Wednesday, April 11

Create Track

1:00–2:00 p.m.
Meeting the Challenge of Technology Evolution
Once the physical layer 1 infrastructure of a communications network is in place, whether it is wired or wireless, future technological advancements will occur at the layer 2 and layer 3 levels. These levels define data link, protocols, and networking. It is at these levels that packet-based services like WANs, LANs, Frame Relay, ATM, and Ethernet are defined, quality is controlled, and service level agreements can be fulfilled. This session will focus on the switch and routing evolution that is ongoing at these layers, the services that can be developed, and the ability to offer guaranteed service performance levels.

2:00–3:00 p.m.
Creating Opportunities in Distance Education for Your Community
Online learning is a booming field. More than 5.6 million higher-education students were enrolled in at least one online course in 2009, an increase of nearly 1 million students in one year, according to The Sloan Consortium. In the K-12 environment, it's estimated that by 2019 50% of U.S. courses will be delivered online, according to Disrupting Class. Attend this session to hear real-world ideas for how your Telco can capitalize on this trend to further service your community and create new business opportunities beyond your traditional service territory.

3:30–4:30 p.m.
Smart Home Opportunities
Smart homes connect all the devices and appliances in your home so they can communicate with each other and with you. In theory, smart homes can automate any electrical device. Attend this session to learn more about the standards, devices, and business models available to smart home providers.

Innovate Track

1:00–2:00 p.m.
Innovations in the Cloud
Business and residential users are increasingly turning to cloud computing and storage solutions for their flexibility, utility-based pricing, and ease of use. For broadband service providers, the cloud offers the ability to move further up the stack, away from simply delivering a high-speed pipe to offering new and innovative applications and potentially creating new revenue streams.

2:00–3:00 p.m.
Mobile-Beyond Backhaul: How can Rural Operators Play?
2G, 3G, 4G standards, cell site capacity requirements, latency, jitter and availability are all essential elements associated with backhauling mobile wireless. Join us as we take an in depth look at the technology, network architecture and business strategies for successful rural backhaul operations.

3:30–4:30 p.m.
Next Generation e-911
Many government agencies are planning for next-generation e-911 enhancements. What are the implications for your company and what are the local/regional challenges of these proposals. You will not want to miss this discussion on next-generation e-911 enhancements and how your may be effected.

Differentiate Track

1:00–2:00 p.m.
Leveraging Economies of Scale in Your Operations
Planning and engineering modifications and product launches for your company are nearly always at a high cost and often cost prohibitive. How does the rural telephone company respond to the increasing appetite of consumers for more and complex communications tools and services? Listen as our experts look at the pros and cons of using economies of scale to help achieve elusive affordability.

2:00–3:00 p.m.
Using Technology to Boost CSR Effectiveness
This session will look at ways to improve the effectiveness of CSRs in a positive, formative way through the use of technologies and tools that promise to enhance their role, without creating a "Big Brother" environment.

3:30–4:30 p.m.
Effective Sales Techniques for the Rural Operator
As the need for new revenue opportunities becomes more important, discovering the most effective sales techniques could mean the difference between closing the sale and loosing the customer. Join this panel and discuss effective sales techniques that you may want to employ with your sales team.