The Obama administration will spend billions of dollars installing new or upgrading existing wireless broadband services for public schools. These provisions are in stark contrast to Federal Communications Commission regulations, which will seize school WiMAX (2.5 GHz Educational Broadband Services) licenses where school districts do not comply with build out requirements for their licenses.

This paper will make the case for WiMAX as the most effective wireless broadband technology for educational services enabling school districts to keep their 2.5 GHz licenses. In a time of economic downturn in the private sector, industry players would be well advised to “follow the money” into major public sector initiatives related to broadband internet services in education.

Major Points in Publication:

* Educational Broadband Services licenses (2.5 GHz) will be forfeited by school districts and other license holders that do not build out networks by May 01, 2011
* School districts holding those licenses are not protected by subletting to large commercial operators (Sprint, Clear, etc)
* Understanding the education technology market (its not the same as enterprise or mobile)
* Why WiMAX is the best technology for this application
* Why WiMAX is the best complement to a one*to*one computing program
* The “3 A’s: Access, Applications and Affordability” of WiMAX in Education
* Breakthroughs in video over WiMAX: HDTV on 1 Mbps WiMAX
* “The 5% Solution”: one*to*one computing and WiMAX for 5% of a school district’s annual per*student allocation

Target Audience
WiMAX vendors: This will prove to be a very lucrative niche market for those willing to focus on it and adjust their sales and marketing strategy accordingly
Laptop vendors: They will sell many more laptops more quickly if the laptops can be networked to the school intranet or Internet via a low*cost WiMAX network.
Computer chip vendors: 45 million public school students using WiMAX*enabled laptops will sell a lot of chips.
Network devices vendors: WiMAX deployments to schools will sell a lot of routers, servers and other devices.
Carriers: new technologies such as WiMAX may disrupt their traditional business and how to “turn the retreat into a parade”
Educators: How can the instructional yield from one*to*one computing be multiplied using WiMAX?
School administrators: What is WiMAX and why is it so important to instruction?
State/Federal/School finance professionals: provides strategies in paying for multi*million dollar WiMAX deployments

Table of Contents :

WiMAX: The Educational Broadband Services Solution
Introduction: Technology to the Kid via WiMAX
Technology to the kid AND the classroom
One-to-One Computing and Federally-mandated Technology Literacy
The School Intranet: The Value Statement for Networked One-to-One Computing
Converging One-to-One Computing and School Networks
Extending the School Network via Wireless
Technology to the Kid: At school or at home
Market Drivers for the WiMAX-enabled One-to-One Laptop
Government mandates
Private vs. public networks
The 3 A’s of WiMAX-enabled One-to-One Computing
Access
Why WiMAX
Objections to WiMAX
WiMAX is not Wi-Fi
WiMAX Components
Relationship of WiMAX Range and Throughput for School Applications
Base Station and Student Density
Fixed vs. Mobile WiMAX
Why backhaul is important
Wireless Backhaul Considerations
Comparisons with Fiber
Spectrum Considerations
Access Conclusion
Affordability
WiMAX is inexpensive relative to other technologies
What does a one-to-one WiMAX-enabled laptop program cost?
Case Study: School District of Palm Beach County, Florida
Savings on Existing Expenditures
Telecom and Textbooks (or is that “flexbooks”?
Other Instruction-Related Expenses
School assets
Government mandates-can a school district afford to NOT comply?
Conclusion
Applications
Literacy
Numeracy
Writing
Who benefits
Parents
Teachers
Hall Monitors and Deans of Students
Administrators
Technical Applications
Video
Distance Learning via Video Conferencing
HD at 1 Mbps?: HD recording and streaming live anywhere, any time
Architecture
Bandwidth
Standards
Figure 21 Field-testing for WiMAX and HD camera with laptop-sized encoder
Cameras
Audio Factors
Echo Cancellation
The Audio Secret Sauce: Compression Algorithms and “wideband”
Textbooks
Voice
Selling to school districts
Gauging the market
Revenue Potential
Extrapolating by student head count
Estimates based on Cahners Report
Who should do this?
Schools “roll your own”
Carriers
Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs)
WiMAX Service Providers
How to sell to schools
Long sales cycles
Facilitate across departments
Need to compete in RFI/RFQ/RFP processes
Need to partner with other vendors
Establish marketing intelligence database
Aggregate, aggregate, aggregate
Find the money: grants, etc
Get a success story, even if you have to give it away!
Conclusion and Recommendations
Recommendations
Schools and Instructional Institutions
Network Operators and Service Providers
Equipment Suppliers and Systems Integrators

