[CWN-Summit] Call for Panel Proposals

[Michael Weinberg]

Hi All,

I recently received this message about the International Summit for
CWNs. I think it would be very worthwhile for PTP to participate. Does
anyone have panel idea?

One thought I have, which is something I've been thinking about in a
more general sense, is the need for communities to look beyond
wireless to higher bandwidth technologies (i.e. fiber!), especially
when planning new projects. An ambitious wireless plan, drafted today,
that will take 5 years to deploy will likely only have a 5 year
lifespan as a high bandwidth service.

In short, it makes sense to unwire today, but we need to fiber tomorrow.

Thoughts on this? Other thoughts?

Michael

Date: January 10, 2008 9:40:08 AM PST
Subject: [CWN-Summit] Call for Panel Proposals
Reply-To: National Summit on Community Wireless Networking
CALL FOR PANELS — Due March 31, 2008
International Summit for Community Wireless Networks
May 28-30, 2008, Washington, DC
Since the first National Summit for Community Wireless Networks in
2004, hundreds of community Internet and municipal broadband
initiatives have sprung up around the globe. Internet access is
increasingly important to all facets of civil society, but many
communities are being left out of this communications revolution.
"High-speed broadband access is the electricity of the 21st century,
yet many rural and poorer urban communities are being left off the
grid," says Ben Scott, policy director of Free Press, a DC-based
policy think-tank. "The innovators and organizers at the
International Summit for Community Wireless Networks are blazing the
trail to make broadband affordable and available to everyone."
The 2008 summit will be co-hosted by the world's largest general
scientific society, the American Association for the Advancement of
Science (AAAS), and continue its tradition of featuring wireless
leaders, innovators, activists, and community networking visionaries
from around the globe.
The Summit focuses on how wireless networks can better serve their
target populations, the policies needed to support broader
deployment of community wireless systems, and the latest
technological and software innovations in the field. "Wireless
networking is about far more than Internet connectivity," states
Sascha Meinrath, Summit Director. "It's about building next-
generation multi-media services for communities, fostering social
and economic justice, and facilitating a vibrant arts and cultural
scene."
We invite your panel proposals and participation in this year's
International Summit for Community Wireless Networks to discuss and
exchange ideas on how to make universal broadband access a reality.
More information will be available soon at: http://www.wirelesssummit.org
Interested presenters are encouraged to propose innovative panels
focusing on the three themes for the Summit: technology, policy, and
implementation. The International Summit for Community Wireless
Networks distinguishes itself from typical technical and academic
conferences by engaging all participants in an ongoing dialog that
encourages a strategic approach to community wireless network
development and telecommunications policy reform. Panelists will not
simply present their own work and opinions — they will also serve as
facilitators of a process that records lessons learned and help
produce a comprehensive "to-do list" of action items for the coming
months and years.
While three days is not long enough to develop a truly comprehensive
strategic plan, panels at the Summit represent a significant
opportunity for thinkers, developers, and stakeholders to produce
substantial recommendations to support the development of community
wireless networks. The Summit is, in essence, a gathering of leaders
in the field and an opportunity to shape the future of this
movement. Past panels can be reviewed at: http://www.cuwin.net/2007summit/2007schedule
.
Panel ideas will be accepted on a rolling basis and must be received
no later than March 31, 2008. Please send panel proposals of 250
Travel stipends are available for speakers with financial need.
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