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Towers, antennas pushed by mobile data revolutionBy Kelly Hill

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3F E A T U R E R E P O R T

The telecom industry is dealing with two

major simultaneous shifts in wireless usage

that are shaping networks today and in the

future: the shift from voice to data traffic,

and from outdoor use to indoor use.

These two foundational changes in wire-

less are having tremendous impacts across

the infrastructure ecosystem. The tradition-

al macro network does not offer sufficient

capacity or indoor penetration on its own,

and adding new macro sites is increasingly

difficult in many areas around the country.

A recent report by Amdocs found that

98% of network traffic at the busiest cell

sites was data traffic rather than voice.

CommScope has reported that close to 80%

of network data traffic originates indoors,

with smartphones the dominant device

used to access that mobile data.

Its a given fact that between 70 to 80%

of calls are initiated indoors, said Anthony

McCray, senior director of sales for dis-

tributed antenna systems and a small cell

specialist with Ethertronics. The mobile

system was designed initially when we had

analog for outdoors. What happened is a

complete, night-and-day reversal.

So operators are turning to a more hetero-

geneous network architecture, densifying

their networks with some additional macro

sites, but also through the deployment of

DAS indoors or outdoors; small cells; and

Wi-Fi. The macro network, although still

the heart of the radio access network, is

becoming only one piece of the hetnet that

operators must manage and maintain.

LTE, while it has unified the ecosystem

in some respects that were not possible

due to the differences in 3G technologies

such as GSM and CDMA, has also produced

new challenges. Spectrum fragmentation

has meant the use of more than 40 bands

around the world for LTE deployment.

Meanwhile, the constant craving for more

spectrum has meant that network equip-

ment (and devices) must support ever

more bands, and the addition of features

such as multiple-input-multiple-output and

nascent deployment of carrier aggregation

in order to unify disparate LTE spectrum

bands add to the complexity.

This report looks at tower trends from

top to bottom, including configuration

changes and the use of remote radio heads,

the impact of fiber and backhaul develop-

ments; the state of the industrys infra-

structure and drivers affecting it; and ends

with a look at components.

Site configuration: major trends

RRH or remote radio units: Use of

this technology really began to surge as a

source of revenue for infrastructure manu-

facturers between 2007 amd 2008, accord-

ing to Stefan Pongratz, RAN analyst with

DellOro Group. The use of RRHs has be-

come a standard configuration.

Instead of being placed in a shelter on

the ground, this puts the radio on top of

the tower which Christos Karmis, presi-

dent of Mobilitie explained, means a small-

er footprint and more power efficiency,

since fiber is run up the tower and has little

line loss compared to coaxial cable. Fiber

is also lighter and therefore lessens the

towers overall load, he added.

On the other hand, RRH configurations re-

quire more climbing for units to be serviced

and the fiber connections require more skill

than coax, Karmis added for one, the con-

nectors are much more sensitive.

RRU configuration also means additional

weatherproofing that needs to be done, ac-

cording to Joe Madden of Mobile Experts,

since more components are placed on the

tower rather than inside a shelter.

Initially, RRUs were expected to only be

deployed in very high-population areas, said

Brandon Chapman, engineering and techni-

cal support manager for Valmont Site-Pro 1.

Fast-forward to the present time, and we

are seeing RRUs pretty much go on every

co-location thats out there, Chapman said.

RRUs impact tangential or side-loading

for wind and add tremendous dead load

weight to the towers, he said to the point

that wind load has become less of a limiting

factor on towers than dead load weight and

ice loading.

Infrastructure age and weight loads:

The macro infrastructure has served the

industry well, but there are mixed opinions

about the overall state of infrastructure.

Some feel that the industry continues to

manage well with the infrastructure that it

has in place.

Philip Sorrells, VP of strategic marketing

for network infrastructure provider Com-

mScope, made the point that smartphones

have evolved far more than wireless towers.

Many towers out there are physically in

pretty good shape, which is good consider-

ing that adding new technology often re-

quires adding new weight loads, wind loads

and interfaces, Sorrells said, adding that a

far more concerning limiting factor on LTE

is noise, particularly passive intermodula-

tion, or PIM.

I have to wonder if it is reasonable

to expect a future network to deliver 64

4QAM data quality with 99.999% network

availability when it is launching from a

steel-based, mechanical system that was

initially designed in the 1980s for 1G and

2G systems, Sorrells said.

Others in telecom have made note of the

fact that many of the free-standing macro

sites were originally designed for much

lighter equipment, and less of it, than they

are currently carrying.

The wireless infrastructure has been

built out for many, many years now, Chap-

man said. Were 20 years into this, and a

lot of the mounts and towers out there are

extremely old.

He also noted that antennas have grown

from standard one-foot-by-four-foot dimen-

sions to eight-foot panels.

It wasnt that bad at first, because

the eight-foot panels added load and we

F E A T U R E R E P O R T

looked at that differently, but it wasnt a big

concern. It was starting to put mounts at a

critical stage, but not a dangerous stage,

Chapman said. However, then RRUs were

added to the equation. And now, he said,

operators who have done a first wave of

RRU installations are returning to sites

and adding even more RRUs. In one case,

Chapman recently worked on a site that

had 33 RRUs for one carrier.

Aero Solutions focuses on optimizing

telecom towers and does about 70% of its

retrofit work on monopoles. James Lock-

wood, the companys CEO, told RCR Wire-

less News that at this point many towers

have been reinforced multiple times.

Some of the biggest challenges are a lot

of monopoles today have been reinforced

previously, he said, noting that often Aero

works on towers it has reinforced before.

Theres a lot of congestion on monopoles,

so youre working around portholes, exist-

ing mounts and existing reinforcements.

Lockwood said the congestion can mean

that unexpected coaxial cable installations

and even antennas are sometimes discov-

ered in the process of upgrading a site.

On every site, I think any company in

this industry today is doing a full map-

ping and making sure exactly whats

out there before they start the project,

Lockwood said.

On the bright side, though, Chapman

said he is more frequently hearing from

contractors and engineering and architec-

tural firms in the industry calling for load-

ing information as they approach a site.

FTTA: Fiber-to-the-antenna is the move

toward integrated antenna systems,

such as Ericssons Air products, which

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Fiber-to-the-antenna is becoming a preferred method of handling backhaul.

5F E A T U R E R E P O R T

place both the radio and the antenna in a

single housing.

The fiber is just the distribution medi-

um, said Dave Mayo, SVP of technology at

T-Mobile US. Its really about moving the

radio as close to the antenna as you can

reasonably get it, as well as preventing line

loss that is common with coax.

T-Mobile US has been a major deployer of

this type of technology. The company has

been engaged in aggressively modernizing

its network since AT&Ts failed acquisition

attempt in 2011. In 2012, the company de-

cided to start deploying Ericssons Air so-

lution, an integrated antenna, which Mayo

described as pretty slick.

The ability to deploy an integrated prod-

uct was really useful for us, Mayo said.

It helped from a speed perspective, both

from physical construction as well as en-

titlement perspective in many jurisdictions

across the country.

T-Mobile US also started an effort to

move its existing equipment to the top of

towers, thereby reaping some gains in cov-

erage simply from better positioning.

We were pretty apprehensive at first,

because of the fact that youve got to ser-

vice that radio and its up on the tower as

opposed to being on the ground, Mayo

said, but added that T-Mobile US has been

pleased with the results.

A recent Open Signal speed-test report

ranked T-Mobile US as providing the fast-

est mobile data speeds among U.S. carri-

ers, with download speeds at 11.2 megabits

per second compared to 8.9 Mbps for AT&T

Mobility, 7.6 Mbps for Verizon Wireless, and

4.2 Mbps for Sprint.

According to data from Steve King,

applications engineer at 3M, who is also

chairman of the installation best practices

committee for IWPC, other fiber factors at

the tower include the fact that newer RRUs

require much more fiber: one fiber pair per

MIMO feed and one pair per band.

The situation continues to build upon

itself, King said. You need more capacity,

you need more data cables to get to the ra-

dio because of the volume of traffic going

up, so you add more fibers.

Concealment: In addition to being mind-

ful of antenna size in terms of the weight

and wind load for towers, jurisdictions

around the country are increasingly strict

about the aesthetics of telecom sites,

which directly impacts how antennas are

installed.

Concealed designs, according to Karmis,

are in some cases the only ones for which

the company is able to get approval. So-

called stealth sites have moved beyond

the standard tree or church cross or flag-

pole, Karmis said Mobilitie has one site in

California that is a stealth boulder, with

antennas mounted inside. Local officials,

he said, wanted the structure to match the

rocky mountain on which it was going to

be placed.

For macro sites in rural areas, aesthetics

generally tend to be less of an issue. But

small cells, which have been primarily sug-

gested at adding needed capacity in urban

areas, will have to blend into urban architec-

ture and street furniture. Crown Castle has

an outdoor DAS installation in the French

Quarter in New Orleans with equipment in-

side black poles only slightly thicker than

other structures on the street but that

installation was years in the making. Dave

Sobczak, CTO of JMA Wireless, described

using light poles, light sconces and canis-

ters as part of the companys small cell de-

ployment to support last years SuperBowl

Boulevard in New Yorks Times Square.

