That a 55 person company with probably no physical infrastructure can have the approximate market capitalization of one of the Baby Bells (an outdated term, no doubt) is another indicator of our new hyper-productive era where a small team can do what would have taken thousands in years past.
The FCC’s IP Transition Order: What Do the Trials Mean?
Certainly the disruption of apps, like WhatsApp, point to the challenges the FCC faces as it tries to figure out the role of regulation. What are some of the larger short-term and long-term implications of their recent IP Transition Order? What are the potential opportunities and dangers for small carriers? These are just some of the questions I am going to ask panelists Paul Feldman, Attorney, Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth and Sam Harlan, VP-Engineering at CHR Solutions on this Friday’s Team Lightbulb webinar The FCC’s IP Transition Order: What Do the Trials Mean? It will be an interactive discussion, but feel free to send me questions ahead of time.
Click here to register.
White Space Broadband Where Broadcasting Began
Was it fate or just a coincidence that one of the first tests of TV White Space (TVWS) broadband would also be at the location where regularly scheduled radio broadcasting began? That Charles D. Herrold opened the Herrold College of Wireless and Engineering and later began broadcasting at 50 West San Fernando in San José was a surprise to Adaptrum’s Darrin Mylet. Herrold’s launch of his radio station in 1909 was a precursor to an explosion in radio transmitters, which led to interference and, eventually, government rules for allocating and the use of spectrum.
Click here to read more about this unlicensed technology that could be a good tool for getting broadband to the nooks and crannies for both rural and urban applications.
Social Media, BYOD – Racing Faster Than Policy
“You really should have a policy that deals with all aspects of technology,” said Megan Anderson an attorney with Gray, Plant and Mooty. The challenge for employers is keeping workplace rules in step with rapid technology changes. In this interview, Anderson provides useful insight into some of the challenges that technologies, such as social media and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), present to employers. Activities that seem harmless, such as social media endorsements or using personal devices for work tasks, can create situations that violate employment or privacy laws.
Click here to view this video which provides a good flavor for the type of content that will be the upcoming Minnesota Telecom Alliance Convention & Trade Show.
Relaxation Television
Relaxation television is how Tim Larson, Vice President of Distribution of eScapes Network, describes their service. eScapes Network provides a backdrop of high-definition videos and background music. With operators receiving 2 minutes of the 4 minutes per hour of advertising time and the ability to program 15 minute segments with local sights and sounds, eScapes has an interesting local content angle.
Click here to view more and get a flavor for the jam-packed exhibit floor at the ACA Annual Summit.
Some Tweets and Short Thoughts:
- The recently released YuMe/Interpret Ad Effectiveness Studies suggests that the connected viewer is the engaged viewer. For instance, in one of their studies, “Survey respondents who recalled ads on connected platforms were significantly more likely to ‘definitely consider’ future purchase (lifts of 82% for smart TV / Blu-ray and 50% for PS3 app) and “definitely recommend” (lifts of 45% and 11%, respectively) the brand.” This points to both the importance of multi-screen for creating a more engaging experience for those who choose to engage, as well as an environment that provides more accurate measurements that traditional broadcast approaches.
- Measuring what one watches is the objective of eyetech Digital Systems with its developer kits it has recently begun shipping. These developer kits will bring the technology used in high-end consumer study groups to the masses by tracking where the eye is looking via Smart TVs. This could be a boon to advertisers, as they could better understand the effectiveness of their commercials (e.g. do people turn away when the commerical appears). It could also have implications for the user interface, making it more accessible as well as have the potential to dynamically change scenes based on what a person is watching.
- Phillips and Ericsson made it official with the mobile broadband/street light solution. Since Silicon Valley (San Jose) is already considering this approach to improve lighting efficiency with minimal capital outlay, it should try to coordinate with the Google Fiber initiative to bring fiber to these light poles. San Jose should probably talk to former Kansas City, Kansas mayor Joe Reardon about how they transformed their processes to jump to the next level of broadband for his community.
- Download the beta ViodiTV App for iOS – more about it and its developer, iLook.TV, in the next issue.
The Korner – The One Man Workout Show
One of the trends of International CES 2014 is the number of products created by small teams or, in the case of the above video, one person. Foretold by the likes of Tom Peters many years ago, entrepreneurs are assembling dynamic teams to make their visions reality with little capital and little formal organizational structure.
In the case of professional drummer Prescott Ellison, the problem he was trying to solve was how to maintain a consistent workout while on the road. As he points out, not all the hotels where he stays are accommodating to his workout routine. To solve this problem, he invented the body bench.
His is a story of determination of transforming his vision to reality and helping others become fit, like he is. His initiative is inspirational and a model for entrepreneurs everywhere.
Click here to view.
