Mobile networks up to 3G were designed to deliver excellent coverage to the handset, accommodating small PCM voice channels on the order of eight kilobits to 16 kb, rather than high data speeds. 3G networks are deployed with radii typically around three to eight kilometers in diameter for the macrocell, and backhaul capacity of less than 50 megabits per second for connection to the core network. While most mobile networks today utilize 3G, operators are moving to technologies such as WiMAX 802.16e or even HSPA+ to claim “4G.” In 2011, the Global Mobile Suppliers Association counted 17 commercial LTE deployments, with 180 operators in 70 countries committing to LTE, with another 64 in service by 2012.
In the mobile handset world, there has long been a drive towards smaller more powerful devices. And even though the rise of the smartphone has seen a return to larger screen sizes, today’s handsets are still remarkably compact.
To the surprise of few, Sprint Nextel Corp. officially threw its hat into the LTE ring this morning, announcing details of its planned Network Vision upgrade that will see the carrier begin offering LTE-based services by the middle of next year.
DALLAS – RCR Wireless News managed to secure exclusive video interviews with a number of key executives and speakers at PCIA’s 2011 Wireless Infrastructure Show this week in Dallas. The insight provided touched on a number of topics impacting the mobile infrastructure space, including current carrier consolidation plans, public safety network plans and the current operating environment for tower companies.
The network challenges facing mobile operators change over time. At the onset of digital cellular (PCS), carriers purchased spectrum and then focused on building their networks, deploying tens of thousands of cell sites. As subscriber rates rose and capacity constraints emerged, carriers secured additional...
RCR Wireless News will be presenting its 2011 Innovation Awards at a reception in conjunction with the upcoming 2011 PCIA Wireless Infrastructure Show in Dallas on Oct. 4. The deadline for nominee submissions is Sept. 3.
The RCR Wireless Innovation Awards offer the opportunity to...
American Tower Corp. (AMT) continued its movement to elect to become a real estate investment trust, announcing a plan to merge with American Tower REIT Inc.Plans call for American Tower to merge into American Tower REIT, with American Tower REIT then continuing to...
North American operators are expected to purchase $260 million filter and tower-mounted amplifier products this year, as LTE deployments spur strong sales during the next five years, according to a new report from Mobile Experts L.L.C."The overall market size will continue to grow, despite...
Sprint Nextel Corp.’s (S) current network issues could prove to be a positive for the tower industry during the second half of the year, according to a new report from Wells Fargo Securities L.L.C.The report noted that according to industry sources, Sprint Nextel was...
Reports that Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) is talking to cable companies about an investment that would help it buy the rest of Clearwire Corp. (CLWR) is good news for the tower sector because Clearwire's buildout plans have stalled in 2011, according to Gary...
Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) added another tower company as it moves forward with its Network Vision Plan, this time inking a deal with Mobilitie that covers several hundred cell sites, allowing Sprint to be flexible as it migrates from its iDEN network and moves...
SBA Communications Corp. (SBAC) and Health Care REIT Inc. (HCN) announced an agreement to make available wireless site leasing of new, prime rooftop locations in more than 15 states.Health Care REIT, Inc., an S&P 500 company with headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, is a real...
American Tower Corp. (AMT) said its international markets in Mexico, Brazil and India are experiencing strong growth due to new spectrum and technology deployments during second-quarter earnings. Overall, the company reported an increase of 27.1% in its total revenue compared to the same period...
American Tower Corp. (AMT) grew revenue 27% to $597.2 million, driven by increased LTE buildout activity from AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless. The company slightly raised its guidance for the year. The company reported operating income was up 19.6% in the quarter, compared to...
SBA Communications Inc. (SBAC) reported a 10.7% increase in revenues to $171.1 million in the second quarter, driven by a 14% increase in site leasing revenue of $150.2 million during the period. Site development revenues totaled $20.9 million in the second quarter, an...
Global Tower Partners picked up 37 telecommunications towers from NV Energy. The towers are located on NVE substation properties in and around Las Vegas, Nev. Details of the purchased were not disclosed.The sale comes shortly after GTP secured $815 million in new...
Crown Castle International Corp. (CCI) said it could see incremental revenue from LightSquared as part of its multi-year Network Vision plan signed with Sprint Nextel Corp. The deal establishes uniform rates for deploying sites rather than negotiating tower contracts on a site-by-site basis, and...
Crown Castle International Corp. (CCI) increased its 2011 outlook after reporting better-than-expected second-quarter earnings. The company increased its outlook for site rental revenue by $20 million, site rental gross margin by $17 million, adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) by...
Exactly one week after closing $645 million in financing, Global Tower Partners has secured an additional $170 million through a five-year, revolving loan. The Boca Raton, Fla.-based company owns 13,000 tower sites in the United States, making it the fourth largest tower management company...
Skyway Towers LLC has secured $65 million in new debt financing from Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group. The Tampa, Fla.-based company owns more than 250 multi-tenant towers around the country and it plans to use the new funding for further domestic expansion.Skyway recently built...
Telecom infrastructure giant American Tower Corp. (AMT) said it will buy up to 2,126 towers from telecommunications group Millicom International Cellular S.A. (MIC) subsidiary Colombia M
RCR Wireless News is set to visit Baltimore the week of July 18 as part of our Mobile Broadband Tour and Conference series. The RCR Wireless News Mobile Broadband Baltimore tour will include several days meeting with local telecommunication leaders and associations...
Editor's Note: Welcome to our weekly Reality Check column. We've gathered a group of visionaries and veterans in the mobile industry to give their insights into the marketplace.This week’s article deals with a hot topic – bandwidth buckets, or, as Craig Moffett from Sanford...
Editor's Note: Welcome to our weekly Reader Forum section. In an attempt to broaden our interaction with our readers we have created this forum for those with something meaningful to say to the wireless industry. We want to keep this as open as possible,...