The HetNet Forum and wireless trade

Sour

ce: M

obili

tie

Mobilitie plays find the tower. (Hint: its not green.)

www.galtronics.com

Innovative Antenna SolutionsAntennas Enabling High Performance Connectivity for World Leading OEMs & Operators

7F E A T U R E R E P O R T

association PCIA have asked the Federal

Communications Commission to stream-

line the regulations on small cells to cat-

egorically exclude DAS and small cell de-

ployments from environmental and historic

review processes in order to speed deploy-

ment, arguing that the very nature of such

deployments have limited visual impacts

and that the environmental and historic

preservation impacts of such installations

would have a negligible effect. Whether the

FCC will agree remains to be seen.

Densification implications for the network

One could argue that there are several

different types of network densification at

work in telecom today.

At the macro site, RRUs and the addition

of LTE are increasing the amount of equip-

ment on the tower. Meanwhile, hundreds

of thousands of small cells are expected to

be deployed both indoors and outdoors in

order to improve capacity to deal with the

skyrocketing data use and coverage, par-

ticularly in-building coverage, to deal with

the shift toward indoor cellular usage.

All of the major equipment manufac-

turers are offering small cells in vari-

ous forms. Alcatel-Lucent introduced its

LightRadio line three years ago and just

announced that Verizon Wireless will be

deploying them. Ericsson has its Dot Ra-

dio, which offers in-building coverage via

sectorization from an Ericsson base sta-

tion that may, for instance, be located on

a rooftop and can then be fanned out with

remote units inside a building. Nokia has

its FlexiZone line of small cells that have

been involved in dozens of trials and some

deployments globally.

AT&T has said it plans to deploy more

than 40,000 small cells by the end of 2015,

with a major push this year (along with

more than 10,000 new macro sites and

more than 1,000 new DAS deployments in

its Project Velocity IP initiative). To date,

however, the small cell market hasnt tak-

en off as quickly as some had expected.

We think its increasing in demand, but

its early and much slower than every-

body had anticipated, said Ephraim Ul-

mer, CEO of Galtronics.

Jonathon Segal, wireless technology

strategy group leader for Alcatel-Lucent,

said that indoor metro cells for large

buildings and campus environments are

seeing increased demand.

Outdoor metro cells that hasnt really

happened much yet, but we think thats

going to be a large area of growth, Segal

added. He said that size in a metro cell is

driven by two factors: reliability and heat

dissipation. Having a high-power metro

cell that would create an outdoor cover-

age area, or to achieve indoor penetra-

tion, means the cell has to be larger in

order to properly get rid of heat that can

otherwise cause reliability issues. Indoor

small cells, he said, are an easier propo-

sition because they can be served with

lower-power, lower-cost units that do not

need to be environmentally hardened. In

addition, Segal pointed out, buildings cre-

ate natural protective layers to establish

clear boundaries between indoor small

cells and the outdoor macro network, to

reduce interference.

However, that boundary can be

problematic. As the macro network gets

faster with LTE-Advanced features such

as carrier aggregation, we dont want

to go from 100 Mbps on the macro then

suddenly, to a small cell and it doesnt

have the same feature set, said Pongratz

of DellOro Group. Theres a shift in the

mentality of the vendors in how theyre

approaching small cells.

He described that shift as going from the

idea of both shrinking the macro site and

reducing features, to a model of smaller size

and lower cost, but without many changes

to the platform.

I think thats where its headed, and its

part of the reason that maybe its taking a lit-

tle longer than expected, Pongratz added.

When Nokia announced the newest mod-

els in its FlexiZone line at Mobile World

Congress this year, it emphasized that the

new pico cell was the only indoor small

cell with the same capacity and running

the same software as a macro base station

while offering easier indoor connection op-

tions and higher capacity than a DAS.

In addition, investment in DAS is boom-

ing. Mobile Experts forecasts that the num-

ber of deployed DAS nodes will double be-

tween 2013 and 2016.

Multiple operators in North America are

doubling or tripling their DAS spending

plans said Mobile Experts Madden, add-

ing that fiber-based DAS also holds the

potential to solve part of the backhaul is-

sue for small cells, at least in many public

buildings where there is likely to be such

a system.

Backhaul and power remain major

challenges for small cells, however, and

experts generally agree that there will not

be a single solution for deployment. Fiber

has been the preferred backhaul option for

8F E A T U R E R E P O R T

U.S. operators, although wireless options,

particularly microwave, dominate the

market abroad.

Bill Moten, VP of wireless network sys-

tems and technical services for Tessco

Technologies, said that while operators

will likely luck into some small cell sites

that already have power and Ethernet, it

probably wont be on a scalable basis.

Thats a great way to start, but youre not

going to be able to scale out into mass de-

ployments like that they want to and expect

to run fiber everywhere, Moten said.

That opens up the possibility that wire-

less backhaul, particularly line-of-sight, is

going to be a cheaper and faster option to

deploy. The backhaul concept remains the

same for small cells, said Jonathan Wells,

principal analyst for backhaul with Mobile

Experts its just a matter of connecting

much smaller geometries.

You still need to connect to the new

tower, but its a street light instead of a big,

metal tower. Youre going to see different

technologies start to dominate, said Wells,

adding that wireless backhaul has always

been very compelling for the macros. Youre

still going to see the same concept, but

completely different sets of drivers, reason-

ings and rationales.

Millimeter wave may become a more pop-

ular option due to the demand for higher

bandwidth; it can support much higher

speeds than microwave wireless. However,

millimeter waves propagation over dis-

tance is not as robust as microwave, and

it is more vulnerable to interference from

environmental conditions such as rain.

LOS is generally considered more robust

and reliable a solution than non-line-

Interestingly, the placing of wireless

backhaul equipment on macros has taken

a nearly opposite path from the RAN side,

according to Prasad.

Split-mount microwave equipment has a

configuration similar to RRU/RRHs, while

all-indoor installations place equipment in-

side a shelter. Split-mount deployments are

less expensive up front, Prasad said, but in-

door configurations have a lower total cost

of ownership and do not add more burden

to telecom towers and this is the approach

that has dominated wireless backhaul.

Also on the horizon, Segal opined that the

next evolution of the network is likely to be

toward a cloud-based RAN; Alcatel-Lucent

demonstrated the concept in partnership

with China Mobile at MWC this year. In a

cloud-RAN network, he said, only the RRH

and the antenna, plus power and a data con-

nection, would exist at a given site, drasti-

cally reducing footprint and the associated

costs. Traffic would be front-hauled to a

baseband unit in a central location.

Antennas: considerations and challenges

General characteristics of macro, DAS

and small cell installations include:

Capacity: centralized with macros and

DAS; decentralized with small cells.

Bandwidth: Historically narrow for mac-

ro sites; broadband for neutral-host DAS

systems. Small cells are expected to initial-

ly be narrowband but are being planned to

handle broadband.

Installation height: Generally above 30-

feet outdoors for macro sites, and less than

35-feet for outdoor DAS. Indoor DAS is gen-

erally installed at heights between eight to

10 feet, while small cells are expected to be

of-sight, which involves bouncing and

reflecting signals, and reassembling them.

The latency requirement with LTE is very

aggressive, said Ronil Prasad, director of

sales and network engineering with Aviat

Networks. LOS deployments can meet that

requirement, he said, but the additional

latency added by that radio processing in

NLOS could fall outside the tolerable range.

Alcatel-Lucents Segal said that LOS

wireless likely has a place in small cell de-

ployments, but went so far as to call NLOS

pretty much an urban myth.

Its not that it doesnt work, its just that

it works unpredictably because of reliance

on secondary path effects, he said. It may

work or not, and you dont really know until

youve installed it. From an operators per-

spective, thats not really very attractive.

Whether U.S. carriers will make the jump

to a backhaul technology much less famil-

iar than fiber remains to be seen.

Theres work to be done, and I know its

happening as we speak, to get the carriers

to feel comfortable with wireless back-

haul, Moten said.

Cambium Networks sees some operators

dipping their toes into wireless backhaul.

We see it being used for project accelera-

tion, while waiting for fiber, said Scott Im-

hoff, director of product management for

Cambium. Also, he sees microwave being

used for cell-on-wheels for festivals or simi-

lar large events, and in disaster recovery solu-

tions and also, potentially for the FirstNet

public safety network. FirstNet has empha-

sized the need for reliability and quick recov-

ery even after disasters, as well as the desire

for deployables to serve situations where no

infrastructure survives a catastrophic event.

9National carrier network updates

Verizon Wireless capital expenditures were up 28% in the first quar-

ter of 2014, to more than $2.5 billion comparatively, Verizon Com-

munications wireline capex was down 3.4% year-over-year to $1.4

billion. The company reported that about 73% of its total mobile net-

work data traffic is now carried by its LTE network, even though only

about half of its retail postpaid customer base has LTE devices.

Verizon Wireless continues to lead in LTE coverage, with its network

covering more than 300 million potential customers, and has re-

cently focused on adding capacity by deploying additional LTE sup-

port in 1.7/2.1 GHz bands. The company is also in the process of

selling some of its A-block 700 MHz spectrum to T-Mobile US.

