Dear WBA Community,
I am thrilled to join you all in celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) in 2023. This extraordinary milestone provides us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on and express our gratitude for the exceptional contributions and long-term services from our esteemed member companies board directors, board advisors, individuals, and the incredible WBA operations team. As part of the celebration at the recent WGC Americas event in Las Vegas, the WBA unveiled the WBA’s Hall of Honor and recognized fantastic contributions with our Anniversary Recognition Awards, which served as a platform to honor and recognize the outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment demonstrated by these individuals and organizations, which I would like to further recognize here:
Korea Telekom (KT) is the longest-standing member company and a founding member of WBA, playing pivotal role in establishing and nurturing our organization. Their unwavering dedication to the WBA community over the past 20 years has helped shape our growth and success, and their active presence on the WBA board for more than a significantly influenced our strategic direction.
I would like to also extend my deepest appreciation to Steve Dyett from BT, the longest-serving individual member of the WBA. Steve’s commitment and involvement from the very beginning of WBA’s journey is truly appreciated. He played a crucial role over these 20 years and all started at WBA 4th Roundtable event in London. Steve, your dedication over the past 20 years has been instrumental in our growth and success – thank you!!
BT Group, an integral part of the WBA Board since 2003, deserves our heartfelt thanks. Their valuable insights and guidance have significantly shaped our strategic direction. Serving as Board Chair and Co-Chair for over 15 years, BT Group has shown unwavering commitment and dedication to the goals of our organization.
JR Wilson from AT&T, is the WBA’s longest-serving Chairman and has been an exceptional visionary leader since 2011. I am grateful for his guidance, strategic direction, valuable insights and expertise.
Cédric Gonin from Orange, our longest-serving Treasurer, has made significant contributions to the WBA. Since 2009, Cédric has provided valuable insights and expertise in shaping our strategic direction. As Treasurer, he has played a vital role in managing the financial aspects of our operations.
Chris Bruce, the longest member of the WBA Board from 2009 to 2021, has been instrumental in shaping our strategic direction, serving as Chairman or Co-Chairman for an impressive 12 years. His guidance and oversight have been invaluable to the board’s activities.
I would also like to recognize the biggest member contributors, both individuals and companies, to the WBA Programs and Projects:
Mark Grayson. Cisco, a recipient of the Outstanding Leader Award in 2018 and 2021, has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in various work groups and projects. With six years of service as a Work Group Chair/Co-Chair and leading multiple projects, Mark’s dedication and expertise have been invaluable to the WBA.
Michael Sym, Single Digits, recognized with the Outstanding Leader Award in 2020, has consistently exhibited remarkable leadership qualities over six years as a WG Chair/Co-Chair and involvement in multiple projects. In short, his contributions have been instrumental in the success of the WBA.
Luther Smith, CableLabs has also made significant contributions over his many years of working with the WBA, earning him the Outstanding Leader Award in 2019. With four years as a WG Chair/Co-Chair and involvement in multiple projects, Luther’s expertise and commitment have been highly regarded within the WBA.
I want to express our appreciation to AT&T, Cisco, Intel, and Single Digits for their remarkable contributions to our projects over the past five years, from all the members you were the most active and provided more contributions to WBA Programs and Projects. Your support has been instrumental in advancing the goals of the WBA and driving innovation in our industry.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to Enis, Kevin, Marleen, and Zachary, our new project leaders. Your dedidcation and leadership is critical for the continuation of WBA activities and success in our projects, and your dedication is commendable.
To our esteemed board advisors, Angie Wiskocil, Steve Andrews, and Reza Jafari, I extend my sincere thanks. Your expertise, experience, and industry knowledge have played a crucial role in shaping our strategic direction and decision-making processes over many years, and I look forward to your guidance in the years ahead.
I would also like to give a special mention to the Boingo Wireless team for their exceptional support in hosting the recent Wireless Global Congress (WGC) Americas in Las Vegas. The company went above and beyond in allowing us to use the incredible Boingo Innovation Centre for the WBA’s Innovation Forum and first-ever Plug Fest, and on behalf of our team, we couldn’t be more grateful!
Last but not least, I want to express my deepest appreciation to the WBA team. Your commitment, hard work, expertise, and contributions have been crucial in driving the achievements of the WBA. Each one of you plays an essential role in advancing our goals and objectives.
As we look ahead to the future, the WBA, together with Wi-Fi, will continue connecting the world and driving innovation in the industry.
Thank you all for your extraordinary contributions to the Wireless Broadband Alliance.
Warm regards,
Tiago Rodrigues
CEO, Wireless Broadband Alliance
