Submitted by Rick Harnish on February 7, 2012

BY MICHAEL GROTTICELLI FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

CONSUMER FEDERATION OF AMERICA SAYS PUBLIC USE OF UNLICENSED SPECTRUM REMOVES BARRIERS TO WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

Broadcast Engineering

During a speech at the SuperWiFi Conference in Miami, the director of research at the Consumer Federation of America said allowing the public to use radio spectrum with having a license removes barriers to ubiquitous wireless communications.

“Correcting a 100-year old public policy mistake unleashed a torrent of entrepreneurial activity, innovation and investment,” said the CFA’s Mark Cooper. “My analysis shows that by every measure of economic performance—device shipments, users, usage, efficiency, value and innovation—the unlicensed model has equaled or exceeded the exclusive licensed model in the past decade.”

The CFA’s Mark Cooper said the number of users of unlicensed spectrum in the U.S. exceeded the number of users of exclusive licensed spectrum for broadband data purposes by 30 percent.

Cooper, in a speech hosted by the Wireless Innovation Alliance (WIA) and the White Space Alliance (WSA), said without access to unlicensed spectrum, wireless broadband service would be much more costly and far less valuable. “Consumers would buy less of it resulting in fewer jobs and less tax revenue,” he said.

By the end of 2010, he noted, there were thousands more devices certified for use in the unlicensed spectrum than in licensed spectrum. The number of users of unlicensed spectrum in the United States exceeded the number of users of exclusive licensed spectrum for broadband data purposes by 30 percent.

Cellular broadband providers offloaded over one-third of their traffic into the unlicensed spectrum, with the expectation that that figure would grow dramatically. Avoiding the construction of over 100,000 cell sites, they avoided incurring annual capital and operating costs of over $25 billion. Instead the initial hop to the Internet was provided by WiFi networks at less than one-tenth the cost.

Counting standards, network technologies, devices and applications, Cooper said he found substantially more innovation in the unlicensed space than the exclusive licensed.

“The unlicensed model succeeded because it is not free but allowed entrepreneurs to invest in products and services that people value,” he said.

The unlicensed model succeeded, he said, because removing the spectrum barrier to entry decentralized decision making, deconcentrated investment, promoted an end-user focus, allowed user innovation and lowered transaction costs.

Ironically, Cooper said, the FCC has never studied his results in detail. “Without a proper appreciation for the vital importance of unlicensed to the success of wireless broadband communications, some policy makers are proposing a short-sighted spectrum policy that would strangle the future growth of the unlicensed model, by refusing to set aside additional spectrum for unlicensed use,” he said. “This would be a huge mistake.”

Cooper called on Congress to continue to put the “public” back in the public airwaves and promote the mutually beneficial and complementary relationship between the licensed and unlicensed models. “It should ensure that the TV white spaces are made available for shared use and that the unlicensed model receives no less than one-sixth of any future high quality spectrum (between 500 MHz and 1 GHz) that is cleared by relocating TV broadcasters,” he said. “The FCC should be authorized to make as much as one-quarter of any clear TV spectrum available for unlicensed use if that is proven to be in the public interest.”

Also speaking at the conference was Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), who challenged members of Congress who want to force the FCC to auction off all spectrum rather than set some aside for unlicensed use.

“I believe this view is misguided and that America would miss an incredible opportunity to enable innovation on unlicensed bands,” he said.

Original URL http://www.wispa.org/news/2012/02/07/consumer-federation-of-america-says-public-use-of-unlicensed-spectrum-removes-barrie
For more information about WISPA, please visit www.wispa.org.

About WISPA: Founded in 2004, WISPA is a trade association of more than 600 WISPs, vendors and others dedicated to promoting, improving and expanding fixed wireless broadband service nationwide. WISPs serve more than three million residential and business customers and operate in every state using primarily unlicensed spectrum.