AT&T has been integrating its recent purchase of Leap Wireless. Its

capex expenditures for wireless during the first quarter were $5.8

billion, with projected full-year capex spending for 2014 around

$21 billion for both wireline and wireless. The company reported

that it has put more than $140 billion into its wireless and wireline

networks from 2008-2013. AT&T is well into its Project Velocity IP

investment, which includes new cell sites, distributed antenna sys-

tems and tens of thousands of small cells.

AT&T Mobilitys LTE network now covers more than 280 million pops

and is expected to hit 300 million covered pops later this year. The

mobile operator also began deployment earlier this year of carrier

aggregation in a few markets including Chicago, and recently an-

nounced that it plans to build a national air-to-ground, LTE-based

network to begin support for in-flight Wi-Fi services by late 2015.

Sprint has lagged behind its competitors in the reach of its LTE net-

work. The company announced in conjunction with its most recent

quarterly report that its LTE services now cover 225 million poten-

tial customers and should hit 250 million covered pops by mid-year.

The carrier largely relies on 10 megahertz of 1.9 GHz spectrum for

LTE deployment, but plans to expand that to include some 800 MHz

and 2.5 GHz spectrum support for about 100 million pops by the

end of this year.

Sprint recently expanded its LTE coverage into 41 new markets,

and its new Spark service into half a dozen new markets including

Newark, N.J. and Oakland, Calif.

T-Mobile US plans to continue expanding LTE coverage this year.

The company ended 2013 with 209 million pops covered with its

LTE network in 273 metro areas, and it is targeting 250 million pops

covered by the end of 2014. The carrier is deploying 20 megahertz

of spectrum to support LTE in 43 of the top 50 metro areas, and has

live 40 megahertz of spectrum in support of LTE in Dallas with more

such deployments expected this year.

T-Mobile US is processing its purchase of MetroPCS, and said that at

the end of 2013, it had re-farmed and integrated 25% of MetroPCS

spectrum and gained 30 new expansion markets. Its $4.2 billion in

capex during 2013 (a pro forma figure including MetroPCS invest-

ments during the year) was weighted toward the first half of the

year.

Meanwhile, T-Mobile US A-Block spectrum purchase from Verizon

will cover 158 million pops, including the Boston market and 21 of

the top 30 metro areas, and the company expects to begin deploy-

ment this year.

T-Mobile expects to spend between $4.3 billion and $4.6 billion in

capex in 2014.

Kelly Hill

10

installed at heights between eight to 10 feet

indoors and 10 to 20 feet outdoors.

Antenna sizes: Outdoor macro site an-

tennas typically range from four to 10 feet.

With the move to LTE, the size of typical an-

tennas has increased substantially on mac-

ro sites although Ken Rehbehn, principle

analyst with Yankee Groups network re-

search team, noted that with 600 MHz spec-

trum eventually expected to come online

for wireless services, antenna sizes could

get even larger. DAS antennas are generally

between one foot to four feet, with smaller

antennas installed indoors and larger ones

outdoors. Small cell antennas are sized at

less than one-foot for indoor coverage and

less than four feet outdoors.

Good isolation between floors, and mini-

mizing leakage or interference from indoor

wireless coverage with the macro network

are other concerns that operators typically

have for their networks.

Antennas per sector: One for macro; two

to 12 for DAS; two for small cells. Sectoriza-

tion is another important factor to consider,

especially in large venues such as stadium,

where many sectors are desired and there is

inevitable overlap between sectors, but the

challenge is to minimize that interference of

the RF signal, Ulmer added.

Power consumption: Macro sites run

on about 40 watts of power. DAS uses

between 10 to 20 watts, while small cells

have much smaller power needs, between

one and five watts.

Coverage size: Among small cells,

coverage size ranges from about 40-foot

radius for the smallest femtocells which

can support up to six users, to a short-range

microcell of perhaps a one-mile radius

deployments, there is the potential for as

many as eight antennas on the tower, but

at this point the ecosystem is largely in 2x2

MIMO with some experimentation in 4x2

MIMO. T-Mobile US recently confirmed

that it is beginning to deploy 4x2 MIMO in

its LTE network.

Multi-band deployments: Another

challenge in antenna design is due to the

spectrum fragmentation of global LTE de-

ployments. More than 40 bands are used for

LTE globally, although about 15 bands are

considered the most significant.

The most widely-used band for LTE con-

tinues to be 1800 MHz, according to the

Global Mobile Suppliers Associations

most recent report but that band is only

used by 43% of LTE single-band or multi-

band networks.

Increasing the number of band combina-

tions an antenna can cover increases the

complexity of the equipment, Pongratz

said and noted that in addition to many

bands in LTE, antennas are increasingly be-

ing upgraded to support wider bandwidth

and more channels.

The combinations are only going to get

worse with carrier aggregation, he added.

According to Galtronics Ulmer, opera-

tors are asking for antennas that can cover

700 MHz LTE and 2500-2600 MHz in the

same antenna.

The whole challenge is to condense ev-

erything into one small place and meet the

RF requirements, he said.

In addition to supporting multiple bands,

Alcatel-Lucents Segal said that service

providers often want support for as much

as 60 megahertz of channel width as they

look forward to being able to support

that can support up to about 200 users.

DAS installations can have up to a three-

mile radius and support about 1,800 users.

Macro sites can provide a coverage radius

of up to 10 miles.

No one antenna configuration is opti-

mal for all environments, concluded a 4G

Americas white paper on MIMO and smart

antennas for mobile broadband systems.

The paper went on to note that in rural ar-

eas where the ENodeB antennas are located

above the clutter, antennas that can form

beams are best. In urban macrocellular

environments where angle spread is large,

cross-polarized antennas give best gains

from polarization diversity. In urban micro-

cellular base stations that are embedded in

the clutter and the angle of arrival spread is

large, then the antenna is expected to be

good at providing the greatest path diversity

comparable downlink spectral efficiency.

It changes all the time it never stays the

same, Mobilities Karmis said of antenna

technologies. Every year, it seems like the

antennas are different and evolving.

Some additional aspects of the complex-

ity include:

MIMO: In LTE and LTE-A, MIMO adds to

the number of antennas on a site and in-

crease the complexity of equipment.

In a MIMO environment, the challenge

in antennas is developing the solution be-

tween the ports of bands, so that they dont

interfere with each other, Ulmer said. If

you make an antenna big enough, you can

get that solution by physical distance. But

the whole challenge there is to condense

everything into one small place and meet

the RF requirements.

As MIMO moves into higher order

F E A T U R E R E P O R T

11

Field Data Solutions For The Construction Industry

12

carrier aggregation between channels.

TDD emergence: Meanwhile, TDD is

emerging into what has mostly been an

FDD-LTE world. Only about 11% of LTE mo-

bile operators have deployed TDD how-

ever, the technology is being used or trialed

by some of the largest carriers in the world,

including China Mobile.

Mobile Experts Madden noted that along

with deployment of TDD-LTE come some of

the quirks that accompany a time-divided

vs. frequency-divided approach. FDD has

frequency separation between transmis-

sion and reception, and one base station

will not interfere with another since they

are all transmitting on one band and receiv-

ing on another. TDD, on the other hand, re-

lies on a slight time delay, or guard frame,

to separate send and receive periods.

Madden pointed out that the many ex-

isting macro network sites were set in the

days of FM signals that propagated well at

850 MHz and could be set three- to four-

miles apart. Operators who have come to

market, or to a particular site, late in the

game are often relegated to the bottom of

the tower, which leaves them with a poorer

line-of-sight. Some fill-in has been done, he

said, but existing macro sites could post an

issue for TDD deployments because of the

amount of time needed for radio waves to

travel between sites.

But, Madden noted, beam forming the

ability to change the radiation pattern of

the antenna in order to provide the best

possible transmission for a user offers

significant gains for TDD, although it in-

creases complexity.

JMA Wireless Sobczak is skeptical.

When you move a beam to reduce

on LTE deployments. Thus far, 2014 has not

been a good year for tower safety with a

high number of tower climber deaths and

falls that have prompted the Occupational

Safety and Health Administration to warn

the industry that it must address tower

safety issues, particularly making sure that

sub-contractors are following safety laws

and best practices.

NATE has launched a 100% tie-off, 24/7

campaign to promote safety among tower

technicians, and the group is also emphasiz-

ing the importance of hiring quality contrac-

tors as ultimately less expensive than work

that is done hastily and must be re-done.

NATE has members, Shlekeway noted,

whose niche is to go back and do over LTE

installations that were improperly installed.

Theres a correlation between the quality

of the contractors you hire to do the work,

and the quality of the network at the end,

he added.

NATE is also on the cusp of submitting a

new A10.48 standard for the tower industry

to the American Society of Safety Engi-

neers, which Schlekeway called the first

of its kind standard thats comprehensive in

nature. The new standard aims to establish

best safety practices for the construction,

demolition, modification and maintenance

of telecom structures, and a NATE commit-

tee has been working on the submission for

about eight years, Schlekeway said. It may

still be several years away from approval, he

added, but has a high potential to positively

impact industry practices.

If the standard eventually wins approval

through ASSEs process, it will exist as

an American National Standards Institute

standard.

interference and increase gain, it sounds

great in theory, he said but in reality, beam

forming while serving many users over a

large area is so complex that he believes

the cost and difficulty will ultimately

discourage operators, particularly in

light of small cells which are supposed to

address many of the same issues.

