As mobile carriers look to future technologies enabling robust and lower-cost transmission architectures, many are considering WiMAX, a point-to-multipoint wireless technology providing high-throughput, long-distance broadband connections.

Participants will discuss the potential advantages and possible constraints of WiMAX, including comparisons to alternatives such as cable, xDSL, FTTH, 3G, CDMA2K, and proprietary wireless technologies. Unlike other emerging access network technologies, WiMAX is somewhat similar to a cable service platform, so carriers have the potential to advance quickly by leveraging lessons already learned from the cable experience.

The WiMAX platform also holds promise because it can leverage IMS standards, potentially facilitating convergent value-added services. This session will consider the use of such functions as CSCF, presence, location, messaging, and session border controller.

Finally, participants will explore how WiMAX can be used in a multiservice/multiaccess network platform for cost-efficient creation of anytime/anywhere services delivered to any device.

Ricardo Distler Partner, Strategy in Communications and High Tech Markets Accenture

Mr. Distler is responsible for strategic services in communications and high-technology companies in Latin America, with 15 years of experience. He graduated in economics at FAAP - SP and holds a master's degree in business at London Business School/University of London.

Marcelo Arraes Alcatel-Lucent

Mauricio Cascão Corporate Manager, Innovation Technology TIM Brasil

Mr. Cascão is responsible for the Innovation Technology department within the TIM Brasil group. He has extensive experience in telecommunications, having worked actively in planning, deploying, and running mobile networks. In terms of professional background, Mr. Cascão worked for HP and AT&T before joining the Telecom Italia group. He has a B.Sc. degree in engineering from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, an M.Sc. in networks from Nice University, and an M.B.A. in finance from Ohio University.

Sandy Kang-Gill IMS Product Marketing Manager Nortel Networks

Ms. Kang-Gill is responsible for developing market and solution strategies for real-time applications such as VoIP over wireless broadband, leveraging the Nortel wireless and IMS network solutions. Her career in the telecom industry spans 20 years of experience in cellular and fixed access and core technologies with key roles in design, engineering, product marketing, business development, and technical marketing functions.

Andreas Schroeter Sales Director, WIMAX Nokia Siemens Networks

Mr. Schroeter covers WIMAX in Latin America for Nokia Siemens Networks. Previous to this assignment, Mr. Schroeter worked for more than 10 years at Siemens' Communication division, holding several management positions in sales, marketing, and services both in Latin America and Europe. His previous responsibility was as head of Siemens Carrier in Peru. Mr. Schroeter holds an engineering degree in telecommunications from the University of Bochum in Germany and is currently studying an executive M.B.A. at IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.