December 13, 2011 16:11 ET

WISPA Letter Cites Benefits of Unlicensed Spectrum and Regulatory Flexibility

 Now includes GPS Synchronization Capabilities

 Typical Throughput Gain of 3X

Posted December 1, 2011

Elgin, Illinois

Memorylink, a global leader in creative wireless voice and data technologies, announced that its Gigahertz Plus broadband radios now include GPS synchronization capability.

Gigahertz Plus 5GHz point-to-point radios are highly reliable and affordable IP backhaul radios with superior performance in interference.  The 300 Mbps Gigahertz Plus MIMO radios are available in connectorized or integrated antenna versions.  Gigahertz Plus radios have been designed to provide rock-solid timing, capacity and reliability.

Now Gigahertz Plus radios can be deployed with GPS synchronization.  Memorylink’s UltraSync product generates a precise, highly stable sync signal.  This
allows more radio links to be installed in close proximity, maximizing use of tower real estate.  Use of UltraSync minimizes timing drift and interference.

Tom Freeburg, a long time wireless industry leader and the CEO of Memorylink, stated “When used with UltraSync GPS-100C, Gigahertz Plus network performance can be dramatically improved. In an environment where all radios on a tower are Gigahertz Plus and GPS synchronization is used, typical throughput will improve by three or more times.”

Gigahertz Plus radios are assembled, tested, and shipped directly from Memorylink’s facility in Elgin,Illinois

About Memorylink

Memorylink partners with customers to create innovative, cost-effective and low interference product solutions that address their immediate and long-term wireless broadband needs.  Memorylink is a vendor member of the Wireless Internet Service Provider’s Association (WISPA).  For more information, visit Memorylink at www.memorylink.com.

Convergence Technologies Incorporated (CTI) Appointed as Memorylink Distributor

CTI Known for Cost-Effective Solutions

Posted September 19, 2011

Elgin, Illinois

Memorylink, a global leader in creative wireless voice and data technologies, announced today the appointment of Convergence Technologies Incorporated (CTI) as a US distributor.

Memorylink designs and manufactures products that allow users to communicate in new and innovative ways, by delivering voice, video, and data over IP links in a reliable, cost-effective, and simple fashion. Memorylink offers carrier grade wireless broadband backhaul solutions for cellular carriers, WIMAX operators, wireless internet service providers (WISP), corporations, public safety, mobile and microwave networking applications.

CTI has become known for cost-effective and easy fulfillment of voice, video, data and wireless wide area networking solutions for internet service providers, enterprises, school systems, and state and local governments. As a customer of CTI, you will find superior service levels, knowledgeable account managers, on-staff wireless engineers and great inventory levels.

“We are delighted to launch this new working relationship with CTI “said Tom Freeburg, Chief Executive Officer of Memorylink. “CTI will help us introduce the Memorylink product line to a wide range of wireless customers, including operators, wireless internet service providers, wireless CCTV specialists and a large number of enterprise users looking for solid performance, reliability and competitively priced products. And, we are particularly excited to work with CTI to introduce the Gigahertz™ Family of radios to its customers around the country. “

Jeff Ehman, General Manager of CTI, stated that “CTI is very pleased to add Memorylink’s comprehensive product line to its product offerings.  We look forward to partnering with Memorylink to create cost-effective and reliable solutions for our customers across a number of industries.”

About CTI

CTI provides the MitoTec™ business technology platform, IP Pay™ credit card processing, digital voice & network services and network hardware infrastructure & resources.

Its hardware distribution operation has been in business for over 10 years and grew by providing service providers with everything necessary to set-up and maintain a wireless data network. CTI has since leveraged its network experience and size to begin servicing value-added-resellers with hardware and wholesale services as well as assisting enterprises, school systems and municipalities setting up internal wireless networks. CTI is a member of the Wireless Internet Service Provider’s Association (WISPA), the Federation of Internet Solution Providers of the Americas (FISPA), the California ISP Association (CISPA) and the Rural Cellular Association (RCA). More information about CTI is available at www.converge-tech.com.

