Seattle, WA – Sept. 12, 2017 – Jonathan Adelstein, CEO and President of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), delivered a keynote address today at the annual conference of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) in which he highlighted the positive work of both associations and their respective membership in preparing for the widespread deployment of mobile broadband networks.
“Our industry has a long and productive history with all of you and with local communities,” Adelstein told an audience of local officials from across the country. “Virtually every piece of infrastructure – from macro towers and small cells above ground to the fiber networks underneath the streets – has been built with approvals from local officials.
NATOA, which represents local government professionals, provides support to its members on the many local, state, and federal communications laws, administrative rulings, judicial decisions, and technology issues impacting the interests of local governments.
Adelstein pointed to the wireless infrastructure industry’s collocation model as the prime example of industry and communities collaborating in order to accomplish the shared goal of delivering access to mobile broad band to everyone.
“Localities in the U.S. have made collocation the industry norm, and it works well for both the wireless industry and for the communities we serve,” he said. “It’s more economically efficient to share, and it makes more sense in terms of smart planning.”
“Wireless connectively plays a vital role in the delivery of improved public services, overall economic development and ongoing effort to create smarter communities by leveraging mobile communications and the Internet of Things,” he continued.
Adelstein focused on the many benefits that modern wireless networks deliver to citizens in communities of all sizes in all parts of the country.
“Smart communities can transform the way we work, live and play — from the way traffic and energy are managed to the enhancement of tourism, citizen engagement and the commuter experience,” he said. “The connected smart city with access to 5G networks will be full of embedded sensors sharing data to automate transportation, utilities, commerce and public safety. And smart cities require smart regulation – something we can all agree on. The only way cities and towns of all sizes are going to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for more capacity is through more wireless infrastructure.”
Connectivity and access to broadband networks should always be the primary goal for communities, Adelstein stressed.
“We need ubiquitous connectivity. We need connectivity to everyone, everywhere. And the path to complete coverage can’t be obstructed with overly burdensome regulations. Some communities don’t realize how high the stakes are when it comes to the future of wireless coverage. And policymakers sometimes don’t fully appreciate the role infrastructure plays in delivering those services. We need to work together so all of our communities continue to grow and reap the many benefits associated with a connected economy.”