List of Figures
Figure 1 Are networked student laptops inevitable?
Figure 2 Most US schools have computer labs with desktop computers networked to the school’s intranet content and applications
Figure 3 Access to a school computer lab is limited geographically
Figure 4 School connectivity for a majority of schools. For many kids, technology ends at the school house
Figure 5 Campus-wide wireless network access with one-to-one laptop programs extends network access campus-wide
Figure 6 WiMAX extends the school intranet content and applications to the student home 10
Figure 7 A school district-wide WiMAX network connects the student to the school’s intranet content and applications
Figure 8 The 3 elements that comprise a telecommunications network: Access, switching and transport (backhaul)
Figure 9 Wi-Fi serves a coffee shop or home. WiMAX serves a city
Figure 10 WiMAX nomenclature: base station and subscriber station
Figure 11 WiMAX base station and antenna combinations
Figure 12 WiMAX access or subscriber devices
Figure 13 Line of sight offers better range and throughput than non line of sight
Figure 14 Link budget illustrated
Figure 15 On campus WiMAX delivers a throughput of multiple megabits per second
Figure 16 A WiMAX-enabled laptop can enjoy a range of one mile with throughput equal to DSL. WiMAX extends student access to the school’s intranet content and applications to the student’s home
Figure 17 Note populated areas of Palm Beach County, Florida (where the students live) are concentrated on the coast. Compare with figure below for school locations and WiMAX coverage
Figure 18 Placing a WiMAX base station ate each of Palm Beach County Schools 172 schools covers a majority of the populated area of Palm Beach County
Figure 19 Backhaul supports WiMAX base stations, which in turn support student at home internet access 32
Figure 20 Cover Palm Beach County, Florida at a cost of $7 million for 170,000 students = $41 per student in one-time CAPEX or lease for $1/month/student on a 48 month lease or 5% of school district’s per student annual allocation
Figure 21 Field-testing for WiMAX and HD camera with laptop-sized encoder
Figure 22 Satellite imagery of the US at night reveals concentration of population more easily served by WiMAX

List of Tables
Table 1 The progression to “one-to-one” computing
Table 2 Comparison of Wi-Fi and WiMAX for school district use
Table 3 Comparison of Wi-Fi and WiMAX
Table 4 Comparison fixed vs. mobile WiMAX
Table 5 Comparisons of wireless backhaul with other options
Table 6 Comparison of wireless vs. fiber optic cable as backhaul solution
Table 7 School WiMAX-related spectrum
Table 8 Comparisons of the costs for technologies for residential internet access
Table 9 Comparisons for monthly internet/intranet access accounts for public school students plus laptop lease as a percentage of annual allocation per student
Table 10 School district operations savings on telecommunications, textbooks, manpower and insurance for WiMAX network
Table 11 Cost savings related to instruction using WiMAX networks
Table 12 Assets a school district may have that a telephone company would have to buy
Table 13 Federal mandates on education where WiMAX-enabled laptops provide a solution

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As if it wasn’t lucky enough to have the ability to watch movies and videos, and even hook up gaming systems on the go, the convenience of mobile movies is about to get even better.  The latest new toy comes with the advent of 4G wireless internet technology, the next generation in internet technology which will allow us to access high speed mobile broadband internet anytime, anywhere, including on-the-go.  While the implications of this are far reaching, as mobile entertainment goes, it means kids will not only be able to download movies, songs and videos to pass the time, but get online to play games, stay in touch with friends, or even, dare I say, do homework assignments.  When it comes to being trapped in a vehicle for more than a few hours, every family knows that the situation can sometimes be described as challenging or trying, but with all the conveniences of the internet that is used at home, brought to you by mobile WiMax, it’s hard to complain.

While the kiddies may find WiMax wireless internet great for entertainment, adults find it ideal for not only trip planning, but staying in touch with family or the office while on the go.  For those having a hard time making the balance between family time and office time, it’s an opportunity to get ahead while on the move.  With mobile broadband speeds it is possible to download and upload large files easily, making working a reality that doesn’t exist with current 3G technology devices.  Instead of waiting for the WiFi connection in the hotel’s business center, get that last report done on the way, or even take your computer to the pool.  With the convenience of a mobile air card or WiMax ready machine, the internet now exists everywhere.

However, there are some myths related to broadband satellite Internet connection that create doubts in the minds of prospective consumers. Here are 6 such popular myths and the actual truth behind them:

Myth#1 Satellite Internet connection cannot be set-up in all areas.

Fact: It is a wrong notion that broadband satellite Internet is only meant for remote areas where terrestrial services such as DSL and dial up are not available. Location is never an issue with the satellite internet providers. As long as a subscriber has an unobstructed view of the satellite and the small dish is installed properly, he/she can enjoy high speed Internet connection, be it cities or smaller towns or hilly areas.

Myth#2 Satellite Internet requires a modem connection.

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, broadband satellite internet connection does not need a modem to download or upstream transmission. A small dish provided by satellite Internet providers is all that you need for accessing Internet, thus eliminating the need of using a modem. .

Myth#3 Satellite internet performance is not dependent on the quality of your computer.

Fact: The performance of your high speed satellite internet connection depends significantly on the speed and configuration of your computer. It can be severely limited by a poorly fitted or old computer. An underpowered computer will not allow the user to view a web page clearly that contains Flash or other elements.

An updated computer with a good speed is necessary to enjoy the full features of a web site. The broadband satellite Internet connection may transmit data at a faster rate, but it is the computer that holds the key to viewing the pages in a perfect way.

Myth#4: Satellite Internet Access is easily affected by bad weather conditions

Fact: This is not at all true. In fact when a satellite dish is professionally installed, a user get to enjoy uninterrupted satellite Internet access irrespective of the weather conditions. If the dish has an unobstructed view of the sky then there would be no problem in accessing the Internet connection. Only under extreme torrential downpour conditions can there be some disturbance but that too for just a few seconds or minutes.

Myth#5: Satellite Internet is difficult to use.

Fact: Satellite Internet is very easy to use. At the time of installation, the installer shows the user how to use it. Moreover with every broadband Internet connection a user gets a copy of instructions to make them comfortable but how to use it. In case some minor problem arises, users can easily solve it on their own. Otherwise, a user can always contact the “Customer Care” center which is just a phone call away.

Myth#6: Satellite Internet requires frequent and expensive servicing

Fact: Satellite internet connection does not require frequent and expensive servicing. In fact, thanks to the tough competition between satellite internet providers, they are all racing against each other to woo customers with new plans and rates. Most of the plans include several months of free warranty during which a subscriber does not have to pay a penny for any servicing. To give the best service to their customers, there are customer service departments available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In spite of all these myths broadband satellite Internet connection have become popular and soon more people will start believe its potentiality.  Get your broadband satellite Internet connection today.

A new breed of internet business enterprises was born with the growth of the internet as the most preferred medium for communication and business activities. These new pioneers mushroomed across the globe, anticipating a spectacular rise in the number of clients wanting access to the Internet and related services. The new class of business enterprises, popularly known as Internet Service Providers were engaged in fulfilling the needs of the millions of internet users by providing them secure and speedy access to the Internet.

In strict technical terms, an ISP is an enterprise that offers users access to the Internet and related services. They provide services such as Internet transit domain name registration and hosting, dial-up access leased line access and collocation . Typically an ISP charges a monthly access fee to the consumer based on either internet usage hours.The client then has access to the Internet, although the speed at which this data is transferred varies widely depending on the technology used. They usually have infrastructures like communication setups, high-end servers and is connected to the national internet backbone through gateways with great bandwidth and reliable security protocols.

To understand the Internet Service Provider we must understand Internet connection methods. The internet data transfer speed can generally be divided into two categories, namely dialup and broadband. Dialup connections require the use of a phone line, and usually have connection speeds of 56KBPS or less. Broadband on the other hand, can be either ISDN Broadband wireless access, Cable modem DSL Satellite or Ethernet. Broadband provides always-on internet access and varies in speed between 64KBPS and 20MBPS. With the increasing popularity of file sharing and downloading music and the general demand for faster page loads, higher bandwidth connections are becoming more popular and the internet service providers are under pressure to upgrade to the latest trends in order to keep pace with the growing customer demands.
The ISP’s role is to provide any services beyond just Internet connectivity, such as e-mail, web hosting, and technical support. The ISP must perform all authentication and accounting functions necessary to provide access and then bill their users for it. ISPs have several multiple tier set-ups involving smaller ISPs to increase returns on investment and to efficiently manage a geographically large, high capacity network. Such a model with a network of smaller ISPs as customers of the larger ISP can be deployed to serve customers in locations where internet access could not have been provided by a single ISP.

