City and Broadband Organizations

NATOA is the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, whose mission is to support and serve the telecommunications interests and needs of local governments. NATOA is a professional association made up of individuals and organizations, who are either responsible for or advise those responsible for telecommunications policies and services in local governments throughout the country. This is a great site for keeping tabs on the role of municipalities in the current debate over telecommunications policy in the US.

NASCIO, the National Association of State CIOs, represents state chief information officers and information resource executives and managers from the 50 states, six U. S. territories, and the District of Columbia. State members are senior officials from any of the three branches of state government who have executive-level and statewide responsibility for information resource management. Representatives from federal, municipal, and international governments and state officials who are involved in information resource management but do not have chief responsibility for that function participate in the organization as associate members. Private-sector firms and non-profit organizations may join as corporate members.

Center for Digital Government This national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government has valuable white papers and research documents for downloading. A private organization based in Folsom, CA, the Center has advisory services, online resources, and special reports to provide public and private sector leaders with decision support, knowledge, and opportunities to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st Century.

American Public Power Association, the national organization for municipally-owned utilites and strong supporter of local economic and community development, has a Community Broadband Initiative that is a good reference source for communities.

The Wi Fi Alliance is a global, non-profit industry association of more than 200 member companies devoted to promoting the growth of wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). Seeking to enhance the user experience for mobile wireless devices, the Wi-Fi Alliance's testing and certification programs ensure the interoperability of WLAN products based on the IEEE 802.11 specification. Since the introduction of the Wi-Fi Alliance's certification program in March 2000, over 2,000 products have been designated as Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM), encouraging the expanded use of Wi-Fi products and services across the consumer and enterprise markets.

WiMAX Forum is an industry-led, non-profit corporation formed to promote and certify compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products under the the IEEE 802.16 and ETSI HiperMAN wireless MAN standards, aka "WiMAX".

Intel - WiMAX - Broadband Wireless Access Technology: Connecting the Next Billion People is a website set up by Intel, which explains: WiMAX is a standards-based wireless technology that provides high-throughput broadband connections over long distances. WiMAX can be used for a number of applications, including 'last mile' broadband connections, hotspots and cellular backhaul, and high-speed enterprise connectivity for business. WiMAX is a complementary technology to Wi Fi Mesh, and is expected to complete an integrated broadband wireless network solution for towns and cities.

On this website, WiMAX in Action, Intel works with the wireless industry to drive deployment of WiMAX networks. To find out more about what WiMAX is and how it is revolutionizing broadband wireless delivery, Intel includes these sections: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 5116 broadband interface, WiMAX Overview Demo, WiMAX Experiences - Case Studies & Videos, Industry Collaboration, and White Papers, Training & Articles.

Intel - Digital Cities Initiative is an exciting resource offered by Intel to promote the expansion of metropolitan broadband wireless networks. According to Intel, "A growing number of city and government leaders are implementing eGovernment services using innovative technology to enhance safety and security, citizen satisfaction, and a greater return on tax revenues. Opportunities offered by technology include an integrated infrastructure or 'fabric' for government services, delivered through both broadband wired and wireless information and communications technologies. These core technologies fundamentally transform the way citizens live and work, and serve as the foundation for the Intel vision of the digital city." Go to this site to see examples of applications that will transform your city once you have a broadband wireless network.

W2i: The Wireless Internet Institute This organization hosts good conferences worldwide that bring together this small industry. This is also a good source of white papers and briefs, but for a fee. Worth checking out.