A Message from Celia Desmond, IEEE WCET® Program Director and Steering Committee Chair
Happy New Year to you all. At ComSoc, things are off to a running start. As our program grows, we have updated the WCET website in two specific areas - 1.) Candidates and 2.) Recertification. We just added a list of 10 things to do if you are wondering if you are ready to get certified. It's a list of 10 to-do's because it also provides suggestions that can help you prepare for the exam.
The recertification update is in place. Those who earned the credential in 2008 will need to recertify by the end of 2013 if they want to keep it current. Recertification is required every five years. You can learn more about recertifying by reading below.
Applications are now being accepted for the first testing window in 2012. ComSoc Training is offering courses in February and March to help you in your exam preparations and Daniel Wong, one of the contributors to the WEBOK and ComSoc Training instructor has written a new book that can be of interest for anyone working in and interested in wireless.
Keep reading to learn about the latest industry news and upcoming events around the world.
Industry News
Wireless Hiring on the Rise
Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile had nearly 1,500 combined job openings in January -- many for engineers focusing on LTE. This news comes on the heels of a Bureau of Labor Statistics report which says that U.S. unemployment has fallen to its lowest level in three years. [RCR Wireless]
IEEE Standards Association Targets Mobile Video
A new initiative from the IEEE Standards Association aims to develop interrelated standards for mobile video. The first three standards projects address real-time mobile video communications, streaming video and 3D displays. [Marketwatch]
Wi-Fi Alliance Predicts Growth
The market for automotive Wi-Fi will more than double in size over the next four years, according to predictions from the Wi-Fi Alliance. Other predictions include 39% growth in health, fitness and medical applications and 25% growth in smart meters and automation by 2016. [PC Magazine]
Upcoming Meetings and Events from Around the World
International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE)
Conference: 20-24 February 2012
Exhibits: 22-23 February 2012
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Communications technology has changed dramatically in recent years – and the real fun may not have even started. From maintaining legacy systems to implementing digital and broadband technologies, IWCE 2012 is at the forefront of this metamorphosis. IWCE, taking place February 20-24, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the place to be to get answers to your questions, network with peers, and see the most cutting-edge products in communications technology. In the exhibit hall, see 330 companies demonstrating the hardware, networks, applications, interoperability and integration that drive your communications systems. In the IWCE conference program, attend over 80 workshops, training classes and short courses for the wireless communications community. In addition, attend the Opening Keynote Address presented by Martin Cooper, the communications industry veteran who conceived the first mobile phone, and the Joint Keynote Address on LMR/LTE Vision for the Future, as well as a Networking Reception, General Sessions, Lunch and Learn and other special presentations during the event. Visit www.iwceexpo.com for more information on this key industry gathering.
2012 OFC Collocated National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (OFC/NFOEC)
4-8 March 2012
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA - USA
2012 World Telecommunications Congress (WTC 2012)
5-6 March 2012
Phoenix Seagaia Resort, Miyazaki - JAPAN
IEEE INFOCOM 2012 - IEEE Conference on Computer Communications Workshops
25-30 March 2012
Hilton Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida - USA
Ready to Get Certified in Wireless? Review the Top 10 Things to Do
You've heard all the buzz about professionals earning this new credtial in wireless, you've visited the website to learn more about it, but you're still not sure what do to figure out if earning the IEEE WCP is right for you. To help you better understand there's a short list of 10 things you can do to help yourself assess if this is the right time in your career to take the exam. If it is, there are suggestions on things you can do to aid you in your preparations. Review the list.
February ComSoc Training - Register Early and Save!
Wireless Communications Engineering - Current Practice
Virtual One-Day Course
Friday, 10 February 2012
9:00am - 4:30pm EST
$300 Non-member; $250 Member
Save $25.00 when you register by 24 January 2012. Earn 0.6 IEEE Continuing Education Units for participating. Take this course to gain a deeper understanding of an RF propagation environment and the corresponding considerations in radio engineering and link design; the key features of LTE-Advanced; packet switching vs. circuit switching; the evolution to All-IP networks; and wireless security threats to name just a few. Learn more about this course.
Practical Wireless Communications Engineering
at IWCE in Las Vegas, Nevada - USA
Instructor: Lee Vishloff (in-person taught course)
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
8:30am - 4:30pm PST
IWCE (International Wireless Communications Expo) Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV - USA ; Room S224 - South Hall -
$699.00 online up through 6 January 2012. $799 as of 7 January and onsite up until the morning of 21 February.
Use code H38 when you register and receive the following special inclusions and pricing: - Lunch on Tuesday, 21 February 2012 - Admission to the IWCE Exhibit Hall on Wednesday and Thursday - Two Keynote Addresses on Wednesday - Networking Reception on Wednesday evening - General Sessions on Thursday and Friday morning - 25% off any additional IWCE conference package.
Take this course to gain a deeper understanding of current technology and practice from a variety of perspectives: engineering, architecture, operations, standards, and management. All layers in the network are discussed, as well as potential changes due to technology evolution. While primarily focused on RF engineering, wireless access technologies, network and service architecture, and network management and security, infrastructure, operational standards, regulations, policies, agreements, and relevant fundamental engineering concepts are also addressed. This course is recommended for a broad audience, especially those with a background in engineering or technology, or an appreciation of wireless communications engineering and practice.
Session #: 1TR
Separate registration is required; this course is not included in the Premium Pass for IWCE attendees.
Learn more.