In fact, Sobczak goes so far as to argue

that within 10 years, he believes about 75%

of the macro network may very well disap-

pear in urban and suburban areas, if small

cells deliver on their promise.

The density of the network has to be

at least an order of magnitude greater to

even start addressing the capacity con-

cerns, he said. Youre going to see a

major change in how cell site towers are

deployed as a natural evolution of the

network, but the transition will be tough

on operators, Sobczak said.

Youre not going to be able to operator a

normal macro tower over top of hundreds

of small cells, he added. Ultimately, once

there are small cells, the macro has to

come down.

Infrastructure: the human impact

Two words capture the state of the in-

frastructure industry right now: extremely

busy.

Thats obviously great for the industry,

and great for the companies within the

industry, but it does present some chal-

lenges, said Todd Schlekeway, CEO of the

National Association of Tower Erectors.

NATE is trying to emphasize the critical

nature of proper training. Schlekeway said

that inevitably, less qualified contractors are

being hired in the rush to get work completed

F E A T U R E R E P O R T

13

Andrews SiteRise towertop.

The current draft covers everything from

pre-planning for the job site, to dealing

with radio frequency exposure safety and

fall protection, to lifting loads via helicop-

ter for construction.

Components

Components for towers are constantly

evolving. A few notables:

Development of hybrid cables, which

containbothfiber andcopperforpow-

erratherthancoaxialcableonly.That

meansonlyonecableneedstoberun

up the tower. This is both appealing to

the telecom industry and a boon the to

coaxmanufacturerswhorealizedthat

theirproductsusewasbeingsharply

curtailedwiththeadditionofmorefi-

beratthecellsite.

Yankee Groups Rehbehn noted that

3M has packages that do well in ad-

dressing the challenge of making con-

nections at the tower for technicians

so that the connections are clean.

When you have an installer whos

hanging, with a belt, trying to get the

connection securely made, its a dif-

ficult task, Rehbehn said. If the

connections are made up in a sloppy

fashion, theres very high possibility

of the intrusion of moisture, and the

moisture can cause corrosion, which

leads to [passive intermodulation].

At MWC, Ericsson and Philips

announced a joint solution called the

Zero Site. RRU/RRHs are placed inside

the top of an LED light pole, with the

other equipment in an underground

chamber beneath the pole. The LED

lights provide power savings of up to

million new LTE devices in the first quarter

of 2014 alone. And the industry has yet to

commercially roll-out voice over LTE and

other new features and services that are

expected to proliferate with further steps

into LTE-A.

Theres a big difference between hav-

ing something like [LTE] up, and having it

as more and more people utilize the tech-

nology, said Mobilities Karmis. It can

be up today, but as the amount of people

starting to use streaming data and video

through LTE devices increases, as carri-

ers implement VoLTE all those types of

things require modification to the network

to support it all. Youre never really done.

Especially from the initial launch, you re-

ally only see a relatively small amount of

utilization compared to what ultimately is

going to be utilized.

70% to assist cities in sustainability

efforts. The antennas can be in-built or

external, but the integrated light pole

addresses concealment concerns while

at the same time providing a design

focused on telecom needs.

In February, CommScope introduced

its Andrew SiteRise Standard Inter-

face, which is designed to simplify the

connection between any base station

antenna and virtually any RRU. This

builds on the companys introduction

in 2013 of the industrys first pre-assem-

bled and pre-tested tower-top solution.

Second-hand spectrum

Alcatel-Lucent Segal hinted at other

new components in the offing, referring to

them generally as better filters that sup-

port not only ultra wideband but are also

tunable; and components that are more

power efficient.

Wereseeingsomeinnovativestuffhap-

pening with thermal management, and

components that will allow you to get rid

of heat more efficiently which brings

down the total volume of radio products,

Segaladded.

If there is one thing to remember as

the industry moves forward, it is that the

work on the network is never done. LTE

deployment may be well under way, but its

utilization has substantial growth. Verizon

Wireless, for example, reported at the end

of the first quarter that although its LTE

network carries 73% of its overall data

traffic, only about one-half of its postpaid

customer base have LTE smartphones.

But loading is rapidly increasing Verizon

Wireless said it activated more than eight

Sour

ce: A

ndre

w

2014 Wireless Infrastructure Service Company Supplier Guide

OV E R 2 5 0 L I S T I N G S

S E R V I C E , S T A F F I N G, T R A I N I N G, A N D H A R D W A R E C O M PA N I E S

T h e C l e a r C h o i c e

15

Field DailiesField Dailies creates powerful yet economical field-service applications fine-tuned to the way you do business. Our field data collection applications provides a reliable solution that yields immediate results. | www.fielddailies.com

GaltronicsGaltronics is a market leader in antenna solutions of the highest quality and design. Markets served include mobile phones, broadband (home networking, M2M, LMP) and wireless infrastructure. | www.galtronics.com

The National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE)The National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) is a non-profit trade association in the wireless infrastructure industry providing a unified voice for tower erection, service and maintenance companies. | www.natehome.com

Tower Systems, Inc.As a worldwide tower construction and maintenance company, we cover a broad range of services including Turnkey Civil Site Development, Tower Installation & Maintenance, Antenna & Line and Microwave. Contact Lynnette Cotten for more information, lcotten@towersystems.com | 605-886-0930 | www.towersystems.com

Retel ServicesRETEL Services is a full turnkey solution, including our exclusive RevG certified composite pole, providing quality and care to every endeavor to ensure success. Contact Theresa Sharp for more information, theresa.sharp@retelservices.com | 423-596-4444 | www.retelservices.com

MasTec Network SolutionsMasTec Network Solutions has engaged in tens of thousands of telecommunications projects. We have the size and ability to immediately provide superior geographic coverage. Our team is comprised of experts in all faucets to ensure your business is a success. | www.mastecnetworksolutions.com

SpiderCloud WirelessSpiderCloud Wireless is the innovator behind a breakthrough, Small Cell managed services platform that allows mobile operators to deliver scalable and unprecedented cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, capacity and cloud services to medium to large enterprises, wherever theres a LAN. | www.spidercloud.com

Wesbrodsky WirelessWesBrodsky Wireless Communication provides consulting for communications and RF systems; including the fields of analog and digital signal processing, RF/microwave design, antennas, and propagation. Contact Wes Brodsky for more information, info@wesbrodsky-wireless.com | 781-866-9816 | www.wesbrodsky-wireless.com

KMMKMMs integrated supply chain solutions bring speed, visibility and predictability to network deployment. Our state-of-the-art technology ensures that materials are delivered when and where you need them. For more information visit www.kmmcorp.net or email info@kmmcorp.net

Featured Companies

FIELD DAILIES

16

Featured Companies (contd)

Narda Test SolutionsNarda Test Solutions provides RF test-equipment: NRA (Remote Spectrum Analyzer for monitoring RF signals), and IDA (hand-held Interference and Direction Analyzer for localizing and identifying RF interferences). For more info visit: www.narda-ida.com

ComarcomVEGA Solutions provide RAN coverage enhancement at the lowest cost. Applications include: Remote communities, Long highways, rails, Increasing 3G network capacity, Indoor coverage without DAS. Contact Gary Allan Medwed for more information, gary@comarcom.biz | www.comarcom.biz

Centerline SolutionsA full turnkey wireless telecommunications provider self-performing services including site acquisition, RF engineering, A&E, project management, test & measurement, maintenance, field services and construction. Contact Benjamin Little for more information, blittle@centerlinesolutions.com | 303-993-3293 x201 | www.centerlinesolutions.com

Black & VeatchBlack & Veatch has shaped the telecommunications landscape for the last 50 years. We provide industry-leading expertise in consulting, engineering, procurement, construction, operations and program management. Contact Pat Lien for more information, LienP@bv.com | 407-419-3509 | www.bv.com/telecom

Alpha TechnologiesAlpha Technologies is a leader in innovative AC and DC powering solutions targeting the unique powering challenges of Wireless and Wireline applications in Telecom. Contact us for more info sales@alpha.ca | 1-800-667-8743 | www.alpha.ca

VerticomVERTICOM partners with wireless carriers, tower owners, outsourcing firms, and equipment manufacturers to design, develop, maintain and support wireless networks. Contact Jeff Lewis for more information, jeff.lewis@verticom.net | 214-741-6898 or visit www.verticom.net

N B + CCount on NB+C for your wireless infrastructure needs: Engineering, Construction, and Site Development. From site development, small cells or engineering, count on us for results. Visit www.networkbuilding.com

AFDAFD Industrial Filters is a source of all types of air conditioning filters for cell tower equipment. These filters are now available to the industry, and are shipped directly from the factory to you at huge savings. AFD Industrial Filters has provided filters to many wireless companies, including Nortel Networks and AT&T Mobility, since January, 2000. Replacement filters available for older Nortel BTS-S8000 and BTS-S12000 outdoor units. For more info call: 865-525-8697, or toll free: 888-251-8668.

