The Wireless Infrastructure Association’s (WIA) Innovation & Technology Council (ITC) released a report titled “The 5G Paradox: The Need for More Offloading Options in the Next-Generation Wireless Era,” which explores the need for additional bandwidth and offloading techniques as next-generation 5G wireless services begin to roll out. The white paper explains that wireless networks need to be prepared for the …
Payment terms and the development of large contractors were hot NATE UNITE 2019 topics
Two of the hottest topics at NATE UNITE 2019 in Grapevine, Tex. last week were contractor payment terms and the possibility that an upsurge in the establishment of large contractors could be injurious to the industry mainstay of smaller companies. Wireless Estimator’s recently published results of an extensive contractor survey, was frequently discussed amongst NATE’s members and the Association’s directors …
Industry giants CommScope and Ericsson capture FCC Commissioner Carr’s attention during Texas tours
Before Commissioner Brendan Carr provided his Monday evening keynote address at the National Association of Tower Erectors’ annual convention, NATE UNITE 2019, in Grapevine, Tex., CommScope gave him a Cook’s tour of their sprawling 10-acre manufacturing facility in Euless where he learned from engineers, product executives and other company officials of their ability to provide vertically integrated wireless products from …
FCC Chief champions the need for the industry to build out 5G, complete repack
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai gave a keynote speech yesterday afternoon to a packed room of attendees at the National Association of Tower Erectors annual convention, NATE UNITE 2019 in Grapevine, Tex. The Chairman’s remarks were: It’s great to be with you this afternoon. And it’s great to be at the massive Gaylord Hotel. I guess you have to go big to …
Contractor survey uncovers some startling financial statistics that could trigger a 5G train wreck
In their drive to lower capex as they roll out 5G, carriers have created a troubling national Achille’s heel – a contractor base that has many companies swimming in debt with serious cash flow problems, according to results of an extensive nationwide survey taken by Wireless Estimator. The wireless contractor survey that was completed last quarter by 263 vetted companies, clearly indicates that …
Comments on contractor roadblocks set up by carriers that will derail America’s 5G race
Deeply concerned about the unsustainable state of wireless contracting, company executives provided 328 optional comments in Wireless Estimator’s extensive survey that was unveiled today. Armed with anonymity, it’s not possible to verify the accuracy of their statements. But it’s clear that their comments, in most cases, were well-thought-out summaries of the difficulties they are facing as carrier capex cuts, extended …
AT&T lays out its strategy for 5G for America’s 15 million businesses
Businesses are leading the 5G revolution, and AT&T is going to give its business customers a full 5G toolbox. They state that they are the first carrier to publicly lay out what they’re making available to help businesses get the most out of this technology. America’s 15 million businesses increasingly look to technology to drive outcomes, but their needs range drastically …
FCC given green light to start enforcing its new small cell regs on Monday
At the eleventh hour, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit yesterday denied a motion to stay the enforcement of the FCC’s September 27, 2018 Declaratory Ruling and Third Report and Order led by FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. The new federal siting rules for small cells became effective Jan. 14, 2019, according to the order. A group of cities led by …
World’s first 5G data call using 2.5 GHz and Massive MIMO made by Sprint in San Diego
Sprint has announced it has reached a significant milestone on its path towards launching mobile 5G service beginning in the first half of this year. Together with Nokia and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, the companies this week completed the world’s first over-the-air 5G data transmission using 2.5 GHz and Massive MIMO on Sprint’s live commercial network, …
Three carriers give three Pinocchios to AT&T for its false ‘5G E’ claims
In a statement Monday, Verizon, the nation’s largest mobile carrier called upon carriers to not use the term 5G for services until they use actual 5G hardware and radio standards. It was obvious that it was directed towards AT&T whose recent over the air upgrade displayed a “5G E” logo on certain Android devices in lieu of the standard LTE …
Broadband provider is suing the DOJ and FCC for foreclosure action from prison and wants $50+ million for slander