About Memorylink

Memorylink partners with customers to create innovative, cost-effective and low interference product solutions that address their immediate and long-term wireless broadband needs.  Memorylink is a vendor member of the Wireless Internet Service Provider’s Association (WISPA).  For more information, visit Memorylink at www.memorylink.com.

VCW Wireless only works with a select number of “Best of Breed” vendors

Elgin, IL, May 10, 2011

Memorylink, a global leader in innovation of wireless voice and data technologies, announced today the appointment of VCW Wireless Ltd. as its first UK distributor.

VCW Wireless Ltd. Is a specialist, value-added distributor focused on helping its VAR partners profit in the wireless connectivity marketplace.  It provides a complete portfolio of leading edge solutions including a range of Wi-Fi architecture products, point-to-point and point-to-multipoint technologies and high capacity backhaul connectivity as well as antennas and other accessories.

Working with a select number of “Best of Breed” vendors, the technologies represented by VCW Wireless come from leading edge, non-competing vendors that have clearly differentiated solutions from their competitors and each other.

“We are delighted to launch this new working relationship with VCW Wireless Ltd. “said Thomas A. Freeburg, Chief Executive Officer of Memorylink.  “VCW Wireless will help us introduce the Memorylink product line to a wide range of UK wireless customers, including operators, wireless internet service provides, wireless CCTV specialists and a large number of enterprise users looking for solid performance, reliability and competitively priced products. And, we are particularly excited to work with VCW Wireless Ltd to introduce the Gigahertz Family of radios to the UK.”

More information about VCW Wireless Ltd. is available at http://vcwwireless.com/.

About Memorylink

Memorylink partners with customers to create innovative, cost-effective and low interference product solutions that address their immediate and long-term wireless broadband needs.

For more information, visit Memorylink at www.memorylink.com.

VCW Wireless Ltd. Appointed as Memorylink Distributor
Memorylink - VCW Wireless Ltd Press Release May2011.pdf
Version: 1.0

Memorylink press release - VCW Wireless Ltd. Appointed as Memorylink Distributor

Languages:	English
Author:	Memorylink
Category:	Press Releases
License:	Freeware
Date:	May 10, 2011

14.4 KiB
93 Downloads
Details...

Posted April 20, 2011

Memorylink Adds to its Gigahertz™ Family of Backhaul Radios

Elgin, IL, April 20, 2011

Memorylink, a global leader in innovation of wireless voice and data technologies, announced today the expansion of its Gigahertz™ and Gigahertz Plus™ family of radios to include integrated antenna versions of each product.

Gigahertz™ is a 54Mbps OFDM wireless Ethernet Bridge.  Gigahertz Plus™ provides over the air data rates of 300Mbps.  Introduced in March, 2010, Gigahertz™ has proved it is perfect for ISP backhaul, enterprise and municipal connectivity, IP video backhaul, leased line replacement and “last mile” dedicated connection solutions (TDM, IP or both).

Now both radios are available in integrated 18dBi antenna versions.  “We are pleased to offer our customers these additional choices in point-to-point links,” said Tom Freeburg, CEO of Memorylink.  “The Gigahertz™ and Gigahertz Plus™ radios offer compelling value propositions, with paybacks measured in months when compared to leased-line connectivity.  They are proving to be ideal backhaul solutions for operators around the world.”

Gigahertz™ and Gigahertz Plus™ provide superior performance, especially in areas where interference is a problem.  These products provide true “value for money” with a price-to-performance ratio of high performance and mid-price positioning.

About Memorylink

Memorylink partners with customers to create innovative, cost-effective and low interference product solutions that address their immediate and long-term wireless broadband needs. For more information, visit Memorylink at www.memorylink.com.

Even before Memorylink’s new 5GHz Ethernet bridge radio was available publicly, it couldn’t have come at a better time for Larry Barnes, owner of Unwired, LLC, www.unwired-isp.com, an Internet Service provider serving western Lake County in northern Illinois.

