New executive committee for WAPA

Patel is taking over from Christopher Geerdts, who is stepping down after two years at the helm. According to Patel, Geerdts' contribution and commitment has been invaluable and he looks forward to leading WAPA to the next level.

Identified challenges

WAPA has identified that challenges facing the industry include unfair competition from large incumbent operators and a lack of awareness about the capabilities of wireless technologies and the benefits that WAPA members bring to the market.

The incoming executive committee has decided on several key strategic objectives for 2014. These include providing value-added services for members such as strategic partnerships and education about best practices, as well as engaging in lobbying and external communications in order to promote fair and open competition and promoting the growth of the wireless industry, both fixed wireless and Wi-Fi.

2014 objectives

• Providing a one-stop-shop for technical, regulatory, and industry best practices for members
• Proactively building awareness of services available via the fixed wireless and Wi-Fi industry
• Continuing to lead the discussion amongst stakeholders such as the policymaker, regulator and the media and the press around key factors affecting the industry such as spectrum policy, and fair and open competition

New executives

Ellie Hagopian: deputy chair, communications, Wi-Fi
Ian Anderson: business enablement
Jabulani Vilakazi: development
Jens Lagenhorst: spectrum
Kerry Simpson: marketing
Rudolph Roos: training, health and safety
Ziggy Heuer: treasurer