The FCC on Thursday reaffirmed its earlier decision that Hawaii-based Sandwich Isles Communications (SIC) knowingly defrauded the Universal Service Fund (USF) of more than $27 million for reimbursements it was not entitled to receive. In its order for reconsideration, the FCC said between 2002 and 2015, the USF provided nearly $250 million of funds to SIC to provide service to …
Exclusive interview with FCC Commissioner Carr addresses industry issues and our 5G future
Wireless Estimator Publisher Craig Lekutis and National Association of Tower Erectors Executive Director Todd Schlekeway recently conducted an exclusive interview with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr in late December. In this extensive feature article, Commissioner Carr discusses the FCC’s role in paving the way for a 5G future, the nation’s networks’ resiliency, and restoration lessons learned, the importance of industry workforce development initiatives …
Schlekeway and Nurnberg sign long-term extensions as NATE moves through 5G and beyond
Todd Schlekeway, Executive Director and Paula Nurnberg, Chief Operating Officer of the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE), have agreed to multi-year contract extensions that will keep them directing NATE, the nation’s leading grassroots communications infrastructure organization. “The wireless industry is extremely fortunate to have Todd and Paula directing the management of our organization,” said Jim Tracy, NATE Chairman and …
FCC returns to full five members as the Senate confirms Carr and Starks
The Senate late yesterday evening in a voice vote confirmed Geoffrey Starks as an FCC Commissioner to the open seat left by former Commissioner Mignon Clyburn and Commissioner Brendan Carr for a full five-year term. Carr and Starks had been previously approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, and their swearing in is expected shortly. Both will be paid during the …
Deaths, cancer concerns attributed to AT&T cell site are unfounded leads Fast-Forward-Friday
Article Media Deaths, cancer concerns attributed to AT&T cell site are unfounded Sonoma West Times FCC committtee proposes tax on websites to pay for rural broadband ARS Technica CWA, Dish, NTCA, part of new colaition opposing Sprint/T-Mobile Deal ECN AT&T: Ten predictions for the next 25 year WIA Verizon to buy out more than 10,000 employees, take a $4.6B …
FCC green lights a 5G high-band millimeter wave spectrum auction for 2019
The FCC today took a significant step at its open meeting toward holding a major 5G spectrum auction in 2019 by adopting new rules that will promote the availability of high-band millimeter wave spectrum for the next generation of wireless connectivity. The airwaves in the combined Upper 37 GHz and 39 GHz bands are the largest amount of contiguous spectrum …
Carriers weigh in on using ‘fatally flawed’ coverage maps for dishing out universal service funds
The Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) has joined the chorus of concern as to the possibility that some wireless carriers falsely reported information about their coverage areas to the FCC, therefore violating mapping rules pertaining to the Mobility Fund Phase ll reverse auction, as reported by Wireless Estimator. CCA Sr. V.P. Tim Donovan testified during a House Communications and Technology hearing …
Drouin, Mallon and Young elected to serve on NATE Board for first time, Scott re-elected
The National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) today released the official results of the 2019 Board of Directors election with Randy Scott, President of Texoma Contracting, Inc. in Muskogee, Okla. being re-elected, and Victor Drouin, President of Green Mountain Communications, Inc. in Pembroke, N.H.; Chris Mallon, President of Tower MRL, Inc. in Sun Prairie, Wisc.; and Michael Young, Chief Operating Officer at Sioux Falls …
U.S. patent application pushes credibility of Swiss Army knife cell tower drones
Commentary – Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are assisting the wireless infrastructure industry with great tower mapping, 3D modeling, close-out documentation and other capabilities that have proven in some cases to be more accurate and safer for the workforce. However, a recent patent application for a UAV is so technologically advanced that the applicant’s inventors will inevitably displace tower techs that …
FCC’s first-ever high band 5G auction began this morning
The FCC commenced its first-ever high-band 5G spectrum auction this morning with bidding on spectrum in the 28 GHz band (Auction 101), which will be followed by bidding for spectrum in the 24 GHz band (Auction 102). The FCC is making 1.55 gigahertz of spectrum available through these two auctions. These auctions will be followed by a 2019 auction of three …
Industry’s first-ever influential contractor survey’s deadline is October 10