Verveba TelecomVerveba is an end-to-end Telecom and Software company specializing in Survey, Design, Build, and Optimization services. We deliver Small Cells, WiFi and LTE network roll-out services for our customers Nationwide. For more information, contact us at 214-613-5351 or visit www.verveba.com

RFSRadio Frequency Systems (RFS) is a worldwide leading provider of innovative wireless and broadcast infrastructure products and solutions. For more information contact sales.americas@rfsworld.com or visit www.rfsworld.com

T h e C l e a r C h o i c e

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SERVICE COMPANIES

101 Telco Solutions Inc.Service Company2646 Palma Dr., Ste. 305Ventura, CA 93003805-477-0101E-mail: sales@101telco.comwww.101telco.com101 Telco is a legacy equipment specialist that helps companies stretch their capital dollars, and maximize the life of their network. We provide component-level repairs and refurbished spares for network equipment that are out-of-warranty or MFG-discontinued. We were founded on the principle that helping the Veteran community and starting, and running, a profitable company could be simultaneous goals.

3S NetworkService Companywww.3snetwork.comWe offer expert design, service analysis and solu-tions for a wide range of technologies including GSM/GPRS/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA, EVDO, and LTE/WiMAX. Whether a small scale project, turnkey solution or large scale work, 3S Network Inc. is known to deliver the highest industry standard.

4G UnwiredService Company551 S. Apollo Blvd., Ste. 207Melbourne, FL 32901321-726-4183sales@4gunwired.comwww.4gunwired.com

AarcherService Company910 Commerce RoadAnnapolis, MD 21401817-431-1593cboswell@aarcherinc.comwww.aarcherinc.comAarcher provides Phase I environmental due dili-gence, NEPA screening, and cultural and natural resource services for antenna and tower installa-tions. Since 1997, its team of environmental and conservation specialists and architectural histo-rians has supported thousands of installations from offices in Colorado, Maryland and Texas.

Abrams WirelessService Company117 Kelekent Ln.Cary, NC 27518206-661-8429ted@abramswireless.comwww.theabrams.netTechnology is a significant part of todays business decisions. AWI consultancy delivers profitable insight to clients who want better understanding of probable outcomes.

AccruentService Company10801-2 N. Mo Pac Expy, Ste. 400Austin, TX 78759512-861-0726ctutino@accruent.comwww.Accruent.comAccruent delivers long term, best in class, operational and financial performance to leaders in the Wireless industry with iterra solution, the industry-leading software for site, lease, asset, and project management. Our solutions are used by the top five national wireless carriers to manage more than one million projects and 400,000 sites globally.

ADB WirelessService Company8205 Hickman Mills DriveKansas City, MO 64132636-583-8448elust@adb-us.comwww.adb-us.com

Advanced Frequency EngineeringService Company13194 U.S. Highway 301 S., Ste. 314Riverview, FL 33578-7410813-495-0038dana@rfawareness.comwww.rfawareness.com

Advantage EngineersService Company7070 Samuel Morse Drive, Ste. 150Columbia, ME 21046Contact: John McGrath, COO443-367-0003advantage@advantageengineers.comwww.advantageengineers.comAdvantage Engineers provides comprehensive engineering and consulting solutions in support of communications network development for govern-ment and commercial clients.

Aero SolutionsService Company5500 Flatiron Parkway, Ste. 100Boulder, CO 80301720-304-6882rtaillon@aerosolutionsllc.comwww.aerosolutionsllc.comSince 2002, Aero Solutions LLC (AERO), has been a proven leader in the wireless industry. We provide custom and pre-engineered monopole, self support and guyed tower infrastructure products and services. Our innovative solutions increase the towers load carrying capacity and revenue potential for our customers.

Aero-Telco Services LLCService Company10180 NW 21st CourtPembroke Pines, FL 33026954-483-0874james.raines@aero-telco.comwww.aero-telco.comWe are a certified MBE full service maintenance cell tower company that specializes in LTE up-grades and installations.

AFL GlobalService Company170 Ridgeview Center DriveDuncan, SC 29334864-433-0333Dennis.Beck@AFLglobal.comwww.AFLglobal.comAFL provides construction, installation, engi-neering and maintenance for wireless/wireline service providers, in various IT/Communications markets, maintaining satisfied customers by of-fering network (MTSO), cell site, government and enterprise solutions. With AFL you get a team with engineering expertise, a proven history of success-ful deployments and the know-how to turn up your customers faster! Come see how We connect.

Supplier GuideFeatured Companies (contd)

18

Aicent, Inc.Service Company181 Metro Drive, Ste. 450San Jose, CA 95110+1 408 324 1830info@aicent.comwww.aicent.comAicents innovative mobile data services build a bridge between the IP world and the wireless world, delivering powerful wireless communications services to mobile operators.

AJ Telecom GroupService Company147 W. 35th St., Ste. 404New York, NY 10001212-643-1310contact@ajtelecomgroup.comwww.ajtelecomgroup.com

Alcatel-LucentService Company1960 Lucent LaneNaperville, IL 60563Contact: Rupail Sikka630-224-0192rupy.sikka@alcatel-lucent.comwww.alcatel-lucent.comAlcatel-Lucent provides products and innovations in IP and cloud networking, as well as ultra-broad-band fixed and wireless access.

Allcom Global ServicesService Companywww.allcomgs.com/AllCom builds infrastructure that enables todays technology.Allcomm WirelessService Company4116 First Ave.North Birmingham, AL 35222205-591-8804tower@allcomm.comwww.allcomm.com

Allot Communications, Ltd.Service Company300 TradeCenter, Ste. 4680Woburn, MA 01801Contact: John Priest781-939-9300jpriest@allot.comwww.allot.comAllot Communications is a leading global provider of intelligent broadband solutions that put mobile, fixed and enterprise networks at the center of the digital lifestyle. Allots DPI-based solutions identify and leverage the business intelligence in data networks, empowering operators to shape digital lifestyle experiences and to capitalize on the network traffic they generate.

Allstate TowerService CompanyP.O. Box 25Henderson, KY 42419270-830-8512Kroth@allstatetower.comwww.allstatetower.com

Alpha Technologies Ltd.Service Company7700 Riverfront GateBurnaby, MBV5J 5M4604-436-5900sales@alpha.cawww.alpha.caFor over 35 years, Alpha Technologies has been an industry pioneer and global leader in the design and manufacture of AC, DC and Renewable power.

Alta TelecomService Companywww.altagroupofcompanies.comALTA is a well established International Telecom Diversified Services Provider, is certified to ISO 9001: 2008 and TL 9000 in two business units and is in the process of becoming certified in its remaining business units. ALTA is also a member of the QuEST Forum.

AM Coordination ServicesService CompanyP.O. Box 6065Martinsburg, WV 25402304-264-5941amcoordination@aol.comwww.amcoordination.com

American TowerService Company10 Presidential WayWoburn, MA 01801877-409-6966leasing@americantower.comwww.americantower.comAmerican Tower is a leading independent owner, operator and developer of wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure and provides ac-cess to over 36,000 communications sites across the United States. Our solutions include wireless and broadcast towers, managed rooftops, in-building and outdoor distributed antenna system networks and other right-of-way options, small-cell and Wi-Fi networks and services that speed network deployment. For information on how our solutions can help you grow your business, visit www.americantower.com.

Amirit TechnologiesService Company271 US HWY 46 West, Ste. C-103Fairfield, NJ973-652-2811Hassan.Azhar@amirit.comwww.amirit.comHighly experienced & dedicated professionals in the telecom & IT industry; provide innovative, powerful & strategic methodologies.

ANS Advanced Network Services, LLCService Company12 Elmwood Rd.Albany, NY 12204Contact: Brendan Delaney518-292-6555website@anscorporate.comwww.anscorporate.comANS provides end-to-end services to the wireless carriers. Services include Tower & Construction Services, DAS Design & Implementation, Network Infrastructure and DC Power Services.

Antenna ID ProductsService Company22 Bryan Wynd, Ste. 2Glenmoore, PA 19343610-458-8418antennaid@msn.comwww.antennaid.com

Supplier Guide

19

Antenna Rooftop ManagementService Company185 Santiago Ave.Rutherford, NJ 7070Contact: Gerard Amatuccigerardama@comcast.netManangement / Consulting.

ATEC WirelessService Company4 Gatehall DriveParsippany, NJ 07054Contact: Ahsan Ali Khan678-871-2129inquiries@atecwireless.comwww.atecwireless.comAn independent diversity RF Engineering and Consulting firm dedicated to wireless communica-tions services, ATEC provides systems engineering, network services and technical staffing to wireless carriers, managed service providers, tower opera-tors and equipment vendors.

Atlantic Communication Services Inc.Service Company21 Pinehurst CircleMonroe, NY 10950845-782-5114pjm67@msn.comFull service wireless telecommunications company specializing in construction, site acquisition, legal & regulatory and project staffing.

Avion SystemsService Companywww.avionsystems.comAvion leverages our partnership with Mobile Net-work Operators and Original Equipment Manufac-turers to provide network engineering services to ensure superior voice, data and content services to the end-user while maximizing ROI for carriers.

AW SolutionsService Company300 Crown Oak Centre DriveLongwood, FL 32750407-260-0231keith.hayter@awsolutionsinc.comwww.awsolutionsinc.comFull Service Turnkey Wireless, DAS, Fiber and Wireline Infrastructure Development Company. Licensed engineers throughout the US, Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and USVI.

