Quantum Group understands the wireless network and infrastructure development market and has expertise in capitalizing expansion, acquisition, and development projects.The Data RushSince the first 1G networks launched in the early 80s, wireless networks and supporting technologies have made astounding progress. Building on advances in IP-oriented networks, starting with 3G HSPA Evolution and then WiMax, Verizon took the first leap forward into the "true" LTE market. The rest of the wireless flock would soon follow. This marked the beginning of a mad rush for wireless data and the infrastructure required to carry it. Inspired by ad campaigns for fast 4G LTE speeds, the public clamored to get the latest 4G phones. Promises of "lightning fast" and "largest" or "most reliable 4G LTE network" gave new meaning to owning a phone. It was the revolution the industry had been waiting for. Consumers happily parted with their money for this blazing-fast service. It would seem that the wireless carriers had it made. Amid all the excitement a shadow began to creep over the wireless landscape. Over-consumption of data began to strain the wireless carriers' infrastructure and the average consumer's experience. The term "data-hogging" became a buzzword. A 2012 study found that 1% of the 1.1 million users tracked within a 24-hour period were consuming 50% of all mobile traffic in that area.[1] Carriers were faced with the harsh reality that their networks would be unable to handle the increase of data consumption if more mobile data users required the same amount. By 2013, 91% of Americans owned cellular phones, 63 percent of whom were using their phones to surf the web.[2]Customer complaints of dropped calls and slow internet access sent carriers scrambling for solutions. Carriers shifted strategy by rolling customers off of their unlimited data plans and charging overage fees on "excessive" data consumption. They hoped that it would discourage data hogging. This strategy, similar to Comcast's response to Netflix user consumption on their network, was merely a Band-Aid over a gushing infrastructure wound. The revolution had begun and people were not about to stop consuming data, even if they had to pay more for it.Recognizing that the wireless data market would only continue to accelerate, major carriers were forced to upgrade their networks. By expanding their tower footprint, exploiting urban markets with small cells, and buying valuable spectrum, these networks have been attempting to alleviate some of their demand issues. Though networks might promise the availability of 4G technology, the truth is it's not a reality for everyone. Verizon, for example, might have 4G LTE available to 298 million Americans, but not all of their customers get the 4G coverage they crave. Especially in high traffic areas, 1GB download speeds are still above and beyond the ability of carriers to provide. The answer remains, expand infrastructure.A Towering ObstaclePrior to the 1980s, communication and broadcast tower erection, servicing, and maintenance was a very small, highly-specialized industry. Over the past 35 years the growing demand for wireless and broadcast communications has spawned a dramatic increase in tower construction and maintenance companies.Wireless carriers have had to expand their network footprint by using these tower developers in various ways such as: constructing numerous proximally relevant tower sites (the denser the network the better), by leasing rooftop locations in dense urban markets, and build-to-suit contracts.Carriers use built-to-suit contracts to avoid building costs associated with expanding their tower footprint. Under these agreements a tower developing company develops a site under the promise that, when the tower is built, a tenant will go up with it and revenue will be immediately realized. For many tower development companies, this turned out to be very risky.AT&T's move to halt Built-to-Suit tower construction across the country had serious implications for tower developers since they had committed major capital and human resources to these projects. With cash flow pinched and only half-built towers to show for their efforts, funding other projects became a crisis for these developers. Quickly finding buyers for a tower with no tenants, no projected revenues and no completion date was crucial to their survival.Monumental SuccessQuantum Group came to the rescue. Leveraging over fifteen years of relationship building and experience representing telecommunication asset companies, Quantum found buyers and freed vital capital for these developers during a time of uncertainty. Wireless carriers acquired the vital infrastructure they needed to expand and tower developers survived to thrive. People kept their jobs and the wireless market rushes on because of the expertise, dedication, and passion of the people who make Quantum Group a towering success. Quantum Group is involved with every aspect of wireless infrastructure development. As demand increases and coverage deepens, wireless carriers continue to expand their networks, hiring tower developers to build and manage their infrastructure footprint. Building a new tower or collocating an antenna on an existing structure requires compliance with a labyrinth of regulatory and environmental reviews such as:Approval from the state or local governing authority for the proposed site;Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA);Compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA);Notification to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); andAntenna Structure Registration (ASR) with the FCC. These regulatory processes are meant to ensure that environmental and historic resources are protected. Quantum Group specializes in understanding all of these requirements so that clients succeed in developing their vital infrastructure projects. The wireless data revolution continues. Tower development continues apace. Whether as a building owner in an urban environment seeking to capitalize on unused space, or a tower development company dealing with wireless carriers, Quantum Group is an experienced ally in your wireless network and infrastructure development business strategy.
