Penny Thurnau

Really interesting announcements today from Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) about the ability for emergency calls and security / preparedness communications to connect via #WiFi networks and #OpenRoaming, for resiliency and extra in-building reach. There's a three reports and multiple angles here: - Automated connection of phones and other devices to Wi-Fi for 911 / 999 / 112 calls via OpenRoaming, even if there's normally some other authentication method needed. This is broadly similar to the cross-network roaming for emergency calls across cellular networks, and works irrespective of subscription status - Ability to use #WiFiCalling for #emergency #voice comms. (This is for public calls to emergency services, not for first responders' own critical radio comms) - Prioritisation of public safety and "emergency preparedness" traffic on Wi-Fi networks, despite any network congestion. During critical incidents, there can be a huge surge of traffic, especially if mobile infrastructure is damaged (eg in a hurricane). Being able to dedicate capacity or prioritise usage by key personnel or devices makes both the Wi-Fi network and overall communications more resilient and suitable for first responders. - Better location-awareness and use of the Wi-Fi infrastructure for positioning, especially indoors, and the ability to communicate that to the public-safety dispatchers and systems. Based on a quick scan of the documents, some of these features are dependent on newer #Wi-Fi7 systems, with others designed to function on older variants. In general, I think this is an excellent move - in many emergency situations, Wi-Fi and fixed/fibre networks may be more tolerant of outages than cellular, and there will also be some users with Wi-Fi only devices. It adds to the options for communications and network coverage, and also seems to have been designed in a way to minimise possible user intervention and confusion in stressful situations. However, there will be a need in some cases to have some sort of "emergency profile" included in devices. I'd say this is also a very good way to encourage broader adoption of PassPoint and OpenRoaming by enterprises, building owners, CSPs and device vendors - and could also prompt regulators / policymakers to consider it as mandatory. Lastly, I think this is a step in the right direction to a broader view of emergency communications. As well as different access networks - mobile, fixed, Wi-Fi and soon satellite - I think that there should be a much broader "emergency API" approach, so that calls can be initiated in messaging apps, or even from AI voice platforms, going beyond some limited use of things like smart speakers or in-car eCall today. I'll also be covering emergency aspects of Wi-Fi on my enterprise innovations panel at the WBA #WGCEMEA conference in Paris next week. #publicsafety #firstresponders #criticalcommunications #wifi #telecom #regulation https://lnkd.in/eGkDYVgQ

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Today, we’re proud to officially introduce the Founding Board of Directors of ISP Academy. ISP Academy was created to build a structured, scalable workforce development platform specifically for the broadband and WISP industry. This initiative is being led by experienced operators and industry leaders who understand firsthand the realities of building, deploying, and operating networks. Founding Board of Directors: Tommy Waldrop Ken Ruppel Joshaven Potter Brian Webster Tasos Alexiou Nathan Stooke Perry Trevithick Jeff Little This board represents decades of combined experience across wireless infrastructure, fiber construction, network operations, executive leadership, and financial strategy. ISP Academy is being built by operators, for operators. Our focus: Industry-aligned curriculum Practical, field-ready training Long-term workforce development A sustainable model that serves ISPs of all sizes More details on initial course tracks and launch timelines will be shared soon. The workforce gap in our industry is real. We’re building the solution. #ISPACADEMY #WISP #Broadband #TelecomTraining #WorkforceDevelopment

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Being an ISP isn’t about fibre. Fibre, FWA, and mobile are simply access layers. What customers actually pay for is accountability, service assurance, performance, and reliability — and a single party responsible when things go wrong. An access-only operator behaves like a utility. An ISP owns the end-to-end experience, service outcomes, and customer trust. That distinction is where differentiation — and monetisation — begins.

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