Axiom WirelessService Company3323 Magnolia Rd.Magnolia, OH 44643Contact: Steve Weston330-863-4410steve@ax-wi.comwww.axiomwireless.netOur services range from LTE upgrades, tower maintenance, small cell construction, building new towers from the ground up, to electrical work, civil work, and fencing. If it involves cellular towers and networks, our skilled and professional team can complete the task.

Axis Teknologies, LLCService Company8800 Roswell Rd, Bldg A, Ste. 265Sandy Springs, GA 30350Contact: Kevin Calhoun678-441-0260kcalhoun@axisteknologies.comwww.axisteknologies.comAxis Teknologies guides high-level strategies of wireless infrastructure upgrades through the real world implementation challenges of Small Cells, DAS, Data Centers, Core and Transport.

Bank Street Group LLCService CompanyFour Landmark Square, 3rd FloorStamford, CT 06901Contact: Richard Lukaj203-252-2800info@bankstreet.comwww.bankstreet.comBank Street is an investment bank serving com-panies in the communications sector with Merger & Acquisition Advisory, Private Placements of Debt and Restructuring services.

BB&T - Atlantic Risk ManagementService Company5850 Waterloo Road, Ste. #240Columbia, MD 21045410-480-4413DSaul@bbandt.cominsurance.bbt.comBB&Ts Atlantic Risk Management is a large, independent insurance agency and an expert in protecting tower owners from unexpected risks. We offer complete, competitive priced programs endorsed by PCIA and tailored to suit your specific exposures, including: self-supporting, guyed or monopole towers; support equipment; shelters and fencing; plus general liability, business auto, workers compensation, umbrella, and more.

Beacon TowersService Company3001 Salterbeck St., Ste. 200Mount Pleasant, SC 29466843-324-9731martind@vitessewireless.com

Bell TowerService Company6037 S. Industrial RoadChelsea, OK 74016918-789-9020rose-btc@sbcglobal.netwww.belltowercorp.comFor 22 years, Bell Tower has been designing, manufacturing and installing towers throughout the United States, from 100-foot self-supporting tow-ers to 2000-foot broadcast towers. The companys experienced staff offers customers the finest safety record in the industry and fair pricing on challeng-ing projects.

Black & VeatchService Company10950 GrandviewOverland Park, KS 66210913-458-7967bukatyk@bv.comwww.bv.comB&V network infrastructure deployment and upgrade solutions include program and project management, site acquisition, architectural and engineering drawings, zoning and permitting, tower structural analysis and modification, procurement, logistics, construction and construction manage-ment, small cells and distributed antenna system (DAS) networks, and decommissioning service.

Black Box Network ServicesService Company1155 Kas Drive, Ste. 200Richardson, TX 75081214-242-7718kevin.swank@blackbox.comwww.blackbox.com/innerwirelessIn wireless, Black Box Network Services enables mission-critical, in-building wireless for enterprise organizations in healthcare and hospitality, as well as government and Fortune 500. Mission-critical wireless delivers all key wireless services, includ-ing 3G/4G, fire/life/safety, 802.11 and medical telemetry, with engineered coverage and capacity to ensure all wireless devices stay connected with optimal service levels.

Supplier Guide

20

Black Dot WirelessService Company27271 Las RamblasMission Viejo, CA 92691packerman@blackdotwireless.comwww.blackdotwireless.comFull service consultancy providing specialized real estate development and lease optimization services to the wireless industry.Blue Stream Professional ServicesService Companywww.bluestreampro.comBlueStream Professional Services provides plan-ning, implementation, and maintenance support for customers delivering voice, video and data over wireless, wireline, cable, and enterprise networks.

BMS CommunicationsService Company4133 Guardian St.Simi Valley, CA 93063805-526-1141jennifera@bmseng.comwww.bmseng.com

Boingo WirelessService Company10960 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 800Los Angeles, CA 90024310-586-5180dlodder@boingo.comwww.boingo.comBoingo Wireless, Inc. (NASDAQ: WIFI) helps the world stay connected. Boingos vast footprint of small cell networks covers more than a million DAS and Wi-Fi locations and reaches more than 1 billion consumers annually in places as varied as air-ports, stadiums, shopping malls, restaurants, univer-sities, and military bases. The Boingo platform is the only monetization engine of its kind, driving revenue through carrier offload, advertising, location-based data analytics, and consumer products like IPTV, high-speed broadband, and Wi-Fi.

Bracnet Ltd.Service CompanyHouse: 26, Road: 28, Block: K, BananiDhaka 1213arahimbd@yahoo.comwww.bracnet.netISP & Nationwide Data Connectivity.

Bradley Arant Boult CummingsLegal ServicesRoundabout Plaza 1600 Division St., Ste. 700Nashville, TN 37203Contact: James L. Murphy III615-252-2303jmurphy@babc.comwww.babc.comBradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is a law firm with seven offices throughout the Southeast. Our wireless team has extensive experience represent-ing all segments of the wireless industry through-out the Southeast and Midwest. Whether your issue involves understanding how to obtain zoning or other regulatory approvals, lobbying the legisla-ture, or negotiating site leases, our wireless team will assist you in managing the many legal issues encountered by members of the industry carriers, tower companies, and service providers.

Branch CommunicationsService Company1516 South Boston, Ste. 215Tulsa, OK 74119Contact: Johnie Johnson918-949-4551jj@branchcomm.netwww.branchcomm.netBranch Communications is a leading independent owner, operator and marketer of wireless com-munications infrastructure in the United States. Currently, Branch manages a portfolio of over 400 cell sites across the country. Branch Communica-tions is a full service solutions provider for the wireless industry.

BTM EngineeringService Company3001 Taylor Springs DriveLouisville, KY 40220502-459-8402wmarcum@btmeng.comwww.btmeng.com

Building Technology SolutionsService Company273 Grawtown RoadJackson, NJ 08527Contact: David Williams848-223-5240d.w@btsus.netwww.btsus.net1 to 100 Gbps wireless links with mobile self-contained outdoor/indoor data storage/carrier switch micro-modular units along with providing network infrastructure engineering expertise.

BuzBService Company129 W. Official RoadAddison, IL 60101630-543-5560info@buzbcorp.comwww.buzbcorp.comBuzB offers detailed field mapping service for all tower structures of any make and model, including guyed tower, self-supporting towers, monopoles and water tanks. BuzB covers the Midwest and Mid-South, from Minnesota to Arkansas and from Kansas to Ohio.

Byers Engineering CompanyService Companywww.byers.com/about.htmlByers provides outside and inside plant design, planning, project management, inspection, and right of way acquisition services, both wireline and wireless, for RBOCs, ILECs, CLECs, IXCs, utilities, cable television companies, and commercial orga-nizations throughout the United States.

C Squared Systems, LLCService Company65 Dartmouth, Unit A3Auburn, NH 03032603-644-2800siteportal.sales@csquaredsystems.comwww.c2siteportal.comC Squared Systems, LLC (C. Systems) is an RF en-gineering and consulting company specializing in providing services for complete wireless coverage from RF analysis to design and implementation to monitoring support. SitePortal., a customiz-able web-based software, was engineered by C. Systems to remotely monitor and manage complex multi-vendor environments. More than just alarm-ing, SitePortal. delivers a complete management solution to view notifications, system parameters, and reports with the ability to troubleshoot devices directly from your laptop.

Supplier Guide

21

V I S I T : N A T E H O M E . C O M / N A T E - E X C H A N G E

TOWER SAFETY REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

The NATE EXCHANGE is a convenient,

consumer-driven, one-stop-shop platform for tower

construction and maintenance companies and

individual tower technicians to gain access to the

most sophisticated and up-to-date training

courses in the tower industry.

We encourage you to utilize this website tool to

select the courses and training companies that best

t your speci c workforce needs.

RCR NATE Exchange Full Page Ad.indd 1 1/15/14 9:08 PM

22

CaltropService Company9337 Milliken Ave.Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730480-241-6363mdostal@caltrop.comwww.caltrop.comCaltrops workforce has a solid reputation for completing large, complex wirelessnetwork projects throughout the country. Their multi-disciplinary team of professionals ap-plies a broad range of experience to provide a streamlined approach to workfl ow management that generates significant cost savings through reduced deployment time and cost. With Caltrop as your single source for turnkey services, you can count on true value-added services.

CamTelcom Inc.Service Company8101 Ellis RdRavenna, MI 49451231-557-4383camwea@msn.comFiber Optics Splicing and Testing, FTTT, FTTP, FTTH, Long Haul Fiber, Emergency Fiber Restoration. Hot Cuts, Fiber Verification, Audits, New Projects

Capital Tower & CommunicationsService Company13330 Amberly RoadWaverly, NE 68462402-786-3333tonym@capitaltower.comwww.capitaltower.com

Carpenter Consulting GroupService Company17 Industrial StreetRochester, NY 14614Contact: Don Carpenter585-370-9516info@carpentercg.comwww.carpentercg.comWireless Site Development company, providing site acquisition, A&E & construction management services.

CBM of America Inc.,Service Companywww.cbmusa.comCBM of America, Inc., has been an innovator and niche provider of Network Solutions and Custom Network Products for the Telecom Industry for over 20 years. We specialize in networking products and solutions that provide seamless IP migration of legacy protocol interfaces, such as BX25 & X25.

