March Member Update: IP Networks, SXSW & Connected Cities

 

From the Desk of Executive Director Mike Montgomery:

An all-IP future is no longer such a distant possibility.  Last week, AT&T announced that it would hold test trials to transition wire centers to all-IP services in two communities: one rural (Carbon Hill, Alabama) and one suburban (Kings Point, Florida).  Just three months into 2014, our nation is truly embracing the idea of ‘out with the old and in with the new.’  Our communications infrastructure has long been reliant on centuries-old technology.  The time has come to upgrade these antiquated networks to a network that provides consumers with far more options for their communications needs.   As my friend Larry Downes and his co-author Paul Nunes write in their book Big Bang Disruption, “The transition to digital networks [would] significantly counter the obstacles that keep 20 percent of American adults from joining the Internet.”  For that reason alone, we’d be crazy not to embrace these next-gen all-broadband networks.  It’s good for consumers, both existing and potential, across the country.

We’re traveling the state to help our members make progress on the issues that matter most.  Don’t hesitate to reach out should there be a roadblock CALinnovates can help remove for your company to experience the growth and success you’re striving for in Q1 and beyond.


Upcoming Events:

SXSW Immigration Happy Hour with Steve Case

March 9, 2014 | Austin, TX

 
Mobile Margaritas Hosted by Mobile Future
March 9, 2014 | Austin, TX

Join DC-based Mobile Future for SXSW for Mobile Margaritas, a meet-up with other mobile leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.  


News You Can Use:

All-IP Beta Test Markets Announced
CALinnovates,
February 28, 2014

CALinnovates has long been a strong proponent of a modernization of our nation’s communications infrastructure, and last week marked another important step down this critical path. Earlier this year, I called the transition “the beginning of the next great digital transformation in our nation’s history.” …

True Peer-to-Peer Rideshare Now a Reality
Daily Kos,
February 28, 2014

Sidecar announced last week that it is looking to take a big bite out of its competitors by launching the first true peer-to-peer marketplace in the rideshare industry.  Co-founder and CEO Sunil Paul says Sidecar’s new marketplace “will give riders the power to choose…

The Tale of Three Connected Cities
TechZulu, March 3, 2014
By: Mike Montgomery

When it comes to major technological projects like building out Wi-Fi networks, it’s wise to turn to the experts in order to better serve citizens.

Case in point: Los Angeles, which is issuing an RFP for private industry to build out a citywide Wi-Fi network. The winning company will not only be tasked with the design and build out of the network, but maintaining and upgrading that network into the future. This necessary ongoing investment, as the experiment in Riverside has shown us, is where the majority of project pitfalls reside…

In this Issue:


From the Desk of Executive Director Mike Montgomery


Upcoming Events


News You Can Use


Member Spotlight


Member Spotlight…

SeeClickFix

If you haven’t downloaded the SeeClickFix app on your iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, or Blackberry, now’s the time. Founded by Ben Berkowitz and Kam Lasater, SeeClickFix is a communications platform for citizens to report non-emergency issues. Governments also use the platform to track, manage, and reply — ultimately making communities better through transparency, collaboration, and cooperation. It’s free on the app store of your choice.



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