Joint Venture Silicon Valley brings together SV leaders in various business sectors to address the areas most pressing problems.  One of them is wireless communications infrastructure.  It’s ironic that SV leads the world in developing new, innovative technologies but is a laggard in deploying them locally.  For example, it has taken as long as five years to review and approve an application to build wireless facilities.  JVSV says the region must lead by setting an example of how to balance a national imperative with community interests.

A Wireless Communications Initiative was launched by JVSV in 2010.  It’s key goals and objectives are as follows:

• Advocate in the Local Jurisdictions – Provide a strong regional voice speaking to the competitive and economic implications of a robust wireless infrastructure.
• Educate Public and Private Sector Stakeholders – Identify key stakeholders in cities and educate them on the critical issues affecting the growth of the wireless industry. Similarly, educate the wireless industry on how to partner with cities.
• Promote Model Ordinances/ Practices – Work with cities to develop best practices and guidelines for wireless technology deployment.

The Wireless Coalition is part of this initiative.  The coaltion promotes the deployment of wireless technology as a means to encourage economic growth, national competitiveness and public safety. The Coalition will include businesses, elected officials, individuals, business and community organizations. We see the emerging technology as an opportunity for Silicon Valley to lead a new wave of innovation. 

Currently, the Wireless Coalition is working with local government and the wireless industry to promote the deployment of a robust Wireless Infrastructure in Silicon Valley. It’s 2012 Activities included:

• New Goal – 4G/ LTE available from major carriers in half of Silicon Valley cities by 2014
• Increase public awareness through use of media and community outreach
•  Established Cities and Carriers Roundtable
• Support cities in considering initiatives to deploy wireless technology
• Completed property value research detailing the impact of wireless facilities. 
• —Study revealed no difference in value amongst 70 wireless sites selected in Palo Alto, Redwood City, Saratoga and San Jose, CA

In conclusion, Leon Beauchman; Director, Wireless Communications Initiative wrote,

“Silicon Valley must work towards maintaining its leadership in the evolution of wireless technology. Thousands of
jobs and hundreds of local companies are directly tied to the industry. Our region should lead in deploying a 21^st century wireless infrastructure that will further promote our economic competitiveness.”

Editors Note: Leon did an outstanding job organizing and chairing this very informative Wireless Symposium!

See below for Congresswomen Anna Eschoo’s keynote, link to summary of Google’s talk, and information on Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability for public agencies.  There were also many wireless applications discussed at this JVSV Wireless Symposium. More information,including slides of some presentations is at:

http://www.jointventure.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=801&Itemid=615 

How can public policy expedite building a 21st century communications infrastructure? Congresswoman Anna Eshoo,  Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology addressed that topic in her keynote presentation.  Her main message:  JVSC should focus on what Silicon Valley needs to do inorder to have a world class, 21st century wireless infrastructure.  Here were the key points she made:

• U.S. mobile data traffic grew at almost 300% last year and will grow 16 times by 2016.
• Freeing up more spectrum should be a top priority for U.S. regulators (FCC and state PUCs) and Congress
• Only once in a decade does Congress take up reallocation of spectrum, e.g. from over the air TV broadcasters to wireless boradband network providers.  That time is now!
• Congress has worked 15 months to pass bi-partisan legislation which authorized the FCC to conduct incentive auctions of spectrum whereby TV broadcasters would voluntarily release spectrum for use by wireless broadband providers.  There’s potential to re-purpose 120MHz of such spectrum for wireless broadband access. 
• $25B is expected to be raised by the incentive auctions with $15B of that going to the U.S. government to reduce the national debt.
•  A 21st century spectrum policy must be balanced between licensed and unlicensed spectrum.
•  U.S. is a world-wide leader in use of unlicensed spectrum, with WiFi/Blue Tooth devices generating $50B of revenues for U.S. based companies.
•  Congress should look at how Federal agencies could use the spectrum they own more efficiently.
•  The PCAST committee has made several recommendations related to U.S. spectrum policy.

In conclusion, Congresswomen Eschoo said, “Wireless broadband is an engine for job creation and economic growth.”  She invited interested parties to make their views known to their Congress person for more effective policy toward achievement of this goal.

Summary of Google’s presentation on White Spaces is at:

http://viodi.com/2012/11/13/google-advocates-unlicensed-spectrum-sharing-via-tv-white-spaces-for-wireless-broadband-access/

Public Safety and Emergency Response:

Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority (SVRIA) was formed in 2010 under the Joint Exercise of Powers Act, California Government Code Section 6500 et seq. to provide interoperable communications solutions to its members. SVRIA supersedes the Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Project, established in 1998 by the Police and Fire Chiefs Associations and the County and City Managers Association.

Purpose and Mission: The Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority (SVRIA) exists to identify, coordinate and implement communications interoperability solutions to its member agencies. The purpose of these projects is to seamlessly integrate voice and data communications between law enforcement, the fire and rescue service, emergency medical services and emergency management for routine operations, critical incidents and disaster response and recovery. SVRIA also provides strategic planning support for its members.

http://www.svria.org/about-us