The Business of Wireless Technology forum is Tuesday, Jan. 13 at the MCC building auditorium on West Braker Lane. It is open to the public, but space is limited. Log on to Austin Technology Council to register.
News 8 Austin's Erica Riggins spoke with Alex Cavali, deputy director of the IC² Institute, and Erin Defosse, director of the IT and wireless division of ATI, about Austin's wireless future.
Both are participating in Tuesday's forum -- Wireless 201: The Business of Wireless Technology.
Q: Just how much or what kind of impact will wireless have on the local economy?
Alex: Wireless has already impacted Austin's economy. [There are ] over 90 wireless companies in Austin today. We have a major wireless networking and communication group at the University of Texas and recent press announcements, if they are any indication, say that something like $40 million has recently been invested in wireless companies in Austin. So, if that growth and rate of investment continues, then wireless will have a major impact on our economic future.
Q: What is the goal of the event?
Erin: Well, really the forum has two components. The first is to provide a shared vision, if you will, and a roadmap for how do we actually develop this industry in Austin. The second part is to really provide and educate of what is the wireless industry and what are the various components in the wireless industry and how does Austin plan for those? What do we have that will make us successful in that industry? That's what we're going to try to achieve.
Q: What factors are needed to accelerate the wireless industry in Austin?
Erin: Well, you know the great thing is that Austin already has phenomenal assets in order to do this. We have a deep set of expertise and capabilities in the semiconductor industry, which we developed over many years, software as well. And those two are key elements if you want to play in the wireless sector. So really, one of the things that we're going to be able to do in Austin, and we're starting to do, is we want to bring together those assets and industry together with what is happening at the University of Texas, together with what the city and the state want to do and collaborate. If we can collaborate – and we're starting to do this as evidenced by this event – which is really a collaboration of all those areas. If we can collaborate and speak with one voice to the rest of the country and the rest of the world for that matter, then I think we're going to be very successful.
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Wireless forum
News 8 Austin's Erica Riggins spoke with Alex Cavali and Erin Defosse.
 
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Q: Can wireless help fill the void left by the slowdown of the high tech industry?
Alex: We do, we absolutely do. I think the way to look at this is Austin is beginning its next phase of its economy. And wireless is going to be a principal player in that among other pieces, but wireless will provide a significant portion of our economic engine in the next phase of our economy.
