
In this issue:
A new course on Self Organizing Networks is now on the ComSoc Training schedule. The course is open for registration and will be offered on 16 November 2012 from 9:00am - 4:30pm EDT online. Developed by Javan Erfanian, he will also teach the course. This course provides an understanding of:
• An end- to- end view of the technology evolution with LTE, LTE-Advanced, and a Multi-Technology Heterogeneous, and increasingly virtualized and cloud-like environment
• Self Organizing Networks
• Different technologies for Self-Configuration, Self-Optimization and Self-Healing such as automatic neighbor relations (ANR), load balancing, capacity/coverage and LTE parameter optimization, minimization of drive test, energy efficiency and others.
ComSoc Training Registration Reminder:
October, November and December Schedule
LTE for the Wireless Engineering Practitioner: Fundamentals & Applications
Wed, October 24, 2012 - 9:00am - 4:30pm EDT
Instructor: Daniel Wong
Topics addressed include: Evolution of wireless core networks; Access networks and wireless services; LTE technology, standards, and features; Phased evolution; Service architecture, network management, security; How LTE may develop over the next 3-5 years; Implications of moving toward all IP based networks & services. View more information about this course or Register Now.
Wireless Communications Engineering - Current Practice
Tue, November 13, 2012 - 9:00am - 4:30pm EST
Instructor: Jonathan Levine
Take this one day, online course to learn about: Antennas, Radio Propagation and Engineering; Access Technologies and Standards; Wireless Networks; Network Management and Security; Spectrum and Network Engineering Practices. View more information about this course or Register Now.
Intensive Wireless Communications Enginering: Current Practice
Format: Available as an Online Course or In-person at GLOBECOM, Anaheim, CA
Sun, December 2, 2012 - 9:00am - 5:00pm PST; Mon, December 3, 2012 - 9:00am - 5:00pm PST; Tue, December 4, 2012 - 10:00am - 5:00pm PST
Instructor: Lee Vishloff
Take this course to: deepen your understanding of current practices in wireless communications; review your fundamental knowledge; and bridge the gap in your current knowledge of areas you are not working in on a day to day basis.This course covers: RF Engineering, Propagation and Antennas; Wireless Access Technologies; Network and Service Architectures; Wireless Network Management and Security; Infrastructure and Wireless Communication; Agreements, Standards, Policies and Regulations; as well as your basic fundamental knowledge. This course addresses areas every professional working in wireless should be proficient in.
View more information or Register Now for the online course.
View more information or Register Now for the in-person course at GLOBECOM (note that you need to register for this course directly through GLOBECOM).
Introduction to Professional Wireless Communications
Tue, December 11, 2012 - 9:00am - 4:30pm EST
Instructor: Lee Vishloff
This course is for professionals who need to stay competitive in today’s job market with up-to-date knowledge of technologies, products and services in the Mobile Telecommunications Industry. Topics include radio/spectrum/mobility terms and definitions; wireless broadband, cellular, WLAN , grids and short-range networks; devices such as smartphones, sensors; and multimedia, applications, and services. View more information about this course or Register Now.
If you completed an application to take the IEEE WCET Certification Exam during the current testing window you need to be sure to schedule your exam if you have not already done so and keep your scheduled appointment to take the test. Review the refunds and cancellation policy for specifics if you are unable to take the exam on your scheduled day. 27 October 2012 is the last day you are able to take the WCET exam during this testing window. Best of Luck!
The wait is finally over. Those of you who ordered a copy through our pre-publication special offer will be getting your copy of “A Guide to the Wireless Engineering Body of Knowledge” (WEBOK) 2nd Edition soon if you have not already. This book is an indispensable resource for anyone working or interested in wireless today. ISBN: 978-1-1183-4357-9 Paper, 308pp, 2012 LIST PRICE: US$74.95
"A Guide to the Wireless Engineering Body of Knowledge" (WEBOK) 1st Edition is also still available and can be purchased through Wiley. Order your copy today. IEEE members save 15%. Use promo code 18493.
