Wireless Infrastructure Association

The Chairman of WIA is Jeffrey A. Stoops, president and chief executive officer of SBA Communications Corp.{{Cite web|url = https://wia.org/about/board-of-directors/|title = Board of Directors - WIA|year = 2019|access-date = 5 September 2019|website = The Wireless Infrastructure Association}} The previous chairman was David Weisman, president of InSite Wireless Group, which was an independent tower company. American Tower announced an agreement to buy InSite's assets in late 2020 for approximately $3,5 billion.{{Cite press release|last=|first=|title=American Tower Announces Agreement to Acquire InSite Wireless Group|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201105005163/en/American-Tower-Announces-Agreement-to-Acquire-InSite-Wireless-Group|access-date=4 January 2022|website=Business Wire|date=5 November 2020}}

Jonathan Adelstein, a former FCC commissioner, is the president and CEO of WIA.{{Cite web|url = http://www.pcia.com/2013-02-01-19-59-17/staff|title = Jonathan S. Adelstein|year = 2013|access-date = 5 May 2014|website = PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association}} Adelstein worked in public service for 25 years before joining WIA.{{Cite news|title = Adelstein to head PCIA, the wireless infrastructure trade association|date = 14 September 2012|last = Kamen|first = Al|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/post/adelstein-to-head-pcia-the-wireless-infrastructure-trade-association/2012/09/14/73ea342e-fe85-11e1-b153-218509a954e1_blog.html|newspaper = The Washington Post|access-date = 5 May 2014|department = In the Loop}} In February 2014, Adelstein told C-SPAN that his goal was to bring wireless connectivity to everyone in the United States.{{efn|Mr. Adelstein's comments are noteworthy when viewed in the context of President Obama's wireless connectivity goal. In the same month, the White House released documentation that said that President Obama had set a goal of connecting 99 percent of American students to high-speed broadband and wireless by the year 2019{{cite web|title=FACT SHEET: Opportunity For All – Answering the President's Call to Enrich American Education Through ConnectED|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/02/04/fact-sheet-opportunity-all-answering-president-s-call-enrich-american-ed|access-date=5 May 2014|via=National Archives|work=whitehouse.gov|date=4 February 2014}} }}{{Cite web|url = http://www.c-span.org/video/?317864-1/communicators-jonathan-adelstein|title = Wireless Infrastructure|access-date = 5 May 2014|website = C-SPAN|type = Video|date = 18 February 2014}} Tim House is WIA's Executive Vice President. Before WIA, House worked in consumer product marketing at Discovery Communications.{{Cite web|url = http://www.pcia.com/2013-02-01-19-59-17/staff|title = Tim House|access-date = 13 May 2014|publisher = PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association}}

WIA was founded in 1949. The focus of the group has shifted as technologies have advanced. At various times throughout WIA's history, it has focused on land mobile radio, paging, messaging, personal communications services, and tower and antenna siting.{{Cite web|url = http://www.pcia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32&Itemid=10|title = PCIA's Frequency Coordination Services - Leading the Industry|access-date = 5 May 2014|website = PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association}}

In 2012, WIA submitted an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case Arlington v. FCC. WIA argued in support of the FCC in the case, arguing that local delays in approval of broadband projects are a national problem. The amicus curiae brief cited evidence that over 3,300 wireless service facility siting applications were pending before local jurisdictions throughout the country, and that around 180 of those applications had been pending for over three years.

In 2012, Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act. The law included a provision related to the wireless infrastructure industry. Specifically, section 6409(a) of the law orders states and local governments to approve requests made by companies to collocate{{efn|Collocation is simply the act of placing something next to something else.{{cite web|title=Collocate|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collocate|work=Online dictionary|publisher=Merriam-Webster|access-date=13 May 2014}}}} , remove or replace transmission equipment on existing wireless towers or base stations. The law included an exception: if the action substantially changes the physical dimensions of the tower or base station, then the law's protection doesn't apply.{{Cite web|url = http://www.fcc.gov/document/local-review-collocation-applications-interpretive-guidance|title = Local Review of Collocation Applications, Interpretive Guidance|date = 25 January 2013|access-date = 13 May 2014|website = FCC Commission Documents|publisher = Federal Communications Commission}} The provision and the authority it prescribed is described by the wireless industry as "collocation-by-right".{{Cite web|url = http://www.aglmediagroup.com/muni-attorney-questions-constitutionality-of-collocation-by-right/|title = Is Federal Collocation By Right Unconstitutional?|access-date = 13 May 2014|website = Above Ground Level| date=10 September 2012 |publisher = AGL Media Group|location = Ashburn, Virginia}}

