With less than three weeks left to the deadline for entries to the Wireless Innovation Contest 2006 (WIC’06), the Wireless Innovation Network of BC (WINBC) reports the contest has attracted more attention from further away than expected.

Vancouver, BC, January 12, 2006 –  Currently there are entries to the contest from across North America, including New York, New Jersey, California and British Columbia. While WIC’06 launched almost a full 2 months later than WIC’05, web hits to the contest web site
(www.winbc.org/contest) has increased by nearly 30%.

“The momentum was building the latter part of last year and we are pleased to see entries arriving already.  Wireless has really matured and is now part of the main IT framework of the whole spectrum of industries and consumer markets.  That is reflected in the entries we are receiving,” says Sang Mah, President of WINBC and producer of WIC’06.  “As we enter this final stretch when we typically get the majority of entries, we expect to greatly exceed the number and diversity of entries from last year."

The contest will recognize organizations and innovators whose wireless deployments are making a difference, benefiting our communities and generating profits.  The contest is open to American and Canadian wireless developers and solution providers that have deployed, and are creating, a wireless solution in one of six categories: Taking Care of Business (public and private sector), Taking Care of Yourself (home & entertainment and sports & recreation), Taking Care of the Community and Student.  The Awards will be announced during CTIA in Las Vegas, April 5-7, 2006.

A panel of independent judges will examine, evaluate and choose a winner and runner-up in each Wireless Excellence category.  A benefit valued at $100,000, Wireless Excellence winners are rewarded with targeted exposure in media and at trade shows, inclusion in a special case study publication, and a one-hour mentor session with the panel of judges during CTIA Wireless.

WINBC, the producer of WIC’06, is supported by key Industry Leaders Lucent Technologies, Nokia and TELUS Mobility, and marketing partners CTIA WIRELESS 2006, RCR Wireless News, FierceWireless.com, Outlook 4Mobility, CCN Matthews and SymbianOne.

Contestants can learn more about entry requirements and rules at www.winbc.org/contest.  Deadline for entries is January 30, 2006.

About WINBC
WINBC (Wireless Innovation Network Society of BC) is the producer of WIC’06. WINBC is the focal point for wireless in BC and a leading association in Canada.  British Columbia has a 25-year history of successful wireless design and innovation and has grown to over 225 wireless companies in all areas of the wireless value chain from infrastructure and devices to enabling software, enterprise applications, games and peer-to-peer solutions.  Companies include Sierra Wireless, Nokia, Digital Dispatch, Colligo, Air Games and others.  To find your wireless partner go to: www.winbc.org.  To see if you are eligible for the contest go to www.winbc.org/contest.