The Internet Service Providers have survived through some testing times with governments taking their own sweet time in taking vital decisions relating to bandwidth and other internet-related matters. Commercial use of the Internet began in the early 90s. Connecting to the Internet in the beginning proved to be quite a challenge. Users had to figure out how to create dial-up connection on their own using Windows early versions. As the Internet gained momentum the technology began to evolve. Faster connections and easier software became available. V.90 which brought download speeds up to 56k or 56,000bps developed in 1998. Larger companies, began to offer Internet services.

Technologies changed fast and newer ones appeared on the internet scenario with monotonous regularity.Broadband, DSL, Cable Modems, Ethernet, you name it , the technology was there. Pricing, technology, and market share drove the Internet economy and the Internet Service Providers had to survive some fierce competition. Many small ISPs began using wireless technology to provide broadband access. Use of wireless technology fueled the way for wireless networks that are in common use today.Internet became fast and furious and ISPs were seen struggling to stay ahead as best possible. The Internet market seemed to settle and ISPs began to move forward. Broadband today has become the connection of choice. DSL and cable modem are the most popular broadband connections. Wireless Internet is still offered but has become more popular on mobile hand-held devices.

With the initial wobbles and shaky starts overcome, Internet Service Providers have today become the stable and secure manner of access to the internet. Encryption technologies, Secured Socket Layers and other accepted forms of internet security together with leap-frogging connection speeds have established these ISPs eliminating the threat of another dot.com crash and bringing great economic viability into this new breed of web enterprise. The debacles of the past could now be swept under the carpet.

Revolutionary technologies, brave new thrust areas and a great new will for survival have brought the ISPs to a crucial turning point in their existence. Today it is not a question of mere existence but one of qualitative existence. Bottom lines are crucial as they always were,but a new meaning has come in where the emphasis is on technology and quality rather than mere run-of-the mill services. The Internet Service Provider has truly entered an era of exciting new range of services apart from providing quality internet access through innovative new technologies.

If you are still using dial up Internet connections then you may be wondering what all the hype is about. After all, it does get you connected to the internet as well! Most people switch their home Internet service to Broadband after experiencing the difference between the two while accessing the internet on their office computer. You can go to a public library as well to try a computer with Broadband Internet for a couple of hours, and then decide which one you would rather have.

DSL is the most common type of Broadband Internet connection. DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It allows high volumes of data to be transmitted quickly. Some rural areas have cable that offers Broadband connections. One downside of it is that all the customers share a certain amount of bandwidth so you can find your Broadband Internet functioning slowly at times. Cable companies try to avoid this by adding additional connections as the number of customer’s increases. A satellite Broadband connection works the same way.

Broadband Internet has become very popular because it offers so many advantages over dial up Internet access. It is up to 10 times faster. This means you can access information on the Internet almost the instant you click on it. Since it doesn’t operate on your phone line, you can still take phone calls while being connected to the internet. This also means you won’t get disconnected in the middle of something or not be able to get online during peak hours.

Many people choose to watch movies and videos on the internet. Having Broadband Internet allows you to download them or view them quickly as it doesn’t take long to buffer them. Listening and downloading music is another popular feature of the internet that works well with Broadband Internet service.

Broadband Internet can be purchased from a variety of providers. It is becoming a popular feature of Internet service providers as well as cable providers. This is a great opportunity for you to get a package deal on cable services and Broadband Internet. You will save money over having them at two separate providers. Broadband Internet costs more than dial up internet service, but it is well worth the speed you get for accessing the internet.

All three Broadband Internet connections work very well. You should make your choice after comparing what is available in your area. Next compare the prices and the installation charges. Many Broadband providers run periodic promotions where they will do the installation for free. This is a great way to save money. You should also ask your friends and family what Broadband Internet provider they use and their experiences. You want a Broadband Internet provider that offers great prices and excellent customer support.

The newest wave of communication is the Voice Over Internet Protocol, known as VOIP, it allows you to speak to people all over the world with unbelievable clarity. It is used by businesses because it offers a great solution for conference calls. The charges are often billed as a local call rather than long distance. For anyone who makes a great deal of long distance calls for leisure or business, this is the perfect phone solution. However, VOIP requires a Broadband Internet connection to function.