File:USMC-120920-M-IV598-002.jpg

In 2013, WIA submitted comments to the FCC that expressed support in speeding up broadband deployment. WIA helped Congress write legislation that funded broadband deployment. WIA had asked Congress to include infrastructure providers in the list of eligible recipients of federal broadband funding. WIA influenced members of the congressional committees that funded the $4.7 billion Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) to make eligible wireless carriers, backhaul providers, and tower companies for funds.{{cite book|title=Stimulus: The Importance of Wireless Infrastructure to Ubiquitous Broadband|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=On9kUdZ4WhwC|publisher=Information Gatekeepers Inc|id=GGKEY:F6ZAYBUPZ2F}}

In 2013, Cisco, American Tower, Dynis, and WIA created a program called Warriors 4 Wireless. The organization helps military veterans train and apply for jobs at wireless companies. The program's stated goal is to place 5,000 veterans in jobs by 2015. WIA has pledged money to the program.{{Cite press release|title = PCIA Proudly Supports Launch of Warriors 4 Wireless to Help Returning Veterans Find Work in Wireless Industry|date = 20 November 2013|url = http://www.pcia.com/pcia-press-releases/620-pcia-proudly-supports-launch-of-warriors-4-wireless-to-help-returning-veterans-find-work-in-wireless-industry|access-date = 5 May 2014|publisher = PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association}}{{Cite press release|title = The White House and "Warriors 4 Wireless" Partners Announce New Commitment to Connect Veterans to High-Tech Jobs|date = 20 November 2013|url = https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/w4w_11-20_final.pdf|access-date = 5 May 2014|via = National Archives|work = Office of Science and Technology Policy|location = Washington, D.C.}}

WIA advocated an effort passed by the FCC commonly referred to as The "5G Upgrade Order," which made key clarifications for wireless deployment.

The Order:

• Set a clear demarcation as to when the 60-day shot clock for local approval begins
• Clarified which new equipment qualifies for streamlined approval
• Ensured local governments cannot misuse concealment and aesthetic conditions to limit the ability to quickly upgrade concealed infrastructure.{{Cite web|title=FCC Acts to Accelerate Deployment of 5G Wireless Infrastructure|date=10 June 2020 |url=https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-acts-accelerate-deployment-5g-wireless-infrastructure-0|access-date=4 January 2022}}

WIA has been the leading voice in lobbying Congress to include wireless for funding eligibility in its landmark infrastructure bill. The bipartisan-passed legislation will provide $65 billion for broadband deployment and access. This legislation will promote wireless infrastructure deployment, with a priority on unserved communities. WIA helped convince Congress and the Administration to provide agencies with the needed flexibility to allow all broadband technologies, including mobile and fixed wireless, the opportunity to compete for funding. The all of-the-above broadband strategy, as pursued by WIA, will help close the digital divide and win the race to 5G.{{Cite web|title=WIA Applauds President Biden for Signing Historic Infrastructure Bill|date=16 November 2021 |url=https://wia.org/wia-applauds-president-biden-for-signing-historic-infrastructure-bill/|access-date=4 January 2022}}

{{see also|List of industry trade groups in the United States}}

One of the main issues facing the wireless infrastructure industry is related to federal vs. local oversight of wireless infrastructure activity.

In a February 2014 article in National Law Review, Washington telecommunications attorneys Dave Thomas and Douglas A. Svor explained the issue and the battle played out between the wireless industry and local governments.

In their article, Thomas and Svor state that spectrum and infrastructure serve as the most important aspects of federal communications laws in terms of being good for the economy and American competitiveness. For decades, the FCC has worked to make sure that critical communications infrastructure can get built with as little hassle as possible.

In April 2014, the FCC proposed to simplify the regulatory review process for wireless facilities. These facilities include DAS and small cells (see Small cells and HetNet Forum below for more information).

Small cells are built smaller than traditional cells that are typically fixed to large wireless antenna towers. Infrastructure companies attach small cells to utility poles, street light poles, and even traffic lights. The wireless industry has supported the FCC's work in the areas mentioned above, while local governments have typically been opposed.