Gigahertz White Paper - Unwired , LLC
Memorylink Case Study GigaHertz Unwired.pdf
Version: 1

Memorylink Gigahertz White Paper featuring Unwired, LLC a WISP located in Illinois.

Languages:	English
Author:	Memorylink
Category:	White Papers & Application Notes
License:	Freeware
Date:	May 9, 2011

1.5 MiB
198 Downloads
Details...

OFDM, quad-band radio with unique compact form factor

LAS VEGAS, NV, and ELGIN, IL, March 23, 2010 – Memorylink, a global leader in the development of wireless voice, video and data technologies, announced today the introduction of its Gigahertz GHR5000 IP backhaul product that provides up to 54 Megabits per second in all available unlicensed 5GHz bands.

The GHR5000 can be seen publicly for the first time at this week’s ISC West event in Las Vegas. Live demonstrations will occur at WAV, Inc. Booth #1054.

Because of its optimized timing, capacity and reliability, the point-to-point GHR5000 is ideal for the delivery of telephony and other time-critical traffic. Its OFDM scheme is suited to operate in challenging channel environments.

“It offers a compelling value proposition, with payback measured in months when compared to leased-line connectivity,” said Tom Freeburg, Chief Technology Officer for Memorylink. “This is an ideal backhaul solution for operators who are faced with the challenge of minimizing both capital expenditures and operating expenditures and who want to expand or enhance their network with a scalable solution.”

When used in conjunction with Memorylink’s Flanger™ TDM over IP multiplexer, the GHR5000 provides a cost-effective solution for both data and voice networks.

“Memorylink continues to develop innovative, easy-to-install backhaul solutions for video and other security applications. Memorylink’s new offering is perfect for security providers looking for easy to install and maintain solutions for their enterprise customers,” said Norm Dumbroff, President and CEO of WAV, Inc. www.wavonline.com.

About Memorylink

Memorylink is a leader in the development of wireless voice, video, and data technologies, delivering innovative solutions in a cost-effective, reliable, and simple fashion. Memorylink’s portfolio of products, which now includes IP radios, add functionality and performance improvement to wireless networks with solutions for T1/E1 connectivity, including PCS and PBX backhaul, video transport, and network optimization. These products, which can be integrated with most major manufacturer’s radio and telecom equipment, provide major advantages in rural areas and in developing countries where the availability of wired infrastructure is limited. For more information visit Memorylink at www.memorylink.com.

About WAV, Inc.

WAV, Inc. is a full-service, value added distributor of wireless broadband, wireless LAN, wireless security, data collection hardware, mobile computing products, rugged computing products, rugged docking stations and vehicle mounts, IP video surveillance, mobile printers and voice over IP technology. Located in Aurora, IL, WAV offers value-added services, product availability and unmatched technical expertise to our VAR channel. WAV provides its partners a competitive edge by offering extensive product knowledge, support for multi-vendor solutions, as well as professional value-added services for its VAR community, including (but not limited to): site surveys, software and hardware development and integration, custom rollouts, installation and technical support. For more information call (800) 678-2419 or visit our web site at: www.wavonline.com.

Memorylink Contact:

Tom Freeburg

Chief Technical Officer

Memorylink

+1 847.259.9680

tom@memorylink.com

WAV Contact:

Zack Hubeck

Marketing Director

630-818-1003

zachh@wavonline.com

Memorylink announced the release of two next-generation TDM over IP solutions, the Flanger 4 Plus™ and the Flanger Ultra™, introducing the most cost-effective, reliable, and flexible products of this kind. These multiplexers enable both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint transmission of T1 and E1 traffic, along with wayside data, over Ethernet radio links.

Rolling Meadows, IL (PRWEB) September 1, 2009 — PCS carriers looking for backhaul solutions, and enterprise customers needing T1 and E1 replacement or extension, now have several new, cost-effective options. Memorylink Corp today introduced the Flanger 4 Plus™ and the Flanger Ultra™ TDM over IP multiplexers, setting a new standard for affordable, reliable, and flexible links.