ISBN: 978-0-470-4336-9, Paper, 272pp, 2009, LIST PRICE: US$69.95
LTE Skills in Demand
Employees with technical skills in LTE technology are in demand, according to recruiters at AT&T, Alcatel-Lucent, TESSCO and others. The companies report needing engineers and technicians as well as people with software design skills. [RCR Wireless]
Android Shipments Expected to Hit 1 Billion in 2013
The 500 millionth Android device was activated on September 11, 2012, but it appears that's just the beginning. IHS iSuppli predicts that Android smartphone shipments will cross the one billion device milestone in 2013 and reach more than three billion by the end of 2016. The firm estimates that Apple iOS devices won't reach one billion shipments until 2015. [Mobility TechZone]
Webinar: What Operators Can Learn from the Olympics
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games were delivered in a variety of streaming formats. On October 3, Fierce Wireless will present a webinar on how wireless operators can use lessons from the Olympics to optimize their streaming of live sports events. Presenters will include representatives from Elemental Technologies, deltatre and Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium. [Fierce Wireless]
Sony Mobile Moves to Japan, Cuts 1,000 Jobs
As part of its rebranding and restructuring, Sony Mobile (formerly Sony Ericsson) will move its corporate headquarters from Sweden to Japan. This follows Sony's acquisition of Ericsson's share in the company. Sony Mobile will also cut about 1,000 jobs. [eWeek]
Nokia Siemens Cuts 400 Jobs in Finland
As part of its global move to cut 17,000 jobs, Nokia Siemens Networks said it will cut 400 jobs in Finland, its home country, where it currently employs about 6,200 people. [R&D]
Webinar: Latin American Wireless Infrastructure
What is the current wireless infrastructure like in Latin America and what will be the opportunities and challenges as the market expands? These questions will be covered in an upcoming webinar from RCR Wireless. The free event will be held on October 1. [RCR Wireless]
General Dynamics Acquires Mobile Security Startup, Open Kernel Labs
Aerospace company General Dynamics has acquired virtualization software provider Open Kernel Labs for an undisclosed sum. Open Kernel, a spin-off of National ICT Australia, produces "mission critical" security software that is already in use by 1.6 billion mobile devices around the world. [ZDNet]
FDA Approves Mobile Cardiac Health Monitor
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared the use of the BodyGuardian Remote Monitoring System from Preventice. The device, developed in conjunction with the Mayo Clinic, uses a peel-and-stick wireless sensor to track a patient's heart rate, ECG, respiration and other medical information. [Mobile Health News]
SumUp Ups Employee Numbers
Mobile payment startup SumUp will add 40 new technical support jobs in Dublin. The company reports its m-commerce service is doing well in Ireland. [Silicon Republic]
How to Hire Mobile App Developers
"Mobile developers with iOS, Android and HTML5 are as easy to find as unicorns," writes Stafflink founder Tim Collins. His recent article on how to recruit mobile app developers offers some valuable perspective on how developers can market themselves and what skills are required in today's rapidly evolving market. [Stafflink]
Cablevision Hires New Wireless VP
Andrew Ip, formerly with Meridian Advisory Group and Sprint Nextel, has joined Cablevision Systems as VP of wireless technology and operations. His responsibilities will include developing, designing and maintaining the company's Optimum Wi-Fi network, which is used more than 1 million times a day. [Multichannel News]
On-Demand Webinar Address LTE and Public Safety
LTE networks could help take aging if not antiquated public safety networks to the next level and in the process improve emergency response times in connected cities. RCR Wireless recently held a webinar on this topic, which is archived and available on demand. [RCR Wireless]
Video Provides Tips on Simplifying Wireless Device Certification
EE Times has posted a free video from the Anaren Integrated Radio module team offering tips on how to negotiate the challenges and issues of certifying new wireless devices in the U.S., Canada and Europe. [EE Times]
Computer Taught to Read Emotions
Read my lips: I'm happy, or angry, or sad. A new computer system could help computers interact with people by reading the emotional expressions in their lips. The research, out of Manipal International University in Malaysia, was published in the International Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing. [Cellular-News]

In this issue:
Appreciating the Value of Certification
In the ever growing and competitive wireless market, you need a way to distinguish yourself as a professional that is a knowledgeable leader in wireless engineering technologies. With IEEE WCET® certification, you are able to clearly demonstrate this knowledge to employers which can be a valuable asset to you as new opportunities arise in the wireless industry.
Advantages of the IEEE WCET Certification Program:
Learn more about certification.