Make your company’s concerns count As wireless contractors are acutely aware, contractor firms in the industry have experienced trends that have seen payment terms go from 30 days to 60 days, and now are settling in at 90 to 120 days, placing an undue financial burden on contractor companies. It’s not whether these terms could potentially compromise safety and hinder …
Champ and Andrew promoted to key positions at Wireless Infrastructure Association
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) has promoted Zac Champ to Vice President of Government Affairs and Don Andrew to Vice President of Spectrum Management, according to WIA President/CEO Jonathan Adelstein. In announced the promotions, Adelstein said, “Zac has led the Government Affairs team for more than five years. He has effectively overseen its expansion to include dedicated Congressional lobbying and state …
5G Americas and Small Cell Forum Industry Associations offer solutions on small cell siting challenges
5G Americas and Small Cell Forum believe that if the challenges of siting for outdoor cells are not addressed in a timely manner, many of the benefits which governments, regulators and cities hope to derive from 5G – such as smart city platforms and the Industrial IoT – will be severely compromised. The two associations emphasize that altering regulatory policies …
CWA to FCC: Proposed T-Mobile / Sprint merger will cost 28,000 jobs
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expressing opposition to the proposed merger between T-Mobile and Sprint as currently structured, citing that the merger will result in the loss of more than 28,000 jobs. As the filing notes: “The Commission should not approve the merger without verifiable and enforceable commitments by the …
Sprint’s new CEO hangs out with a Kansas tower crew to learn about the carrier’s upgrades
Receiving adequate direction from carrier supervisors, change orders in a timely manner, and closeout inspections when requested are concerns of 222 of the nation’s contractors that have taken an industry-supported survey that will close at the end of September. However, it’s likely that a Missouri-based contractor will not have a challenge with any of those problems for one Sprint 2.5 …
Verizon’s ‘Bubba’ remark angering community is first in dozens of Fast-Forward Friday articles
Fast-Forward Friday is Wireless Estimator’s latest news offering that provides an overview of relevant industry news stories presented during the week by other media that were not covered by our staff, along with a link to the article to go upstream and read it in its entirety. After all, the articles’ authors did all the heavy lifting, and capsuling their content and …
Nation takes a deep dive into contractor obstacles threatening 5G with industry supported survey
Wireless contractors have recently raised the distinct possibility that due to what they identify as ‘onerous’ payment terms and other issues created by carriers and tower owners, the industry could see a shakeout, and all of the recent successful legislative moves to speed up the implementation of 5G in America could be stymied as cash flow problems keep contractors from …
T-Mobile and Nokia ink $3.5 billion, multi-year 5G network agreement in world’s largest 5G deal
T-Mobile and Nokia announced a landmark $3.5 billion agreement to accelerate the deployment of a nationwide 5G network. Nokia will provide T-Mobile with its complete end-to-end 5G technology, software and services portfolio, assisting the Un-carrier in its efforts to bring its 5G network to market for customers in the critical first years of the 5G cycle. “We are all in …
T-Mobile’s A-Team seeking assurances Sprint deal won’t block spectrum bidding
T-Mobile is petitioning the FCC for confirmation that its proposed merger with Sprint won’t prevent the carrier from bidding in wireless spectrum auctions under FCC rules prohibiting joint-bidding arrangements between companies, according to an ex parte filing this week. Kathleen Ham, Senior VP, Government Affairs for T-Mobile and Steve Sharkey, the carrier’s Government Affairs, Technology and Engineering Policy chief, and …
AT&T and T-Mobile rumble in the 5G buildout PR jungle over city choices
AT&T said Friday that it plans to begin introducing mobile 5G to customers in a dozen cities this year, and they’re adding Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C. and Oklahoma City as the next three identified cities for their buildout, the carrier said in a press statement. These cities will join their previously announced cities of Dallas, Atlanta, and Waco Earlier this year, T-Mobile said it plans to …
AT&T expected to meet FirstNet deployment targets sooner than anticipated
