AGL Conference: Well worth the day.

For telecommunications professionals looking for a some education on new systems and the tower industry, look no further than AGL (Above Ground Level) Magazine's regional conference tour.  EMR attended the Chicago conference this year and found it to be well worth the day.

We were truly impressed with the succinctness and organization of the one-day conference, as well as the content quality of each presentation.  The sessions set this conference apart in that they are not just a review of wireless industry basics or common current knowledge.  Truly innovative and insightful ideas were shared.  AGL did a phenomenal job putting it together, and we're sure they will have even greater success with next year's conferences. 

For those of you who missed out this year, here is a recap of the day's panel discussions:
Opportunities for the Wireless Infrastructure Community
A roundtable discussion on the wireless infrastructure community's needs and how mobilization of an association can improve the industry as a whole.  Speakers included presidents from Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin Wireless Associations.

Opportunities for Future Site Growth
A panel discussion covering increasing demand for high-speed data and technologies like Super Wi-Fi on TV whitespace, picocells, and distributed antenna system (DAS) networks and how they affect tower owners and operators. 

Collaborative Approaches in the 4G World of Siting
Panelists shared creative ways to address public concern about towers, and gain local support for infrastructure by using political campaign-style strategies, clear cut data, and quality of life due to wireless coverage. 

Wireless Ordinances:  Friend or Foe?
Municipalities adopting wireless ordinances can have a broad impact on macrocell and DAS siting.  Getting to know these ordinances and working in conjunction with them instead of against them can benefit tower owners and operators. 

The Art of Negotiation:  Leasing Tower Space in the 4G World
Next-generation technologies and innovative business practices are affecting tower leasing rates.  This discussion examined the current market and trends of the future.

The Changing Face of Tower Regulation
FCC rule changes regarding environmental assessment, tower climbing safety, tower lighting and marking, the Shot Clock, right of way rules, pole attachment, and Congress's collocation by right of legislation.  This discussion also covered FCC draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment of the ASR Program. 


View details and slideshows from the presentations here, courtesy of AGL.