The cost of leased circuits represents a large recurring operating expense (OPEX) for PCS carriers as well as enterprise customers. In the case of PCS carriers, the cost of leased DS1 lines linking carriers’ BSC/RNC’s to their BTS/Node B’s (for GSM and CDMA networks, respectively) is their single largest cost category, representing as much as 20-30% of their monthly OPEX. By pairing Memorylink’s Flanger 4 Plus or Flanger Ultra with a compatible wireless broadband radio link, the carrier eliminates the recurring lease expense, and realizes payback periods of less than six months in most cases.

As IT and telecommunications budgets flatten or decline, there is a growing need to reduce telecommunications network OPEX

For the carrier considering IP backhaul strategies, this represents a compelling new option

Choose the ideal Ethernet radio link for your IP requirements, and then add full TDM functionality with the Flanger product line, with the ability to increase or decrease the DS1 to IP mix easily and inexpensively.

“As IT and telecommunications budgets flatten or decline, there is a growing need to reduce telecommunications network OPEX,” said Steve Erickson, Memorylink’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Implementing TDM over wireless IP, using Flangers alongside license-free radios provides a very cost-effective, reliable, and fast means of accomplishing this goal. We’re seeing tremendous growth in the adoption of this technology. It’s being used not only in place of leased lines, but increasingly as a sensible alternative to the older, more expensive licensed microwave links, with major savings in CAPEX. And, these links can literally be installed in hours instead of weeks or months as in the past, so the time-savings is also quite significant.”

The Flanger 4 Plus is the next-generation release of the company’s best-selling 4-port product, and delivers from 1 to 4 T1 or E1 across an Ethernet link, along with wayside data. It can be installed in both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint networks and offers unmatched flexibility and scalability. It can be installed with a single DS1 activated, and then as requirements increase, a second, third, and fourth DS1 can be added without changing hardware. And the designed flexibility of the product make it equally adept at the most rigorous network requirements, such as GSM and CDMA backhaul, as well as for simpler, more basic PBX extensions.

The Flanger Ultra is the 8-port, rackmount version of Memorylink’s TDM over IP solutions. It delivers up to 8 DS1 channels and offers gigabit Ethernet connections to fully utilize the radio capacity. The product can be cascaded to deliver even more T1s and E1s, and as with the 4 Plus, can be installed in point-to-multipoint networks as well. It offers much of the same flexibility and scalability as the 4 Plus, all in a rugged, carrier-grade, higher-capacity package. And of course, both Flanger products are fully compatible, so that an 8-port unit could be installed at a hub location linking one or more sites with the 4-port installed.

“For the carrier considering IP backhaul strategies, this represents a compelling new option”, said Steve Erickson. “Choose the ideal Ethernet radio link for your IP requirements, and then add full TDM functionality with the Flanger product line, with the ability to increase or decrease the DS1 to IP mix easily and inexpensively.”

Johnathan Hebert, Network Engineer for Pace Cellular in Kaplan, Louisiana is typical of the enthusiastic Memorylink customer. “Some of the areas we cover in rural Louisiana have very little in the way of telecom infrastructure. It’s vitally important that we deliver service at the least cost possible, but still maintain our high standard of reliability. Our customers are increasingly using their PCS phone as their only phone. The combination of Memorlyink’s Flanger and Motorola’s backhaul radios offers the best bang for your buck.”

Memorylink’s Flanger 4 Plus and Flanger Ultra will be available beginning in September 2009 worldwide and can be purchased through select Memorylink distributors listed at www.memorylink.com.

