To assure that our members have available to them the information which is necessary to maintain competitiveness in the marketplace, we are alerting you about the FCC's upcoming seminar on "Smart Antennas." Please refer to the following Public Notice and, if interested in attending, contact the FCC representatives identified within the document.

We also encourage anyone wishing to participate in the FCC's seminar, by serving on the panel of experts, to contact the FCC. We believe that it is important for our members to not only be aware of changes in regulation, but to fully participate in the formation and explanation of that regulation. Your input at this seminar might be vital in assuring that this technology is regulated and applied in a way that produces greater advantages and efficiencies for small telecommunications operators.

We do note, however, that the FCC seminar is sponsored by the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology. A member of the OET staff, Senior Engineer Jerry Ulcek, is scheduled to speak at the next SBT Seminar in St. Louis on June 20-21. SBT members that are interested in this topic will likely have an opportunity to question Mr. Ulcek about Smart Antennas at the SBT Seminar.

Your association is attempting to bring FCC staff members to you who are willing and able to discuss practical solutions and ideas regarding the operation of your equipment and your business. It is one thing to be treated to another policy speech about the economic vision of telecommunications regulation, but SBT will also strive to deliver practical answers to our members' questions.

We urge you to register today for the June SBT Seminar and a registration form follows. It's the best value for the dollar in information, networking, and working together to keep all members' businesses vital. Register today and show that you care about your future.

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