Thomas and Svor wrote:{{cite journal

| last1 = Thomas

| first1 = Dave

| last2 = Svor

| first2 = Douglas A.

| date = 28 February 2014

| title = Sleeper 'Small' Cells: The Battle Over The FCC's Wireless Infrastructure Proceeding - Federal Communications Commission

| journal = National Law Review

| publisher = National Law Forum, LLC

| via = Nexis

| issn = 2161-3362

}}{{cquote|Industry's universal support for the FCC's proposals has been matched by local government's hostility towards them. State and local governments view the measures as an unwarranted - and unconstitutional - federal incursion into state and local authority.}}

|- valign="top"

| style="vertical-align:top;" | Small cells

|| 150px

|| A small cell is a piece of equipment used for radio transmission that is typically low-powered. Wireless providers use small cells to improve the coverage of cell phones in small areas like buildings, homes, and neighborhoods.{{cite web|title=What is a small cell?|url=http://www.smallcellforum.org/aboutsmallcells-small-cells-what-is-a-small-cell|work=Small Cell Forum|publisher=Small Cell Forum Ltd.|access-date=13 May 2014|location=United Kingdom}}

|| For WIA and its members, the main federal government issue regarding small cells is environmental. When companies build small cells, the federal government requires a review process. The process reviews the historical and environmental impact of the building. The wireless infrastructure industry wants the government to exclude small cells from that review process. The industry believes that small cells, due to their size, typically do not pose any significant issues that would warrant an historical or environmental review.{{cite news|last=Hill|first=Kelly|title=PCIA, HetNet Forum ask FCC to streamline small cell rules|url=http://www.rcrwireless.com/article/20140206/fcc_wireless_regulations/pcia-hetnet-forum-ask-fcc-to-streamline-small-cell-rules/|access-date=13 May 2014|newspaper=RCR Wireless News|date=6 February 2014}} {{main|Small cell}}

|- valign="top"

| style="vertical-align:top;" | Utility pole attachment

|| 150px

|| A utility pole is a pole, often made of wood or durable metals, that holds power lines and cables overhead.{{cite web|title=What Is a Utility Pole?|url=http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-utility-pole.htm|work=wise GEEK|publisher=Conjecture Corporation|access-date=13 May 2014|location=Sparks, Nevada}} Around 134 million poles exist in the U.S. The federal government controls use of some poles, while states control use of others.{{cite web|title=USTelecom Fact Sheet On Pole Attachments|url=http://www.ustelecom.org/blog/ustelecom-fact-sheet-pole-attachments|publisher=United States Telecom Association|access-date=13 May 2014|year=2011}}

|| Entities that build and own the utility poles have had partnerships with companies that use utility poles. The partnership has existed since the early 1900s and is referred to as "joint use." The company that rents space on the pole is often referred to as the attacher.{{cite web|last=Little|first=Ashley|title=Supreme Court Ruling On FCC Joint Use Utility Pole Rules|url=http://info.aldensys.com/blog/bid/331014/Supreme-Court-Ruling-On-FCC-Joint-Use-Utility-Pole-Rules|work=The Alden Updater|publisher=Alden Systems, Inc.|access-date=13 May 2014|location=Birmingham, Alabama|date=7 January 2014}} Section 224 of the Communications Act allows telecommunications companies to use utility poles. The law requires utility pole owners (usually utility companies) to charge reasonable rates for access to the poles. Section 703 of the 1996 Communications Act extended use of utility poles, and the provisions for reasonable rates, to wireless providers.

{{Cite report

| author =

| date = July 2001

| title = Pole Attachments

| url = http://www.naruc.org/Publications/poleattachment_summer01.pdf

| publisher = Ad Hoc Group of the 706 Federal/State Joint Conference on Advanced Services

| location =2001 NARUC Summer Meetings in Seattle, Washington

| pages = 1–2

| access-date = 13 May 2014

}}

WIA wants wireless infrastructure developers to be able to use (have access to) utility poles. The industry believes that because the poles already exist, infrastructure developers should use the poles when building new networks. The industry wants the FCC to make sure that regulations make it easier and more cost-effective for wireless infrastructure developers to use utility poles.{{cite web|title=Utility Pole Attachment and Right-of-Way Regulation|url=http://www.pcia.com/advocacy/issues/229-fcc-pole-attachment-regulation|publisher=PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association|access-date=13 May 2014}} {{See also|Utility pole|}}

