The recent OnGo Forward event in Dallas brought together some of the brightest minds in the wireless technology industry to discuss the present and future of wireless communications. The conference featured a number of exciting speakers and highlights that demonstrated the groundbreaking work being done with the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS).
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the keynote address by William Zielinski, Chief Information Officer for the host City of Dallas. Mr. Zielinski spoke of the city’s plan to have broadband access available to all citizens, with specific steps to reach that goal. For example, the city plans to build 200 miles of fiber as a backbone, supplemented with fixed wireless infrastructure, and provide tools to help families enroll in ISPs’ low-cost and federal subsidy programs. The city has also created an app called Dallas Secure to help users stay cyber-safe.
Some of the most exciting presentations showcased real-world CBRS deployments and their use cases in various industries. We heard from Betacom, whose warehouse installation focuses on automatic forklifts, autonomous vehicles, and wireless scanners. Celona also shared a warehouse deployment and discussed how far fewer access points (APs) are needed with CBRS as opposed to the current Wi-Fi setup. Indoors, they went from 111 with Wi-Fi to only 22 with CBRS, and outdoors, from 29 to 3, significantly improved coverage simultaneously. Other presentations included Womble, Bond, and Dickenson discussing using CBRS for utilities, JMA Wireless on venues, warehouses, and the military, Comcast on a sports venue, and Bearcom on Connected Cities. It was great to see the industry momentum in proving the true value of the CBRS “innovation band” in private cellular, neutral host, and fixed wireless access networks.
Attendees flocked to the well-attended educational sessions that provided valuable insights on topics such as building a network, security, and CBRS coexistence. With thought-provoking presentations and engaging discussions, these sessions provided an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to learn, network, and collaborate with their peers.
The vendor display area was a central feature of the meeting, allowing attendees to explore the latest products and services from some leading companies in the wireless technology industry. The display area highlighted the growing number of devices and solutions that are now part of the CBRS ecosystem. The area was bustling with activity throughout the meeting, with attendees taking the opportunity to network and learn about the latest innovations in cellular technology.
The OnGo Alliance meeting in Dallas also featured the appointment of a new president of the Alliance, Stephen Rayment of Ericsson, who succeeded Dave Wright after five years in office. Panel discussions allowed attendees to learn about the latest developments in CBRS technology and the regulations supporting it.
The awards ceremony, hosted by Oren Binder, Director of Marketing for the OnGo Alliance, was a highlight of the meeting and provided an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and innovation of the Alliance’s members. It featured awards in several categories, including best deployments for WISPs, private networks, and State, Local, and Education (SLED). Awards were also presented for Excellence in Technology Innovation and Neutral Host Architecture.
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the meeting was the opportunity for attendees to engage with other members of the OnGo Alliance community. The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including wireless service providers, device manufacturers, and end users, who were all united in their commitment to advancing the state of wireless technology. This collaborative spirit was evident throughout the meeting and bodes well for the future of the Alliance and the industry as a whole.
Overall, the OnGo Alliance meeting in Dallas was a resounding success. Thanks to all Alliance members and attendees for joining us. The event showcased the tremendous potential of OnGo technology and highlighted the critical work the Alliance and its members are doing to promote CBRS adoption and development. The keynote address, panel discussions, showcases, and informative sessions provided valuable insights and opportunities for attendees to learn, engage, and collaborate with others in the wireless technology community.
Looking ahead, the OnGo Alliance is poised to continue making significant strides in advancing the state of wireless communications. As more and more organizations and industries recognize the potential of OnGo technology, the Alliance will play a critical role in ensuring its successful deployment and adoption. With its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence, the OnGo Alliance is well-positioned to lead the way in transforming the future of wireless technology.