AT&T said it is planning to deploy public safety LTE service on 700 MHz Band 14 spectrum quicker than it anticipated, with approximately one-third of the projected buildout to be completed by the end of next March or earlier, according to AT&T Chief Financial Officer John Stephens. During an interview by Colby Synesael of Cowen and Company at the company’s …
Organizations applaud new rules that curb 5G ‘cash cow’ reviews
The FCC helped clear the way for wireless providers to deploy hundreds of thousands of small antennas for use in 5G services by easing historic and environmental reviews before equipment is installed, and limiting American Indian tribes’ authority over the installations. In a 3-to-2 Republican-led vote for its Wireless Infrastructure Streamlining Report and Order, the FCC said that installing the …
AT&T’s small cell ‘rat’s nest’ of cables is needlessly messy says former FCC senior exec
Dr. Michael Marcus, a former forceful proponent of new technology at the FCC for 20 years, who is recognized for getting the FCC to adopt rules for the 60 GHz mmWave bands in 1995, has taken AT&T to task for using a photograph of a small cell in Indianapolis in a Feb. 23 presentation to the FCC that he believes …
Citing national security concerns, Trump kayos $117 billion Broadcom-Qualcomm deal
UPDATE: March 14, 2018 – President Donald Trump blocked Broadcom in its hostile takeover bid of U.S. chip-maker Qualcomm earlier this week, and the Singapore company said today it is officially withdrawing its $117 billion bid. Broadcom Ltd. said it was disappointed as it withdrew its proposed candidates for the board at Qualcomm Inc., but assured in its announcement that …
Massive new workforce development, training needed for success of 5G
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) has announced the release and publication of a new white paper titled “Getting Ready for 5G: Preparing a Skilled Workforce for Future Wireless Networks.” The new research focuses on how next-generation of mobile communications networks will dramatically change the way network infrastructure is designed and deployed, requiring many new qualified engineers and technicians. The paper …
HetNet Expo will focus on connected realty, densification and smart cities
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) has announced highlights for its annual HetNet Expo, Oct. 10-11, 2017 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. HetNet Expo brings together professionals from across the entire wireless ecosystem to share valuable information and opinions about the latest mobile communications technologies and the overall state of the wireless industry. HetNet …
New task force to address smart city infrastructure needed for 5G
The Wireless Infrastructure Association(WIA) and the Smart City Council (SCC) announced today the creation of the Smart Communities Infrastructure Task Force with a primary objective of educating and empowering communities and stakeholders as they work to deploy the wireless and wireline broadband networks that are essential to smart city applications. Key Focus Areas of the Smart Communities Infrastructure Task Force …
Shenandoah Tower Service is acquired by Site Resources
Site Resources LLC (SRI), owned by H&N Holdings LLC (H&N) has purchased Shenandoah Tower Service Ltd. (STS) out of Staunton, Va. in an asset purchase deal. STS’s CEO, Dave Anthony, a long-time safety advocate and active supporter of the National Association of Tower Erectors and the Telecommunicati6ons Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program said, “I have spent the last five years searching …
NATE’s WIN Great Plains September conference agenda and speakers unveiled
The National Association of Tower Erector’s (NATE) and Wireless Industry Network (WIN) unveiled the speaker line-up and agenda for the NATE WIN Great Plains Regional Conference on Wed., Sept. 27, 2017 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Bloomington, Minn. The conference will feature dynamic speakers and informative sessions on cutting-edge industry topics. The event will also offer tremendous networking …
L.A. Times calls State’s small cell bill an ‘audacious’ power (pole) grab
On Monday, California Democratic State Senator Bill Hueso tweaked his proposed bill to prohibit a city or county from adopting or enforcing any regulation on the placement or operation of a communications facility in the rights-of-way by a provider that is authorized by state law. His amended SB649 bill removed requiring an escrow deposit or performance bond for removal of …
AT&T’s tower-centric drone software could sunset a number of head counts
More than 30 years ago, Art Pregler directed the Air Force’s complex mission of taking full sized multi-million-dollar fighter aircraft, converting them into drones, and then shooting them out of the sky with new advanced weapons systems. Today, as director of AT&T’s National Mobility Systems, Pregler’s role is just the opposite, requiring him to ensure that the carrier’s experimental drones remain …
