Wireless Infrastructure Association CEO calls for a ‘network of reality’ in support of the IoT.
Speaking this week at the IT Expo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Wireless Infrastructure Association CEO Jonathan Adelstein said the success of the internet of things hinges on a “network of reality.”
Adelstein, a regular on the telecom trade show circuit and a former commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission, consistently advocates for improved network infrastructure – distributed antenna systems, small cells, Wi-Fi, towers and fiber – in support of IoT endeavors including smart city and other vertically focused deployments.
Adelstein explained that creating a heterogeneous network environment requires a holistic approach to physical infrastructure and access technologies.
“In order to create this network of reality, we need to responsibly build and deploy all manner of wireless infrastructure including macro towers, rooftops, small cells, DAS and Wi-Fi,” Adelstein said. “This integrated infrastructure ecosystem gives wireless carriers and other users the bandwidth they need to meet the growing data demands on the networks.
“Keeping devices and machines connected is vital to our communities. The only way cities and towns of all sizes are going to remain connected is through more wireless infrastructure. We need ubiquitous connectivity, and the path to complete coverage can’t be obstructed with irresponsible regulations. Some communities don’t realize how high the stakes are when it comes to the future of wireless coverage. People use their phones or benefit from sensors in their offices or cars, but they don’t fully appreciate the role infrastructure plays in delivering those services.”
Adelstein also hit on the role of dense heterogeneous networks in supporting future “5G” networks, and touched on small cells, particularly how small cell deployments have missed projections largely due to regulatory roadblocks, which make it difficult to arrive at a scalable deployment model.
“Creating a predictable and fair business environment is vital to deploying better wireless networks,” Adelstein said. “It’s tough for a company to make big investments without knowing what the rules are and without knowing that those rules won’t change.”
Adelstein said WIA is “working with federal, state and local governments to ensure that wireless technologies can be deployed as quickly and as efficiently as possible.”