Celerity Integrated ServicesService Company2083 Quaker Pointe DriveQuakertown, PA 18951215-538-1600demma@cistele.comwww.cistele.com

Cell BlocksService Company277 Sumption DriveColumbus, OH 43230614-800-0534philcolflesh@cellblocksinc.comwww.cellblocksinc.com

Cell Tower AttorneyLegal Services16001 Waterleaf LaneFort Myers, FL 33908813-335-4766ken@celltowerattorney.comwww.celltowerattorney.com

CellTex Site Services, Ltd.Service CompanyPO Box 700452San Antonio, TX 78270210-219-5529cghuber@celltextowers.comwww.celltextowers.comBuild-to-Suit towers and site acquisition.

Cellular SpecialtiesService Company670 N. Commercial St.Manchester, NH 03101603-626-6677csisales@cellularspecialties.comwww.cellularspecialties.comCellular Specialties (CSI) delivers products and services enabling anytime, anywhere wireless con-nectivity for 3G and 4G cellular, Wi-Fi and public safety coverage. Visit www.cellularspecialties.com.

Centerline SolutionsService Company16360 Table Mountain ParkwayGolden, CO 80403303-993-3293blittle@centerlinesolutions.comwww.centerlinesolutions.comCenterline Solutions is a full turn key wireless services company. We help design, build, modify and maintain wireless networks.

CES Network Services, Inc.Service Company13904 Josey Lane P.O. Box 810256Dallas, TX 75381Contact: Chester Manfred972 241 3683 EXT 125cesnet@cesnetser.comwww.cesnetser.comVoice, Data & Video MAN / LAN / WAN System Integrator Consultant. CES provides professional consulting, planning, design, and construction phase services for multi-user facilities nationwide.

CICService Companycicusa.comThe CIC team has over 1,000 years of collective microwave radio experience in applications for wireless backhaul, ultra low latency HFT, oil & gas, rural broadband, mobility, and wireless point to point communication links.

Circle Point TechnologyService Company1530 Nandina Ave.Perris, CA 92571949-690-5057lturner@circlepointinc.comwww.circlepointinc.comCirclepoint Technology specializes in the develop-ment and implementation of network infrastructure for wireless carriers and large wireless infrastruc-ture providers. Circlepoint offers its customers fully integrated network solutions specializing in site acquisition, architectural and engineering design, construction, equipment installation, testing and commissioning services. We promise to evaluate your individual needs to bring the most value to your wireless communication requirements.

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Supplier Guide

CIS CommunicationsService Company749 Old Ballas RoadCreve Coeur, MO 63141314-569-2275julie@ciscomm.comwww.ciscomm.comCIS Communications is based in St. Louis and pro-vides site development (site selection, lease space and purchase negotiation, architectural and engi-neering drawings, due diligence, zoning approval and permit coordination including UMTS and LTE upgrade coordination) construction managementand rooftop management services.

Civil & Environmental ConsultantsService Company405 Duke Drive, Ste. 270Franklin, TN 37067615-333-7797lparker@cecinc.comwww.cecinc.com

Civil Solutions IncorporatedService Companywww.csicommunications.com/Civil Solutions Incorporated is a full turnkey company established in 2001 providing compre-hensive single source solutions to identify, lease, permit, design, construct, implement, and maintain wireless networks Nationwide.

CLC LodgingService Company8111 E. 32nd Street North, Ste 300Wichita, KS 67226800-835-4045cfarr@clclodging.comwww.clclodging.comCLC Lodging, a division of FleetCor, reduces what you pay for workforce lodging while cutting staff time spent finding hotels, negotiating rates, audit-ing bills, reviewing expense reports and tracking costs. CLCs buying power of more than 10 million room nights annually provides clients with deeply discounted hotel rates. CLC has more than 30 years experience as a leading provider of lodging management programs to businesses, serving thousands of clients in North America.

ClearfieldService Company5480 Nathan LanePlymouth, MN 55442800-422-2537sales@clfd.netwww.ClearfieldConnection.comVarying cell site deployment scenarios and network architectures pose challenges for network operators to standardize on a single solution. By offering a scalable single building block solution, Clearfield provides a flexible and cost-effective solution for standardization of passive equipment across multiple wireless carriers and the variety of equipment housings encountered. Standardization improves efficiency and service turn-up time as learning curves are reduced.

ClearShot CommunicationsService Company5 Great Valley Parkway, Ste. 333Malvern, PA 19355610-648-3895dul@clearshotcom.comwww.clearshotcom.com

ClearSky Technologies, Inc.Service Company390 North Orange Avenue, Ste. 1350Orlando, FL 32703Contact: Nichole Engle407-515-9000info@csky.comwww.clearskytechnologies.comClearSkys powerful array of products and services includes hosted LTE services, traffic and policy management, small cell as a service, multi-generation SMS, MMS and mobile Internet access. Headquartered in Orlando, ClearSky currently provides mobile data services to more than 50 wireless operators across the Americas.

Coleman Global TelecommunicationsService Company84 Merrill RoadClifton, NJ 07012-1622973-519-6416marty@colemanglobal.comwww.colemanglobal.com

ComsearchService Company19700 Janelia Farm Blvd.Ashburn, VA 20147Contact: Tom Courtney703-726-5652tcourtney@comsearch.comwww.comsearch.comComsearch provides innovative spectrum manage-ment and wireless engineering solutions to the global market for fixed, mobile, and broadband wireless applications. Our experienced engineers, software products, and information databases ad-dress the specific challenges of designing wireless networks while identifying, analyzing, and resolving radio frequency interference for wireless spectrum users worldwide.

ComSites WestService Company2555 Third St., Ste. 200Sacramento, CA 95818530-414-4376charlie@comsiteswest.comwww.comsiteswest.com

Concepts To OperationsService Company801 Compass Way, Ste. 217Annapolis, MD 21401410-224-8911cto@concepts2ops.comwww.concepts2ops.com

Connect TowersService Company6170 Research Road Ste. # 204Frisco, TX 75033972-638-0266harrys@connecttowers.comwww.connecttowers.comConnect Towers is experienced in all aspects of construction within the wireless industry. We offer a comprehensive range of tower services.

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Connectivity Wireless SolutionsService Company2707 Main StreetDuluth, GA 30096678-584-5799bboyd@connectivitywireless.comwww.connectivitywireless.comConnectivity Wireless Solutions delivers best-in-class consulting, engineering, project management, installation and staffing services to wireless carrier and enterprise customers who need in-building wireless (DAS) solutions.

Continental ResourcesService Company175 Middlesex Tpke. Ste. 1Bedford, MA 01730-9137817-690-8669lmerjil@conres.comwww.tm.conres.comWe are a company that rents, leases, and sell electronic test and measurement equipment from leading mfg. such as Rohde and Schwarz, Tek, Agilent, and Fluke.

Convergence CommunicationsService Company8 W. Broad St., Ste. 330Hazleton, PA 18201570-579-0249sales@convergencegroup-llc.comwww.convergencegroup-llc.com

CortelService Company14621 Arroyo HondoSan Diego, CA 92127Contact: John Barkerjohn@cortel-llc.comwww.cortel-llc.comCortel provides a full range of deployment services to wireless carriers in the Western U.S. including leasing, zoning, permitting, construction man-agement, installation, compliance, and design services.

Craig Sands Group, Inc.Service Company12 Beekman PlaceNew York, NY 10022646-470-6466c@csgroup.orgwww.csgroup.orgWireless construction and infrastructure with focus on DAS.

Crown CastleService Company2000 Corporate DriveCanonsburg, PA 15317703-856-1934sandy.desostoa@crowncastle.comwww.crowncastle.comCrown Castle (NYSE: CCI, member S&P 500) is the countrys largest independent owner and operator of shared wireless infrastructure, including towers, rooftops and Distributed Antenna System (DAS), a type of small cell solution. With an enterprise value of more than $30 billion, we own and manage more than 30,000 premium sites in 98 of the top 100 U.S. markets. And, with offices nationwide and more than 1,400 locally deployed employees, we have the resources to provide comprehensive site development services.

Cuddy & Feder LLPLegal Services445 Hamilton Avenue, 14th FloorWhite Plains, NY 10601Contact: Christopher B. Fisher914-761-1300cfisher@cuddyfeder.comwww.cuddyfeder.comCuddy & Feders attorneys have been advocates for the wireless industry for over thirty years. We have received numerous honors and been recognized by U.S. News, Martindale-Hubbell and SuperLawyers. The Firm is a member of PCIA and the HetNet Forum and several of our attorneys are leaders within WWLF, NYSWA and the SWAP program. Our Telecommunications Practice team assists clients in getting deals done, projects built and successfully managing litigation. In a variable environment, our attorneys knowledge and experience can make all the difference in getting mobile products and wire-less services to market timely and effectively.CW SolutionsService CompanyCW SolutionsWest New York, NJ 07093201-317-0143scurtis@cwcsi.comwww.cwcsi.comCW Solutions is a national real estate services firm focusing on the utilities and wireless telecommuni-cations industries based in New Jersey.

