication giants of the past. Anyone can build broadband networks today and they do. If the political agendas in the previous paragraph were supported, more unlicensed spectrum would be made available not less, more small business loans would be made available not less, government grants and subsidies would be opened up to all broadband providers and not be reserved for the legacy telecommunication giants. I was always taught that competition was a good thing. Were my government and business law teachers lying to me? Look around you, how many small businesses have been forced out of business in your community by corporate giants and overzealous government regulation?

A relatively obscure event is happening this year which may sway political outcomes this fall and again in 2016. In March, the Federal Communications Commission under direction of Chairman Tom Wheeler, appointed by President Obama, voted to change the rules on a tiny bit of unlicensed spectrum. This seemingly minute change, if left as is, will cripple rural broadband connections for many American families and businesses. These American taxpayers will be forced to return to inadequate dial-up, expensive satellite or mobile wireless connections. The effects to rural economies across the country will not go unnoticed. Come election time, voters will surely vote for the party which is not responsible for this nonsense. It won’t take many failed businesses or consumers which lost their broadband internet connections to sway the election results which were so close in 2012. Will it happen in the 2014 Congressional races? I expect this to become a political “hot potato” this fall.

The rule change was found in Proceeding 13-49. The Commission ordered the change under the auspices of “harmonizing the 5 GHz band” and “eliminating interference to Terminal Doppler Weather Radar systems (TDWR). The commissioners voted unanimously to apply stricter Out of Band Emissions (OOBE) controls to the entire 5 GHz band. I hope I can keep this simple for the readers. The 5 GHz band has operated under different sets of rules for many years. Some parts of the band were for low power indoor use, others had higher power and allowed unlimited gain antennas for use outdoors. This higher powered band is called the ISM Band and specifically ranges from 5725 MHz to 5850 MHz. It has been the “workhorse” band for WISPs, electric companies, schools, county governments and many industries to connect facilities and communities together which are miles apart. The rule change which applies the stricter OOBE limits cuts power levels of this band 75%, essentially destroying previous investments and eliminating hundreds of thousands of miles of critical data infrastructure.

The first justification for the rule change was the “harmonize the band”, in other words, apply the same rules to all previous sections of the band. This change was promoted and championed by the mobile wireless providers and cable companies. These companies wish to dominate this band with low power access points to promote Wifi-offloading for mobile devices and cable Wifi. That sounds alright you say? Which is more important, giving metropolitan mobile users fast connections from their tablets and smart phones to access points or allowing the ISM spectrum to carry on with high power and unlimited gain antennas so our Rural Americans can also enjoy the benefits of broadband? Both purposes have validity but one purpose should not eliminate the other.

The second justification used by the Commission was to “eliminate interference to TDWRs”. These 48 TDWR radar stations operate between 5600 and 5650 MHz. They are used by airline pilots to identify wind shears which may affect landing and takeoffs. I don’t discount their necessity for the safety of air travelers everywhere. They absolutely should not be interfered with. However, the Commission erred in thinking the stricter OOBE limits applied to the ISM band would decrease or eliminate interference issues. The ISM band is at least 75 MHz away from the TDWR spectrum and there have been no reported cases of TDWR interference from radios operating in the ISM band.

The 48 TDWR stations each have a 22 mile radius exclusion zone around them to protect against interference. It is against the law to operate a radio on the frequency of a particular TDWR station within that 22 mile radius. The total land mass of these exclusion zones are less than 2% of the total land mass of the United States. However, the rule change applying stricter OOBE limits is nationwide. This means 98% of the country will lose valuable and efficiently used unlicensed spectrum which provides Internet service, connect schools, connect county/city government facilities, and connect remote facilities for many industries including electric, agriculture, food processing, oil and gas and many others with important data connections. If the stricter OOBE limits to the ISM band were beneficial in eliminating interference to TDWR stations, the FCC’s argument might hold water, but the stricter limits will have no impact whatsoever. The Commission did enforce stricter software security features in the new rules. These security changes will prevent radios from operating in the 5600 – 5650 band and will enhance spectrum sensing capabilities to cause broadband radios to change channels or shut off in case of radar detection. Eliminating TDWR interference can only be accomplished with the advanced security features manufacturers will need to build into the radio software.

The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association and several manufacturers have filed Petitions for Reconsideration with the FCC to change this rule back as it pertains to the ISM band. Many companies and consumers have supported the Petitions for Reconsideration. Only one company, Cisco, has opposed the petitions. Cisco stands to profit from the sale of low powered Wifi type hardware used for Wifi-offloading, hence their argument is merely an attempt to boost their corporate revenues and not necessarily in the public’s best interest. The FCC is currently evaluating the public record of comments and opposition statements. Will they make the right decision and grant the petitions?

If the Commission denies the petitions, millions of Americans will lose their broadband Internet connections in the coming years as current equipment becomes obsolete and needs to be replaced with newer low powered equipment. Data links which connect rural communities across the nation, will no longer be feasible in this unlicensed band. The alternatives are more expensive licensed equipment or building more towers. Neither option embraces the nation’s goals of faster and more affordable broadband, on the contrary, this new rule actually decreases broadband availability and will increase prices. An industry of small businesses and entrepreneurs will have been eliminated with a stroke of the regulatory pen. This will result in less competition, lower service levels and higher costs for many Americans. Without WISP industry competition, the old guard of telecommunication giants will return to unopposed control of FCC and Congressional policy direction. These corporations will have little incentive to build infrastructure in Rural America unless the government allocates billions of dollars in subsidies, ultimately funded by the taxpayers. Meanwhile, the lag time between the loss of broadband access from the WISP industry and new subsidized broadband infrastructure build by the telco and cable industries will cause great heartache for Rural America. Businesses and consumers that depend on broadband access to carry on profitable business operations, take college credit courses online, to school work from home, work from home, pay bills and do banking online, shop online, rent movies online and many other social tools people use to communicate with loved ones and friends will “go dark” and the “digital divide” will expand substantially. I can see the phones light up at rural politician offices already.

The rule change in Proceeding 13-49 actually widens the economic, educational and convenience gap between metropolitan and rural communities. The rule change conflicts sound National Policy on so many levels. Was it an honest mistake by the Commission or one of corporate domination over our political system. Our nation’s economy is already depressed and is balancing timidly on worldwide politics and the global market place. This is an important issue where the people and politicians absolutely need to stand up for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Our nation’s leaders need to take a stand for small businesses and entrepreneurs. They promise it at election time, it is time to hold their feet to the fire. The fire is in the kindling stage now and it can be put out quickly. If not, a raging economic fire will destroy Rural American businesses and create hardship on rural consumers. Either way, we need to encourage the Commission to grant the Petitions for Reconsideration of WISPA and others. Your Congressmen and Senators are a good place to start.