Insights

Toasting the Latest Inductees into the Wireless History Foundation Hall of Fame

Oct 21, 2019

It’s hard to remember what the world looked like before wireless technology impacted every facet of our day-to-day lives. From asking Alexa what the day’s weather will be like to texting Uber for a ride, wireless products and services are dramatically changing the way we live, connect and work.

Somos is proud to support the Wireless History Foundation (WHF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to preserving and promoting the history of the wireless industry. As technology evolves and our options expand, it’s important to recognize and respect the innovators and inventions that have laid the foundation for the future and fueled the growth for the products and services that add convenience, productivity, and enrichment to our everyday lives.

This Wednesday, members of Team Somos will have the honor of attending the 2019 Wireless Hall of Fame awards dinner in downtown Los Angeles at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza. The event will recognize the six newest inductees into WHF’s prestigious Wireless Hall of Fame. According to WHF Board member Rob Mechaley, CEO of MobileSphere Holdings and chairman of the 2018 selection committee,

“Our inductees this year are representative of the rapid change of technologic and business innovation that runs throughout the history of wireless… These new members are emblematic of a culture that seizes and builds upon the need for constant growth and innovation.”

We can’t wait to toast to the following wireless industry professionals including the best and brightest technical, tower, communication and carrier experts:

The Android Founders – Rich Miner, Andy Rubin, Nick Sears, Chris White:
Observing fragmentation in mobile Operating Systems leading to a lack of a consistent user experience and a predictable way to distribute mobile applications, the Android Founders launched the task of building Android, a developer and mobile ecosystem friendly Open Source Mobile OS, which today is the operating system on over 2.5 billion active mobile devices worldwide.

Lawrence D. Garvey (posthumously):
A pioneer in paging and two-way voice systems, Larry played a critical role in the fight that spanned over a decade to convince the Federal Communications Commission to open cellular applications to radio common carriers as well as landline telephone companies.

Theodore S. Rappaport:
A ground-breaking academic and entrepreneur whose work has paved the way for modern wireless communication systems, Ted is recognized as one of the preeminent minds in the wireless field. He has founded academic wireless research centers at three major universities– New York University (NYU), the University of Texas, and Virginia Tech.

To learn more about the Wireless History Foundation and all the exciting things they are doing to preserve the lessons of wireless for the benefit of future entrepreneurs and innovators, please visit their web site at www.wirelesshistoryfoundation.org.