Davis Wright Tremaine LLPLegal Services1919 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 800Washington, DC 20006Contact: Scott Thompson202-973-4208scottthompson@dwt.comwww.dwt.comDavis Wright Tremaine, a national business law firm representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world, features approxi-mately 500 lawyers in nine offices. Our Communi-cations practice includes more than 50 attorneys who have extensive transactional, regulatory, and litigation experience working with clients in every area of the wireless ecosystem. We represent an array of companies, including mobility carriers, WiMax providers, equipment vendors, distributed antenna system (DAS) providers, content/applica-tion vendors and trade associations.

Day Wireless SystemsService Company4700 S.E. International WayMilwaukie, OR 97222503-659-1240sites@daywireless.comwww.daywireless.comFounded in 1969, Day Wireless Systems has 26 offi ces and 190 towers in seven western states. The company specializes in collocation, site man-agement, tower construction, engineering, system design, sales and service. Day Wireless Systems is the largest full-service wireless integrator on the West Coast.

Deborah BakerService Company1835 OHara LaneMiddletown, PA 17057717-497-3197baker.deborah@comcast.net

Dietz BrothersService Company12185 51st St. N.E.Spicer, MN 56288320-796-2281alan@dietzbros.netwww.dietzbros.net

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DisysService Companywww.disys.comDISYS offers experience and capabilities to help overcome these challenges and to support our telecommunications clients as they expand. Our Telecommunications Services, Network Consolida-tion and Evolution Services, Customer Service, Security Testing.

DMN Global ServicesService Companywww.dmnglobal.comOur portfolio includes a comprehensive suite of project management, site survey, network design, documentation, logistics, installation, testing, integration, optimization, maintenance, fault management maintenance 24/7 and network management services.

Doty Moore Tower ServicesService Company1140 Welsh Road, Ste. 250North Wales, PA 19454215-631-1323ed.deetscreek@stainlessllc.comwww.stainlessllc.com

Dynamic Environmental Associates, IncService CompanyPO Box 7058Lake Worth, FL 33466877-968-4787DJermakian@DynamicEnvironmental.comwww.DynamicEnvironmental.comDynamic Environmental Associates, Inc. provides full-service, results oriented, environmental con-sulting to our clients with complete solutions for their environmental issues. By following our core principles: Experience, Commitment, Quality and Innovation, DEA has achieved recognition from both the tower industry and competitors alike as being leading experts in environmental assessment and compliance. For twenty years Dynamic Environmen-tal Associates has been providing the tower and telecommunications industry with thorough and efficient professional environmental services.

Dynis LLCService Companywww.dynis.comFounded in 1992, DYNIS is a world-class provider of a comprehensive Ste. of communication and data network implementation services through our im-pressive team of dedicated industry professionals.

Earthcom, Inc.Service Company3424 Corwin Rd.Williamston, MI 48895517-482-1750info@earthcom.uswww.earthcominc.comEarthcom is a full-service provider of wireless services including OSP, DAS/ODAS and cell site construction & maintenance.

Eastpointe Industries, IncService Company4020 Tull Ave.Muskogee, OK 74403Contact: Marty Halliday918-683-2169www.ep-ind.comEastpointe Industries is a Tower and Structural Components Manufacturer. Located in Muskogee Oklahoma supplying Self Support, Guyed Towers. Manufacturing a wide range of tower modification materials.

EDX WirelessService Company1400 Executive Parkway, Ste. 430Eugene, OR 97401541-345-0019sales@edx.comwww.edx.com

Ehresmann Engineering, Inc.Service Company4400 W 31st StreetYankton, SD 57078Contact: Eric Taylor605-665-7532e.taylor@ehresmannengineering.comwww.ehresmannengineering.comEhresmann Engineering, Inc. is a tower engineer-ing and manufacturing company. We have been in the Telecommunication Industry since 1983, have engineering staff with over 100 total years of tower engineering experience. We have performed thou-sands of analysis on numerous types, and heights of towers with various manufacturers. We offer a full line of towers: guyed and self-supporting tow-ers, 3 and 4 legged towers, monopoles, flagpoles, monopines, cross poles, and other concealment solutions. Our 77,000 sq. ft. facility is conveniently located in the center of the US which enables us to provide short shipping times to both coasts. We have provided services in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and in countries around the world.

EMF Telecom, Inc.Service Company328 Hill AvenueNashville, TN 37210615-291-6279info@emftelecom.comwww.emftelecom.comEMF Telecom, Inc. is a veteran owned and run business founded in 2005. We specialize in tower, property and site acquisition services with offices in Nashville, TN, Columbus, OH and Orlando, FL.

Engineering AssociatesService Company1220 Old Alpharetta Road, Ste. 390Alpharetta, GA 30005678-455-7266lcobb@engineeringassociates.comwww.engineeringassociates.com

Engineering Specialties GroupService Company8501 Turnpike Drive, Ste. 106Westminster, CO 80031303-482-3186joeld@engineeringspecialtiesgroup.comwww.engineeringspecialtiesgroup.com

Environmental Corporation of AmericaService Company1375 Union Hill Industrial CourtAlpharetta, GA 30004770-667-2040marvin.webster@eca-usa.comwww.eca-usa.comECA is an environmental, geotechnical, and NEPA/SHPO regulatory consultant specializing in wireless telecommunications. Its staff of engineers, scien-tists, historians and archaeologists has processed thousands of wireless facilities throughout the United States under the FCC NEPA rules and the EPA Phase I AAI and ASTM standard.

EnvironmentexService Company6060 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 560Dallas, TX 75206214-793-7317brian@environmentex.comwww.environmentex.com

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EricssonService Company6300 Legacy DrPlano, TX 75024Contact: Desiree Ruiz972-583-6339desiree.ruiz@ericsson.comwww.ericsson.com At Ericsson we use innovation to empower people, business and society. We envisage a Networked Society that is sustainable, and where everything that can benefit from a connection will have one. Our mobile and fixed networks, multimedia solu-tions and telecom services make a real difference to peoples lives, and the world we live in.

ETA InternationalService Company5 Depot St.Greencastle, IN 46135800-288-3824eta@eta-i.orgwww.eta-i.orgETA International, a not-for-profit, professional association, certifies todays technicians in tomor-rows technologies ETA certifications are accredited through ICAC and align with ISO-17024 standards.

ETNB CommunicationsService Company3030-1/2 9th AveLos Angeles, CA 90018213-915-7014nboseman@etnbcommunications.comwww.etnbcommunications.comNetwork Support & Training

Evans Engineering Solutions Service Company www.evansengsolutions.com216 Green Bay Road, Suite 105Thiensville, WI 53092Contact: Ben Evans262-518-0002ben@evansengsolutions.comProviding services to the wireless industry includ-ing microwave planning and licensing, coverage maps, intermodulation studies and RF exposure assessments.

Expert Construction ManagersService Company815 S. Kings Ave.Brandon, FL 33511813-335-4765bill@brown.orgwww.expertconstructionmanagersinc.com

Express TechnologiesService Company1127 International Parkway, Ste. 293Fredericksburg, VA 22406540-752-6691mnorris@express-tek.comwww.express-tek.com

ExteNet SystemsService Company3030 Warrenville Road, Ste. 340Lisle, IL 60532Contact: Manish Matta630-505-3800mmatta@extenetsystems.comwww.extenetsystems.com/ExteNet Systems designs, builds, owns and operates distributed networks for use by wire-less carriers and venue owners in key strategic markets. Using distributed antenna systems (DAS), small cells, Wi-Fi and other technologies, ExteNet deploys networks to enhance coverage and capac-ity and enable superior wireless service in both outdoor and indoor environments.

Fairview TelecomService Company11450 Leyden WayThornton, CO 80233570-766-1370pscar@ptd.net

Faulk & Foster Real EstateService Company1811 Auburn Ave.Monroe, LA 71201Contact: Joe Derry318-807-2617joe.derry@faulkandfoster.comwww.faulkandfoster.com

FDHService Company222 S. Central Ave., Ste. 1110St. Louis, MO 63105Contact: Amy Jokerst314-773-4000ajokerst@fdh-inc.comwww.fdh-inc.comFDH is a multi-disciplinary firm that provides a combination of engineering investigation and construction management services to customers in the telecommunications market. FDH employs more than 200+ people with offices in Raleigh, NC; St. Louis, MO; Irvine, CA; and Baton Rouge, LA. Our principals have completed a broad range of projects throughout the United States and have dedicated themselves to becoming a leading au-thority in engineering design, project management, and investigations.

Fidelity National Title Insurance, Co.Service Company7130 Glen Forest DriveRichmond, Va. 23226Contact: Eileen Hastings804-267-2086Eileen.Hastings@fnf.comclss.fntg.comFidelity National Title Insurance Co. provides the wireless industry title, closing, recording services nationwide. Title reports for due diligence; Title insurance for leasehold & fee interest, ease-ment estates; Recording services to record MOLs, amendments, deeds, assignments. Full Closing services for acquisition transactions.

Fiorio Communications ConsultingService Company12700 Chapel Chase DriveClarksville, MD 21029240-793-2110pf@fi oriocom.com

FirstCarbon SolutionsService CompanyFirstCarbon SolutionsIrvine, CA 92602Contact: Jeffrey Shamas714-508-4100jshamas@firstcarbonsolutions.comwww.firstcarbonsolutions.c