Straight Path finds its 5G suitor as AT&T picks it up for $1.25 Billion
AT&T has announced plans to acquire Straight Path Communications which holds a nationwide portfolio of millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum, including 39 GHz and 28 GHz licenses. This acquisition complements AT&T’s January acquisition of FiberTower and augments the company’s holdings of mmWave spectrum. The acquisition will support AT&T’s leadership in 5G, which will accelerate the delivery of new experiences for consumers …
TIA releases its 5G Operator Survey 2017 results highlighting industry challenges
According to a Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) report, within the next two decades, it is predicted that every person, industry, and service provider will be using 5G systems. The paper, an update on TIA’s previous 2015 5G Operator Survey, provides valuable insight into the network operators’ view of the 5G revolution and presents important findings about usage in the near …
Landmark study of the huge impact of 5G is released
Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) today announced that its subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. commissioned and released a landmark study, The 5G Economy, examining the potential economic and social impact of 5G around the world. The study was conducted jointly by research firms IHS Markit, PSB and leading economist Professor Dr. David Teece, director of the Tusher Center at the Haas School …
FCC chief says the path to 5G has challenges and millions of antennas
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler looked at the past, yesterday at CTIA 21016, to give a vision of the future, while also asking, “What do we need to do seize the 5G opportunity?”. One key requirement, according to Wheeler, would be to get local officials in municipalities to agree to the installation of 5G equipment to support the higher speeds that …
FCC chief wants to quit studying 5G and roll it out now with spectrum trifecta
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler announced today his proposal for the FCC to free up a huge swath of airwaves for a new generation of faster wireless systems that could support remote surgery, guide cars, and control electricity grids. “And that’s damn important,” said Wheeler in his speech before the National Press Club which is available below, “because it …
NATE panel on 5G ponders future of tower climbers
The ‘5G and Other Emerging Technologies’ session at last week’s NATE UNITE 2016 Conference discussed the next generation of wireless, what it will be used for and how it will impact companies employing tower technicians. The session featured John Celentano, wireless infrastructure consultant with Skyline Marketing Group, and J. Sharpe Smith, editor with the AGL Media Group. Celentano described the …
In order to ensure continued growth, AT&T gets ready to test employees and 5G
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson is pushing his employees to take five to 10 hours of courses to remain current with industry technology and trends or risk being passed over for promotion. “There is a need to retool yourself, and you should not expect to stop,” Stephenson said in an interview Friday with The New York Times. In a corporate education …
Assisted by Dr. Dre, Pai frames 5G plan at 4G America’s technology symposium
FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai addressed the “Future of Mobile Broadband in the Americas LTE to 5G Network Innovation” on Thursday at 4G America’s Technology Symposium with assistance from start to end from record producer, rapper and entrepreneur Dr. Dre. “Now, I understand that some might be a bit confused. After all, this is 4G Americas, the event is about 5G, …
Huawei completes world’s first large-scale 5G field trial with NTT DoCoMo
Huawei announced today the world’s first successful large-scale field trial of 5G new radio access technologies. The field trial was conducted jointly with NTT DoCoMo, Inc., Japan’s largest mobile service provider. Experts from both companies participated the field trial in an outdoor test site in Chengdu, China. As an on-going field trial, Huawei was able to stream live video of …
To be 5G, or not to be, that is the question seeking answers at Super Mobility 2015
In advance of any standardized next-generation network, it is expected that carriers will be following Verizon’s lead and will be jumping on the faux 5G bandwagon. But the proclamations will be steeped in marketing since there are no clear paths to which technologies 5G will include. Tom Keathley, AT&T’s senior vice president of network and product planning, said at Fierce Wireless’ breakfast panel …
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