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Joining a Trade Association Can Help Boost Your Business
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Tap into knowledge
Odds are that someone, somewhere, in the industry has already discovered the
solution to a vexing problem in your particular niche.
Enhance your reputation.
Trade associations sort out bad apples through self-regulation, which bolsters the
reputations of all their members.
Make personal connections.
By participating in a trade association, small businesses can gain access to potential
new customers in their area.
Increase your purchasing power.
Trade associations often arrange for members to receive discounts on certain products
and services.
Gain political clout and expertise.
Trade associations bring competitors together, turning one small voice into a
persuasive, collective shout.
Trade Organizations
• BCBA – BC Broadband Association
• CNOC – Canadian Network Operators Consortium
• WISPA – Wireless Internet Service Providers Association
• CanWISP – Canadian Wireless Internet Service Providers
CanWISP Areas of Focus
• Technical
• Membership
• AGM and conferences
Technical
• Spectrum
• 3500Mhz
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CanWISP has filed two consultations
We expect another consultation to be held on a new band plan
We are watching what is happening in the US
We encourage all WISP’s to get a license in the 3.65Ghz band
• 600Mhz
• Filed on the recent consultation, would like to see some of this band set aside for TVWS and RBBS use
• 5150 – 5250Mhz
• Participated in the RABC discussions on this band which is now available in the US
• Other bands
• We are working with Industry Canada on some other possible bands
RABC – Radio Advisory Board of Canada
• The Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC) provides timely,
accurate and broadly-based advice on the management and
use of radio spectrum to the Canadian government (Industry
Canada (IC))
• The RABC provides informed technical non-partisan advice
• The RABC does NOT advocate positions in order to advance the
interests of its members
• The primary focus is national rather than international issues
RABC – How does it work?
• IC usually publishes draft policies and asks for public comment
• RABC usually comments on all relevant draft policies
• Draft Technical Specifications / Standards are usually created in dialog between IC and
the RABC
• RSS (Radio Standards Specification) provides specific requirements for equipment
(i.e. on manufacturers)
• SRSP (Standard Radio System Plan) provides description and requirements of
spectrum usage (i.e. on operators)
• Once prepared by RABC/IC, draft specs are published for public comment
• Updates to existing specifications are handled jointly by IC and the RABC
RABC - Organization
• Formed in 1944
• Comprised of radiocommunication industry experts
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manufacturers
wireless carriers and service providers
network operators
broadcasters
public safety and national security radio network operators
users
Industry Canada is an observer and participates in many meetings (but cannot vote
within the RABC)
• Two government representatives on RABC governing board
RABC - Structure
Executive Committee
Broadcasting Committee
Electromagnetic Compatibility Committee
Fixed Wireless Communications Committee
Licensed Services Sub-committee
Licensed-exempt Sub-Committee
Fixed Satellite Sub-Committee
Mobile and Personal Communications Committee
Public Safety Sub-committee
Mobile Satellite Sub-committee
AWS Sub-committee
Membership
• We estimate there are approximately 175 - 200 WISP’s in Canada
• If each wisp has an average of 1000 customers, we serve approximately
175,000 customers!
• We need to update our database with current contact information
• We would like to do a survey to gather better demographics
• We would like to increase our membership
• Current Membership Fees
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WISP, under $50K - $125 per year
WISP, $51K to 25M - $500 per year
WISP, over 25M - $2,500 per year
Industry Partner - $1,500 per year
AGM & Conferences
• WISPAmerica – February (Western US)
• CanWISP AGM – March (Ottawa) possibly alternate East/West
• CommTech East – April (Toronto)
• BC Broadband Conference – April (Vancouver)
• CommTech West – May (Calgary)
• WISPAPALOOZA – October (Las Vegas)
• CNOC ISP Summit – November (Toronto
Questions?