As retailers add 5G technology to their existing network architecture, the use of personalized digital signage, augmented reality, virtual reality, video and pattern recognition of shoppers and interactive mobile apps will become part of a typical shopping experience. The future of retail "is going to be much more high-tech, connected experience for both customers and businesses, complete with instantaneous communication systems and mirrors that can recognize tags on clothing." Brian Cabe, vice president and general manager of Crown Castle, said "those insights into customer behavior supplied by 5G network data will offer companies opportunities to make real-time adjustments to improve the customer experience."
Legislative push to boost broadband funding underway
Minnesota’s Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development urged lawmakers to reinstate the Border-to-Border grant program for rural broadband. At a press conference, Commissioner Steve Grove said legislation currently in the works would put $70 millio...
Motion to revoke tower approval denied
Ocean City, MD Councilman Tony DeLuca made a motion during the council comments section last week to revoke the Mayor and Council’s approval last month of nine small-scale cell towers in northend residential areas proposed by Crown Castle in December. The motion was seconded...
This stock is America's 5G 'landlord', and it pays a 3.8% dividend
Forbes published an article about Crown Castle’s stock, stating that, "When it comes to the small cell towers that will power 5G, Crown Castle is lapping its competitors." The article noted that Crown Castle operates over 65,000 towers – more than any other company in ...
Key points for negotiating 5G cell site contracts
The expected deployment of 5G networks is creating increased demand for robust wireless infrastructure: antennas, cell sites, pole attachments and fiber. As this demand increases, wireless operators or third-party intermediaries (e.g., Crown Castle International Corp.) "enter into...
China to lead APAC tech spend, 5G race ahead of global markets
According to research firm Forrester, China is "expected to remain Asia's largest spender in technology, forking out $256 billion this year and $273 billion in 2020, as well as lead global markets in 5G where the country's investments in telecommunications account for 57 percent o...
Microsoft says the FCC 'overstates' broadband availability in the US
Microsoft accused the FCC of over-stating actual broadband availability and urged the agency to do better. In the filing, Microsoft said, "For example, in some areas the Commission’s broadband availability data suggests that ISPs have reported significant broadband availabil...