Deadline Reminder:
Commit to Taking the IEEE WCET Certification Exam
Applications for the September/October 2012 testing window for IEEE WCET certification are being accepted now through 7 September 2012. This will be the final testing window for 2012, so do not miss this opportunity to become certified in 2012. Once you have completed the exam application, you can then decide the day that you would like to take the exam between the dates of 23 September and 27 October 2012. Act now to become an IEEE Wireless Communications Professional (WCP) this year.
Curious if certification is right for you? Learn more about it online where you can also review application details and understand exam specifications to get a comprehensive view of exactly what is covered on the exam. You’ll get a full appreciation of the breadth and depth of what IEEE WCPs know and why they stand head and shoulders above the competition.
Learn more about the certification exam application.
ComSoc Training Schedule for September
Wireless Communications Engineering - Current Practice
6 September 2012 - 9:00am - 4:30pm EDT - ONLINE
Instructor: Jonathan Levine
Registration open through 31 August - 5:00pm EDT. Register Today.
Course Agenda:
1. Introduction to Wireless Systems & Key Practical Concepts
2. Radio propagation, Engineering & Antennas
3. Access Technology Evolution – From 3G to Beyond 3G
4. Understanding LTE – Technology & Standards, Key Attributes & Features
5. Wireless Networks & Evolution of Packet/IP Core
6. Macro, Micro, Pico-cells – 3GPP & IEEE Wireless Standards
7. Services Technologies Evolution & Standardization
8. Network Management & Self-organizing Networks
9. Wrap-Up: From Key Concepts, Trends & Technologies To E2E Practical Engineering
Review the learning objectives and the course description.
5-Day Wireless Communications Engineering Intermediate Fundamentals Review & Current Practices
17 September – 21 September 2012 - 9:00am - 4:30pm EDT - ONLINE
This course runs only 4 hours each day.
9:00am-11:00am EST (2 hour break) resume at 1:00pm - 3:00pm EDT (20 hours of lecture in total)
Instructors: Lee Vishloff and Daniel Wong.
Registration open through 11 September - noon EST. This course is also available as a part of a discounted combination package that includes a seat for this 5-day virtual course, a free online practice exam, and a seat for the Fall 2012 WCET Certification Exam. This combination package option is listed as the September 2012 Virtual 5 Day Training PLUS WCET Exam Seat. Learn more about it.
Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive overview of seven key areas every professional working in the wireless field should be proficient in which include: RF Engineering, Propagation and Antennas; Wireless Access Technologies; Network and Service Architecture; Wireless Network Management and Security; Infrastructure; Agreements, Standards, Policies, Regulations; and General Fundamental Knowledge. Read the complete course description and review the course agenda. Register now for the 5-day virtual course or for the discounted 5-day virtual course and WCET Exam seat combination package.
Introduction to Professional Wireless Communications Engineering
25 September 2012 - 9:00am - 4:30pm EDT - ONLINE
Instructor: Lee Vishloff
Registration open through 17 September.
9:00am - 5:00pm EDT. Register Today.
Course Description:
This training course is for professionals who need to stay competitive in today’s job market with up-to-date knowledge of technologies, products and services in the Mobile Telecommunications Industry. Topics include radio/spectrum/mobility terms and definitions; wireless broadband, cellular, WLAN, grids and short-range networks; devices such as smartphones, sensors; and multimedia, applications, and services.
Review the learning objectives and the full course description.
Discount Available on Pre-Orders of New WEBOK 2nd Edition
Scheduled to be released in October 2012, you can now pre-order your copy of the new book, “A Guide to the Wireless Engineering Body of Knowledge” (WEBOK) 2nd Edition through the Wiley website. This book is an indispensable resource for anyone working or interested in wireless today. Use code WEBOK now through the end of September to save 32% off the cover price. This is a special pre-publication offer through Wiley only.
ISBN: 978-1-1183-4357-9
Paper, 308pp, 2012
LIST PRICE:
US$74.95
"A Guide to the Wireless Engineering Body of Knowledge" (WEBOK) 1st Edition is also still available and can be purchased through Wiley. Order your copy today. IEEE members save 15%. Use promo code 18493.
ISBN: 978-0-470-4336-9, Paper, 272pp, 2009, LIST PRICE: US$69.95