It is often noted that Hosted Unified Communications must include mobility (FMC) and integrated mobile access (smartphones, laptops and tablets). Given the rise in wireless broadband investment, up more than 40% from 2009 to 2012, from $21 billion to $30 billion per year, wireless is central to conducting business and for communications and access to information. The need to access information wirelessly has enabled the “APP Economy” that is purported to have created over 500,000 jobs since 2007.

The U.S. now leads the world in the deployment of LTE with 94.37% of the population having access to broadband speeds equal to or greater than 3 Mbps. 80% of the population has access to wireless broadband at greater than or equal to 10 Mbps. LTE ultimately is to achieve 100Mbps at which point it will offer access and speed on par with wireline broadband. However, note that North America’s average mobile data connection is 2.6 Mbps which is twice that of Western Europe and five times the global average.

In addition to leading with access and speed, more than 80% of smartphones sold globally run operating systems developed by U.S. companies. Six years ago just 5% of smartphones utilized these operating systems.

As more and more demand is placed upon wireless networks, it becomes increasingly important to reduce or remove hindrances to investment in expanding wireless infrastructure. The FCC and NTIA have been directed to work together to repurpose 500 MHz of spectrum to wireless broadband within 10 years. Separately, the FCC, using new authority to auction spectrum, will expand wireless broadband service and raise new revenues for the Treasury.

Last year, as noted in the report, NTIA also created the First Responders Network Authority, or FirstNet. FirstNet was created to design and deploy a nationwide interoperable wireless network for first responders. The creation of FirstNet is not without controversy as it could compete with local/regional wireless carriers. However, the benefit of our nation to have a coordinated wireless network nationwide for emergencies and public safety should not be delayed. FirstNet has dedicated spectrum and $7 billion in funding to partner with commercial providers and others to expand wireless broadband access nationwide.

The expansion of wireless broadband with improved speeds and pricing supports the efforts of ANPI and other providers of hosted communications to deliver Unified Communications with integrated mobility.

Back by popular demand, a feature recipe from the kitchen of David Byrd

Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 pound roasted chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
• 2 teaspoons herbes de provence
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup chopped pickles (sweet or dill)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Let rest for an hour to rehydrate the onion flakes. Serve on either crackers or as a sandwich.