We regret to announce that the Fox IT Symposium on "Will the Philadelphia Wireless Plan Change the Business Model of Broadband Telecommunications?" on Thursday April 28, 2005 at 8am has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Panelists

Dianah Neff, CIO, City of Philadelphia
Richard A. Miller, Vice President, Innovation Philadelphia
Veronica Wentz, New Media Director, Greater Philadelphia Marketing Tourism Corporation
Ed Schwartz, President, Institute for the Study of Civic Values

Moderator

Munir Mandviwalla, Associate Professor and Chair, Temple University

Event Summary

Large scale wireless networks (also known as metropolitan area networks) are now being deployed at an ever increasing pace. The vision is that these networks can provide universal access to broadband communications; allow organizations to connect their workers and increase productivity, allow individuals low cost easy access to the Internet, and spawn new multimedia applications. Technologists have for a long time envisioned a world where anytime anywhere high speed connectivity provides on demand access to any form of communication or media including broadcast television and voice communications, while free or almost free access, promotes social values such as reducing the digital divide. Like other disruptive technologies these networks call into question underlying business models. For example, the role of telecommunications, broadcast video and audio providers and of the communities that want low cost access and innovative applications. Given the large potential revenues at stake and the newly announced plans of municipalities such as Philadelphia, it is still unclear how and when metropolitan wireless networks will change the business model of broadband access.  In this panel we will explore:

• The underlying technology of large scale wireless networks and the specifics of the Philadelphia plan. What can they do? Are they feasible? How much will they cost? How can they be deployed? What are the pros and cons of the Philadelphia plan?

• The business and social implications of wireless networks: What will these technologies mean for current and future “providers” and for users? Who are the target users? What is the best way to manage and adopt such networks? How will the Philadelphia plan impact businesses, users, and communities?