I'm writing this from my car at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. I've just connected to the internet via my HTC 3G Data card! Things are really getting exciting. Security is now ramped up. No longer can you just enter the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. You will now find uniformed security personnel visibly throughout the building.

I was lucky enough to find an independent (contractor that is, as opposed to the Independent party) from Charleston who is assisting FOX with the Republican Debate. He took me on a tour of the FOX production vehicle. For a techno-geek like me this was better than getting "Rock Band" for Christmas! The 18 wheeler was temperature controlled and had separate sections for Video (live video, pre and post production as well as graphics all have designated areas within the tractor trailor) and Audio. I had a chance to meet a few of the 15 to 20 people that will be occupying the various duties during the Debate. The production vehicle has the capabilites to use the internet as a backup should the primary satillite dish network have complications.

As for HTC's role, it is all systems go! We have moved to more of a monitor and react status. HTC representatives from all the technologies deployed will be onsite should a need arise.

I guess I'll go see if I can find Brit Hume.

You may not be getting enough fiber in your diet, but FOX, CNN and those involved in the SC Presidential debates are!

HTC's Plant facilities have spent the last few weeks terminating fiber that is the backbone of the Communications infrastructure for both the South Carolina Republican and Democratic debates.

Tommorow the SC Republican Debate via FOX will get to experience the speed of HTC's Bluewave technology. A 1 gigabyte Internet connection has been established at The Myrtle Beach Convention Center for the event. Engineering and installing connectivity of that size and magnitude doesn't happen overnight. Alot of effort "occured in the background" while the political parties and the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce defined the "playing field" for the debates. Meanwhile at HTC, Plant and Infrastructure has to determine locations, Fiber has to physically be placed in the ground, spliced, and terminated at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, The Palace and Phillips Restaurant. All of the background work seems to happen "magically".

From our perspective it seems that everything is progressing. At the Rebublican Debate Center, fiber connectivity is up and running the internet through a Gigabit high speed connection. Wireless network access has been granted for the 400+ Media personnel who are expected. Cellular service from the 2G and 3G spectrum is operational from the COW.

It's, "all systems go!" 5, 4, 3 ...

With the Republican Debate the day after tomorrow, many of you may be wondering how will the Media be getting stories "published"? HTC will be providing 1 Gigabyte of internet backbone to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center for the event. The majority of the media will be connecting "wireless". Virtually every PC and handheld device is "internet enabled" today. That's alot of people and devices needing access. The device count could easily exceed 1,000.

Building a secure wireless infrastructure is not new for HTC. FOX provided a set of guidelines for the Republican Debate. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center, HTC and its network of Trusted Partners including HP, Bluesocket, and Cisco stepped up and are providing wireless connectivity for the event. The users will be able to use the power of the internet to publish stories, submit video, and communicate with others. Secure VPN solutions will also be part of the infrastructure for many Media providers.

Please post comments on any technologies that you wish additional information about. HTC wishes to actively engage those who have questions about HTC's role for the Debates.

To get the latest updates on HTC's involvement as the official Communication sponsor for the SC Republican and Democratic Debates Subscribe now!

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Chik-fil-A isn't the only Company using COW's.

HTC has deployed our COW or Cellsite on Wheels to assist with the increased cellular phone demand created by the Republican Debate.

A COW is a trailer that is used to house the transmitting/receiving equipment necessary to provide celluar service on a temporary or event driven basis. The COW provides service similar to that provided by our network of permanent towers. Like HTC's permanent network, our COW is 3G capable. Our new 3G network provides data speeds up to 5 times faster than past-generation technology. With a 3G handset and data plan, you can surf the wireless Internet, download files, and access email remotely at much greater speeds than ever before.

So, do you know where this COW is?

Be one of the first 5 to email me at glenn.butler@htcinc.net and win a free Chik-fil-A sandwich.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has named HTC the Official Communications sponsor for the Presidential Debates.

HTC will be displaying the latest technologies as part of the communication infrastructure for the debates.

As Ross Perot would say, "Let's open the latch, and see what's going on under the hood."

HTC Technologies @ Work
- Internet
- Wireless Networking
- Network Design
- Cellular
- Fiber Optics
- Telephone
- Cable TV
- Facilities/Premise/Structure Wiring

Check back as we showcase the technologies that will drive the debates!