|}

File:Antennas of Distributed Antenna System in New York City subway.jpg

HetNets, short for "Heterogeneous Networks", are a combination of technologies that make quality wireless broadband possible.{{Cite web|url = http://www.thedasforum.org/about-us/who-we-are/|title = About Us: Who We Are|access-date = 5 May 2014|website = HetNet Forum|publisher = PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association|quote = The HetNet Forum is a broad-based organization dedicated to the development of the Heterogeneous Network (HetNet), a combination of technologies that enable wireless broadband.}} According to international communications company Ericsson, heterogeneous networks help wireless customers enjoy activities that require a large amount of data, such as watching streaming videos, uploading photos and using cloud storage services. HetNets use both radio and cellular technologies.{{Cite web|url = http://www.ericsson.com/res/thecompany/docs/press/media_kits/hetnet_infographic_vertical_04.pdf|title = Heterogeneous Network (Hetnet): Servicing data hungry smartphones|access-date = 13 May 2014|website = Media kit|publisher = Ericsson}}

To advocate for deployment of HetNet, WIA runs a membership forum called the HetNet Forum. The purpose of the forum is to advance the development of heterogeneous networks in the United States, as well as to push policies related to distributed antenna systems (DAS),{{efn|A distributed antenna system, referred to as a DAS, is a network of small antennas installed throughout a building. The antennas serve as repeaters for wireless signals. A DAS is often used to improve poor wireless coverage inside large buildings.{{cite web|title=Definition: distributed antenna system (DAS)|url=http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/distributed-antenna-system-DAS|work=Search Mobile Computing|publisher=TechTarget|location=Newton, Massachusetts}} }} small cells, and fiber backhaul.{{efn|Backhauling is the practice of sending data over a network in an "out of the way route" in order to get the data to its destination quicker or more cheaply. Backhauling can also refer to the practice of getting data to a point from which it can then be distributed to its intended targets. This latter definition often applies to satellite TV systems.{{cite web|title=Definition: backhaul|url=http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/backhaul|work=WhatIs.com|publisher=TechTarget|access-date=13 May 2014|location=Newton, Massachusetts}} }}{{Cite web|url = http://www.thedasforum.org/hetnet-forum-to-moderate-roundtable-on-das-small-cells-at-tia-event/|title = HetNet Forum to moderate roundtable on DAS, small cells at TIA event|date = 7 May 2014|access-date = 13 May 2014|website = HetNet Forum|publisher = PCIA – The Wireless Infrastructure Association}} Several major U.S. wireless carriers, such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless, serve as governing members of the forum.

Prior to April 2013, the HetNet Forum had been called the DAS Forum. WIA changed the name to accommodate a growing membership that represented a more diverse group of technologies. Instead of running a forum focusing only on DAS, WIA expanded the forum to focus on several technologies such as microcells, picocells, Wi-Fi and remote radio units, in addition to DAS.{{cite press release | url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-das-forum-renamed-hetnet-forum-204105401.html | title=The DAS Forum Renamed HetNet Forum | publisher=PCIA - The Wireless Infrastructure Association | date=22 April 2013 | access-date=13 May 2014 | agency=PR Newswire | location = Alexandria, Virginia}}

Other trade associations, such as the Small Cell Forum, have competed with WIA for members from the small cell industry.{{Cite news|url = http://www.rcrwireless.com/article/20130422/associations/das-forum-spreads-focus-now-hetnet-forum/|title = DAS Forum spreads focus, now HetNet Forum|last = Meyer|first = Dan|date = 22 April 2013|work = RCR Wireless News|access-date = 13 May 2014}}

In 2014, Senator Al Franken criticized the "revolving door" hiring placement of former FCC commissioners. Specifically, Franken criticized the hiring of FCC Commissioner Meredith Baker by Comcast. Franken did not mention WIA in his remarks, but an OpenSecrets.org article covering the remarks mentioned the hiring of former Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein by WIA.{{Cite news|title = The Comcast-FCC Revolving Door|date = 18 April 2014|url=http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2014/04/the-comcast-fcc-revolving-door.html|last = Feinberg|first = Robbie| publisher=OpenSecrets}}

