The New York State Wireless Association (NYSWA) recently hosted a successful Fixed Wireless Forum on October 30, 2023, at the Time Center in the heart of New York City. The event drew nearly 300 registrants, creating a vibrant atmosphere for professionals in the field to connect and engage.
A standout feature of the event was the dedicated networking session, highlighting the association’s commitment to fostering valuable connections within the industry. NYSWA is known for providing exceptional networking opportunities at its events, providing attendees with the chance to forge new connections, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional relationships.
“It’s no secret that networking is the lynchpin to success in this industry. We represent nearly 5,000 members, from 700 companies, municipalities, and key decision-makers. A single handshake can change everything for an individual or organization. NYSWA takes great pride in providing these invaluable opportunities at all of our events.”
NYSWA Vice President Robert Gaudioso
The forum featured esteemed special guests, further enhancing the event’s significance. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Nathan Simington and Vertical Bridge Executive Chairman & Co-Founder Alex Gellman were among the notable figures whose participation elevated the discourse of the forum.
The agenda for the day included insightful panel discussions that delved into crucial aspects of fixed wireless access. Moderated by Gaudioso, the panel, “A View of Fixed Wireless Access,” featured industry experts including Anthony Lewis, Region Vice President at Verizon Communications; Michael Rollins, Managing Director at Citi Research; Rick Chandler, VP of Product Management & Delivery at T-Mobile; and Claude Aiken, Chief Strategy Officer at NextLink. Together, they delved into discussions enlightening the audience about the current landscape and future prospects of fixed wireless access.
Another captivating panel titled “Policy Implications of the Growth of FWA and 5G” was moderated by WIA President & CEO Patrick Halley and featured insightful discussions. The panelists, including Joshua Breitbart, Senior Vice President of ConnectALL; Adam Falk, Senior Vice President for State Governmental Affairs at Charter Communications; Andrew Grapkowski, Senior Vice President of Diamond Communications; and Terry Adams, General Counsel of Crown Castle, explored the policy implications stemming from the expansion of fixed wireless access and the advancement of 5G technology.
Beyond these panel discussions, NYSWA brought attention to the SUNY Impact Scholarship Fund, having disbursed over $73,000 and granted more than 30 individual scholarships to ambitious college students across the state since its inception in 2020. The organization further delved into its comprehensive discussion on the Workforce Development Partnership with Queensborough Community College. This initiative aims to contribute to the expansion of a well-trained telecom workforce by actively engaging in outreach, education, and strategic partnerships.
Following the enriching discussions, attendees had the opportunity to continue networking at the Castell Rooftop Lounge during a post-event gathering.
All in all, NYSWA’s Fixed Wireless Forum on October 30th was a resounding success, uniting industry professionals, thought leaders, and policymakers for a day of informative discussions and valuable networking opportunities. The event underscored the association’s commitment to advancing the field of wireless technology and fostering collaboration among its diverse stakeholders.