Towers

Self-organizing networks (SON) is a key element of next generation radio access networks, especially LTE where SON techniques are an integral part of the LTE specifications. While SON in the RAN network has been defined through organizations like 3GPP and NGMN, SON in the mobile backhaul space remains undefined. Here, I like to present my take on what SON means in the context of small cell mobile backhaul where SON techniques are set to play a prominent role.

After decades of “holy wars” surrounding cellular technologies, common ground seems to have been made around the LTE standard. Virtually all carriers around the world have said they plan on …

Sprint Nextel’s recent announcement that it planned to begin deploying LTE services across its network as part of its Network Vision initiative was not a surprise to most industry observers …

Crown Castle, the largest U.S. tower owner, said network upgrades by Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility and Sprint Nextel boosted earnings in the third quarter of 2011. For the quarter, recurring …

Regional wireless operator C Spire Wireless said it would spend an additional $10 million on top of the $90 million announced last month to expand mobile broadband services to 61 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …