The Future of Connectivity: Key Telecommunications Insights from Connect (X) 2024

“Wireless technology is the foundation of our economy, serving as the platform for technological development and innovation. Our country relies heavily on wireless connectivity, and while we may experience periods of ebb and flow, history has consistently demonstrated the continuous growth in data volume and demand,” states James Kaiser, Ramaker’s Telecommunications Market Leader.

This year’s 2024 Connectivity Expo radiated positivity and excitement for the future of the telecommunications industry. Despite recent challenges and a downturn over the past few years, the event was filled with optimism. Leading tower owners and carriers expressed strong confidence that the industry is poised for a rebound. In this post, we’ll highlight some key takeaways from this year’s conference that signal a promising shift in trends and the anticipation of innovative developments on the horizon.

From left to right: Josh Opseth, Angela Kvalheim, Tom Wiseman, and James Kaiser attended Connect(X) on behalf of Ramaker.

Need for Additional Bandwidth

The amount of data consumed is projected to triple by 2029, making the need for network improvements increasingly urgent. “To meet this growing demand, the telecommunications industry must either densify by building new sites or secure additional spectrum releases to upgrade existing sites,” says Josh Opseth, one of Ramaker’s Telecommunications experts who attended this year’s conference. Densification involves increasing the number of cell towers and small cells, which enhances network capacity and coverage, especially in densely populated areas. On the other hand, acquiring additional spectrum allows for more data to be transmitted over existing infrastructure, thus boosting network performance. Angela Kvalheim echoes Josh’s sentiments, adding that “spectrum is very scarce currently in the United States, and the need for more mid-band spectrum seemed unanimous among the carriers in the industry.  If the US wants to be competitive with respect to technology on a global scale, we need more high-powered licensed spectrum. We will need more infrastructure, more spectrum, and stronger policies regarding spectrum.”

Compounding these challenges, April 2024 marked the last fully funded month of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program has been a lifeline for many households, providing crucial support to afford the broadband needed for work, school, healthcare, and more. With the future of the ACP uncertain, there is growing concern among participants about their ability to maintain access to essential broadband services. The potential lapse of this benefit program could exacerbate the digital divide, highlighting the critical need for continued investment and policy support to ensure that all communities can stay connected in an increasingly digital world.

5G Build-Out Continues

It is estimated that the 5G build-out is only 50% complete. This raises significant questions about the ability to achieve full 5G coverage before the next generation of wireless technology, 6G, is ready to roll out . The 5G build-out involves extensive infrastructure development, including installing new base stations, upgrading existing cell towers, and implementing advanced technologies to support the higher speeds and lower latency that 5G promises. Achieving complete 5G coverage requires substantial investment, regulatory approval, and coordination among various stakeholders, including network providers, government bodies, and equipment manufacturers.

As the telecom industry continues to navigate these challenges, we must also begin planning for the transition to 6G, which is expected to bring even more advanced capabilities, such as enhanced AI integration, ultra-reliable low-latency communications, and the ability to support massive machine-type communications on a scale far beyond what 5G can offer. The question then becomes: can we fully realize the potential of 5G across urban, suburban, and rural areas before the industry shifts focus to the next generation? Addressing this question is crucial for strategic planning and ensuring that the investments made in 5G infrastructure yield the intended benefits for consumers and businesses.

AI Drives Innovation

In addition to the ongoing advancements in network infrastructure, a significant focus is being placed on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) within the telecommunications industry. By leveraging AI, telecom companies can enhance customer service through advanced chatbots and predictive maintenance, which helps prevent network failures before they occur. “We’re already seeing a shift towards AI technologies within the industry; delivering real-time experiences, improving efficiencies, managing complex projects, and accelerating time to market,” Ramaker’s Northeast Business Development Leader Tom Wiseman noted.

AI-driven analytics enable better decision-making and resource optimization, reducing costs and increasing profitability. The recent lull in industry activity appears to have given way to a surge of new developments, technologies, and opportunities. This shift is driven by the innovative application of AI, which is poised to transform the telecommunications landscape by fostering smarter networks, enhancing service quality, and driving competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world.

As we move forward, investing in and enhancing our wireless infrastructure is crucial to sustaining this growth and supporting the ever-evolving technological landscape.

Ramaker’s Telecommunications Services

For well over two decades, the dedicated professionals at Ramaker have worked with numerous telecommunication carriers and clients to deliver a wide range of quality services in a competitive turnaround time.

The diverse backgrounds of our team members, along with our in-house professionals which include Civil, Structural, Geotechnical Engineers, Architects, Environmental Specialists and Surveyors, make Ramaker well suited to accomplish multiple phases of telecommunications development projects. Our experience in the telecommunications industry has led us to work in both the public and private sectors on a variety of projects including macro sites, micro sites, DAS, and small cell.

Want to chat with one of our telecommunications experts? Contact us today!