About Memorylink:

Memorylink is a leader in the development of wireless voice, video, and data technologies, delivering innovative solutions in a cost-effective, reliable, and simple fashion. Since 1998 Memorylink has delivered solutions for T1/E1 connectivity, including PCS backhaul and PBX extensions, video transport, and network optimization. The company’s products add functionality and performance improvement to wireless networks, and work with most major manufacturer’s radio and telecom equipment. Memorylink’s products also provide major advantages in rural areas and in developing countries where the availability of wired infrastructure is limited. For more information visit Memorylink at www.memorylink.com.

Contact:

Steve Erickson
Vice President Sales and Marketing
Memorylink Corp
800-489-3077
steve (at) memorylink (dot) com

###

The Flanger 4 Plus was designed to deliver unmatched value and ease-of-use for T1 and E1 deployment or replacement for a wide variety of applications including PCS backhaul for wireless mobile carriers, and PBX extensions for corporate customers wanting to link regional or campus-wide telephony facilities.  The cost of leased circuits represents a large recurring operating expense (OPEX) for enterprise customers.  Even more significant, the cost of leased DS1 lines linking carriers’ BSC/RNC’s to their BTS/Node B’s (for GSM and CDMA networks, respectively) is their single largest cost category, representing as much as 20-30% of their monthly OPEX.  By pairing Memorylink’s Flanger 4 Plus with a compatible wireless broadband radio link, the carrier or enterprise customer eliminates the recurring lease expense, and realizes payback periods of less than six months in most cases.

Additionally, Flanger 4 Plus can be used to make a highly reliable and low-cost redundant wireless overlay (RWO) for copper DS1 networks, and to augment a system’s level of reliability, without increasing leased T1/E1 operating costs.

“As IT and telecommunications budgets flatten or decline, there is a growing need to reduce telecommunications network OPEX,” said Steve Erickson, Memorylink’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing.  “Implementing TDM over wireless IP, using Flanger 4 Plus alongside license-free radios provides a very cost-effective, reliable, and fast means of accomplishing this goal.  We’re seeing tremendous growth in the adoption of this technology.”  Also, with increased security and reliability needed now more than ever, not only is this being deployed for critical primary connectivity, but also in situations where a redundant wireless overlay (RWO) may be just what you need to help bring your network into compliance with 21st century requirements”.

Each pair of Flanger 4 Plus multiplexers works in conjunction with wireless IP radios, such as those manufactured by Motorola and Alvarion, to transport up to four DS1 channels as well as a “wayside data” channel which supports an additional IP payload end-to-end over the wireless link.  The solution is not only the ideal alternative to leased circuits but is increasingly being used instead of the older, more expensive licensed microwave links.  These links can literally be installed in hours instead of weeks or months as in the past.

Johnathan Hebert, Network Engineer for Pace Cellular in Kaplan, Louisianna is typical of the enthusiastic Memorylink customer.  “Some of the areas we cover in rural Louisianna have very little in the way of telecom infrastructure.  It’s vitally important that we deliver service at the least cost possible, but still maintain our high standard of reliability.  Our customers are increasingly using their PCS phone as their only phone.  The combination of Memorlyink’s Flanger and Motorola’s backhaul radios offers the best bang for your buck.”

Memorylink’s Flanger 4 Plus will be available beginning in June 2009 worldwide and can be purchased through select Memorylink distributors listed at www.memorylink.com.
About MemoryLink
Memorylink is a leader in the development of wireless voice, video, and data technologies, delivering innovative solutions in a cost-effective, reliable, and simple fashion.  Since 1998 Memorylink has delivered solutions for T1/E1 connectivity, including PCS backhaul and PBX extensions, video transport, and network optimization.  The company’s products add functionality and performance improvement to wireless networks, and work with most major manufacturer’s radio and telecom equipment.  Memorylink’s products also provide major advantages in rural areas and in developing countries where the availability of wired infrastructure is limited.  For more information visit Memorylink at www.memorylink.com.

Flanger 4 Plus™ is a trademark of Memorylink Corp.

Memorylink Contact:
Steve Erickson
Vice President Sales and Marketing
serickson@memorylink.com
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