• {{Cite Collier's|wstitle=Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony |short=x}}
• [http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/tower-and-antenna-siting Tower and Antenna Siting] at [http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia FCC Encyclopedia]
• [http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/broadband-acceleration Broadband Acceleration] at [http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia FCC Encyclopedia]
• [http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/consumer-publications-library#Bband Broadband and Internet] in the [http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/consumer-publications-library Consumer Publications Library] at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

• [http://www.fcc.gov/wireless-telecommunications-bureau Wireless Telecommunications Bureau] at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)* [http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/docs-best/imel-wireless03.pdf Understanding Wireless Communications in Public Safety] at FCC
• [http://www.fcc.gov/document/16th-mobile-competition-report 16th Mobile Wireless Competition Report] at FCC
• [http://www.broadbandmap.gov/ National Broadband Map], a tool published by the FCC, allows citizens to enter any address to view wired and wireless broadband services available.
• [http://www.antd.nist.gov/wctg/manet/safetylinks.html Public Safety Wireless Technology Links] at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

• {{Wikibooks inline|Nets, Webs and the Information Infrastructure}}

• [http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/w/wireless_communications/index.html Wireless communications] selected news and commentary at The New York Times
• [http://www.fiercewireless.com/topics/network-infrastructure Wireless infrastructure] selected news and commentary at Fierce Wireless
• [http://www.foxbusiness.com/topics/business/finance/technology/wireless-carriers.htm Wireless carriers] collected news and videos at Fox Business

• [http://www.ericsson.com/res/thecompany/docs/press/media_kits/hetnet_infographic_vertical_04.pdf This HetNet visual aide] by Ericsson shows how various components, such as Wi-Fi, base stations, and wireless transmitters work together to form a Heterogeneous Network (HetNet).
• [http://www.naruc.org/Publications/poleattachment_summer01.pdf Pole Attachments] at National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)

• Jonathan Adelstein {{C-SPAN|1004237}}
• {{YouTube|id=keTRM2S7S30|title=PCIA Wireless Infrastructure Show 2014 Opening Remarks}}
• [http://www.broadband.gov/plan/ Announcing the National Broadband Plan] video by Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, at broadband.gov

• {{Official website|https://wia.org/}}
• [https://www.connectivityexpo.com/ Connectivity Expo]
• [http://www.wirelessinfrastructureshow.com/ 2014 Wireless Infrastructure Show]
• [http://www.pcia.com/images/IAE_Infrastructure_and_Economy2.PDF Wireless Broadband Infrastructure: A Catalyst for GDP and Job Growth 2013-2017] report published by WIA (September 2013)

File:Cell Phone Tower.jpg|Cell phone tower in Palatine, Illinois, USA.

File:Wyocellsite.jpg|A short-mast cell site on top of a mountain in Wyoming, USA

File:IntegratedCellTower.jpg|An antenna array on top of an electricity pylon

File:Finishing cross view.JPG|This 100 feet tall cross at Epiphany Lutheran Church, in Lake Worth, Florida, conceals equipment for T-Mobile.

File:Winton Telephone Exchange - geograph.org.uk - 1279671.jpg|A cell site placed atop an existing building

File:PalmCellTower.jpg|Camouflaged monopole, called "monopalm", in Tucson, Arizona

File:American Tower wireless tower Belleville Michigan.JPG|American Tower wireless tower, Belleville, MI

File:Westnet wireless cellsite.JPG|A WestNet Wireless Cell site being erected

File:Cell Site - Kolkata 7789.JPG|An overseas cell site

File:Base transceiver station.jpg|A base transceiver station (BTS) is a piece of equipment that facilitates wireless communication between user equipment (UE) and a network

{{Portal|Engineering|Technology and applied sciences|Telecommunication}}

• National Telecommunications and Information Administration
• Federal Communications Act
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet)
• HetNet
• Policies promoting wireless broadband in the United States

{{notelist|2}}

{{reflist|2}}

{{URL|http://www.wia.org|Official Website}}

{{Wikibooks |Communication Networks/Cellular Networks}}

{{wikiversity|Topic:Telecommunications engineering|Telecommunications engineering}}

{{wikiversity|Introduction to telecommunications}}

{{wikiversity|Mobile Networks}}

Category:Telecommunications organizations

Category:Wireless networking

Category:Trade associations based in the United States

Category:Construction organizations

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