Track 1: Broadband Stimulus Workshop

Presented by the WiNOG Grants Coalition

The WiNOG Grants Coalition is a not for profit (NFP) business association that was established to help rural broadband providers take advantage of Broadband Stimulus Program Funding. The WiNOG Grants Coalition helps service providers draft, implement, deploy and audit their funding applications and manages project implementation and funding administration and audit in a cost-efficient manner.

More information can be found online at: http://www.winog.org It is being said that the Broadband Stimulus Rules will employ a "point scoring" system very similar to the RUS Community Connect Program of 2009. Nevertheless, the Broadband Stimulus Workshop will discuss the latest updates in regards to Stimulus Act Strategies, lessons learned from the round 1 application process and updates for round 2 and 3.

Presenters will include:

• Former RUS Community Connect Grant Winners
• Applicants who have submitted Stimulus Proposals
• Public Policy Analysts who are working with NTIA & RUS

Program Overview

Tuesday, September 1: 8:30 am

This session will provide an overview of the Broadband Stimulus Program, a review and update of the Round 1 NOFA Rules and Application Processes, upcoming changes to Round 2 NOFA Rules and a forward-looking timeline for the remainder of the process.

Competitive Update - Broadband Strategy

Tuesday, September 1: 9:45 am

This session will discuss the competitive landscape of current Round 1 and potential future Broadband Stimulus applicants. In relation to the recently released FCC Broadband Strategy Report, the strategic positioning and the relative strengths and weaknesses from both a policy and technological front will be discussed.

1. Rural ILEC Strategies
2. Rural MSO Strategies
3. Independent WISP/WiMAX Strategies
4. Enterprise / Critical Institution Strategies
   
5. Opportunity Organization Strategies
   
6. Broadband Adoption & Application Strategies

Application: Putting it Together

Tuesday, September 1: 11:00 am

This session will discuss the nuts and bolts of putting together a Broadband Stimulus application. Applicants will extensive RUS and Round 1 Application experience will present their experiences and lessons learned throughout this process.

And If I Actually Win?

Tuesday, September 1: 1:00 pm

This session will discuss the implications that come with winning a Broadband Stimulus Grant/Loan. Providers that have gone through the RUS Implementation and Audit process will share their experiences and knowledge in regards to the implementation and closing-out of such a project.

Track 2: ISP Evolution

CLEC 2.0

Wednesday, September 2: 8:30 am

Pro-RBOC legislation over the past decade has virtually eliminated the “easy” CLEC play in regards to reciprocal compensation or UNE-P resale. That said, rumors of the CLEC’s demise have been exaggerated. Learn about providers who are thriving and creating exciting new business models based upon the world of the UNE-L, Central Office and Remote Terminal. Topics discussed include:

1. CO Colocation
2. ADSL+ Technologies
3. G.SHDL for Metro E over Copper
4. Bundled Voice Services

WISP 2.0

Wednesday, September 2: 9:45 am

In what was originally dubbed as “junk” bands due to the plethora of devices occupying spectrum only because RF energy was a byproduct of their operations, entrepreneurs across the country have turned spectrum that was formerly the exclusive province of microwave ovens into a viable means of delivering last-mile connectivity. With large regional networks spanning large geographical and statewide areas, the license-exempt WISP has spun wheat into gold and created an industry consisting of over 2,500 independent operators servicing over 3 million broadband access across the United States. This session will discuss the future evolution of the WISP.

Application Service Provider Route

Wednesday, September 2: 11:00 am

Some service providers, not wanting into the facilities construction business, have instead opted to take a path towards providing enhanced applications over “dumb Internet pipes.” From VoIP to Hosted Exchange to reselling Gmail, this session will discuss and explore the variety of options available that will enhance the independent service providers offering.

FTTx

Wednesday, September 2: 1:00 pm

Fiber is the end-game for the facilities based provider. This session will discuss the underlying technologies and strategies to be adopted by the Independent Service Provider.

Track 3: Business Sales & Marketing: Residential Thursday, September 3: 8:30 am How does one build a marketing engine that produces, month-over-month, over 1,000 new residential accounts a month? How well do billboards actually work? How does one effectively harness social-networking and word-ofmouth marketing to one's advantage? This session will discuss and explore successful residential marketing strategies. Sales & Marketing: Business Thursday, September 3: 9:45 am Everyone wants to reach a $5,000 ARPU, but those customers seldom come knocking on our doors. Businessto- Business sales is a high-touch direct selling world that requires a completely different level of expertise beyond what is known by the traditional residential ISP. Do direct reps work? Does one go commission only? What about channel? This session will discuss and explore successful business direct-sales strategies. Regulatory: FCC Thursday, September 3: 11:00 am How long do I have until F1 copper pair retirement? Do I need to comply with CPNI? What about FCC Form 477? This session, presented by CISPA and Legal Expert Kris Twoomey will provide the latest FCC Regulatory updates and their ramifications to your business. Regulatory: Spectrum Thursday, September 3: 1:00 pm What's going with 700 MHz? How do I go about leasing EBS Spectrum? Will the upper 3650 Band ever come to fruition? This session, presented by WISPA and Legal Export Steven Coran will provide the latest FCC Spectrum Policy updates and their ramifications to your business.

Track 3: Business

Sales & Marketing: Residential

Thursday, September 3: 8:30 am

How does one build a marketing engine that produces, month-over-month, over 1,000 new residential accounts a month? How well do billboards actually work? How does one effectively harness social-networking and word-ofmouth marketing to one’s advantage? This session will discuss and explore successful residential marketing strategies.

Sales & Marketing: Business

Thursday, September 3: 9:45 am

Everyone wants to reach a $5,000 ARPU, but those customers seldom come knocking on our doors. Businessto- Business sales is a high-touch direct selling world that requires a completely different level of expertise beyond what is known by the traditional residential ISP. Do direct reps work? Does one go commission only? What about channel? This session will discuss and explore successful business direct-sales strategies.

Regulatory: FCC

Thursday, September 3: 11:00 am

How long do I have until F1 copper pair retirement? Do I need to comply with CPNI? What about FCC Form 477? This session, presented by CISPA and Legal Expert Kris Twoomey will provide the latest FCC Regulatory updates and their ramifications to your business.

Regulatory: Spectrum

Thursday, September 3: 1:00 pm

What’s going with 700 MHz? How do I go about leasing EBS Spectrum? Will the upper 3650 Band ever come to fruition? This session, presented by WISPA and Legal Export Steven Coran will provide the latest FCC Spectrum Policy updates and their ramifications to your business.