• Larry Irving, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information

  U.S. Department of Commerce

Wireless Local Loop is a term that encompasses many different technologies and applications. Panelists will explain the alternatives for fixed and mobile wireless systems as well as address the spectrum requirements for implementing the different systems. Further discussion will examine the market potential of WLL in the United States and compare it to the build-out of wireless local loops in other countries.

Jeffrey Krauss, Consultant, Telecommunications and Technology Policy

Dr. Arunas Slekys, Hughes Network Systems

David Trinkwon, Director of Marketing, North American Fixed Wireless Access, Nortel

Gerald J. Vanderwel, Director of Services Line Planning, Fixed Wireless Services
AT&T Wireless Services, Inc.

Moderator: Kenneth Allen, Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, NTIA

The universal availability of telecommunications services at affordable prices is a major objective of U.S. national telecommunications policy. Panelists will discuss whether wireless local loop offers an alternative for reaching underserved rural and urban areas. The panel will also examine the role of FCC decisions in determining the ability of wireless services to help meet national universal service goals

Orren E. Cameron III, Acting Deputy Assistant Administor, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

John Chambers, Vice President, Public Policy, Sprint PCS

Terrence P. McGarty, President, The Telmarc Group, Inc.

Jeanine Poltronieri, Associate Bureau Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, FCC

Joe Sandri, Assistant Vice President & Regulatory Counsel, WinStar

Moderator: Alex Wolfson, Associate Director, Columbia Institute for Tele-Information

Regulatory decisions of the Federal Communications Commission and State regulatory commissions could foster the introduction of Wireless Local Loop systems. Panelists will consider the issues that face regulators and evaluate their best courses of action.

Rosalind Allen, Deputy Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, FCC

Michele C. Farquhar, Partner, Hogan & Hartson

Gerry Salemme, Vice President, External Affairs and Industry Relations, NextLink

Thomas Sugrue, Partner, Halperin, Temple, Goodman & Sugrue

Moderator: David Aylward, President, National Strategies, Inc.

Some say that wireless technology may offer the best opportunity for competition for local telecommunications and related services. Panelists will explore whether the potential service offerings and the economics of WLL make it a viable competitor to wired service.

Rob Frieden, Professor of Telecommunications, Penn State University

Joe McMonagle, Director of Strategic Planning, SBC

Gail Garfield Schwartz, Vice President, Public Policy and Government Affairs, Teleport Communications Group (TCG)

David Turetsky, Vice President, Law and Regulatory, Teligent

Moderator: Dale Hatfield, Chief Technologist, Office of Plans and Policy, FCC