SoftBank's earnings grew 3% driven by AI and cloud services. The Japanese telco announced a $634 million investment in a 7-Eleven partnership to build next-generation lifestyle infrastructure, signaling continued capex commitment in wireless and AI.
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China Mobile disclosed it is considering selling a portion of its 7.8% stake in Thailand's True Corporation. The potential divestment could reshape Southeast Asia's carrier ownership landscape as Chinese telcos recalibrate international holdings.
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Wispa challenged the FCC's draft notice of proposed rulemaking on unlicensed spectrum for direct-to-device satellite use, arguing certain claims lack accuracy and contradict years of record evidence. The ruling could reshape satellite cellular spectrum policy.
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Vodafone's interest in restarting Samsung's European network operations hinges on EU action against Huawei equipment. Without forced Huawei removal, Vodafone sees no commercial case for the costly network vendor transition Samsung would need.
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The Department of Defense is seeking legislative authority to bypass GSA and directly sell military real estate, accelerating funding for infrastructure projects including Golden Dome. The change could affect base communications and wireless infrastructure timelines.
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Wireless Estimator debunks EHT's claim about a Maryland church rooftop cell site removal, showing the timeline doesn't support their fundraising narrative. Important context for tower construction opposition groups.
Read Full ArticleCellnex reports AI, 5G deployment, and digital sovereignty concerns driving the next wave of European cell tower infrastructure investment. Major tower construction projects planned across Spain, UK, Netherlands, and Italy.
Read Full ArticleMaryland Lutheran church rooftop cell site removal timeline contradicts Environmental Health Trust's claim of rapid investigative success. The site was ordered removed weeks before EHT's July 14 press release, undermining anti-tower group fundraising narrative.
Read Full ArticleCheap drone warfare has reshaped military strategy, accelerating 6G-native ISAC (integrated sensing and communications) into late 5G networks. Ericsson demonstrates how existing cell towers can detect drones in real time using software layered on deployed equipment.
Read Full ArticleCellnex reports 5G-enabled devices account for roughly half of mobile connections in Western Europe. The tower company identifies AI infrastructure demand, 5G adoption, and EU digital sovereignty goals as converging drivers for the next round of wireless infrastructure investment.
Read Full ArticleIntel joins the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation at premier level, contributing cloud-native, silicon, and telecommunications expertise to the shared open RAN software ecosystem. The move strengthens the multi-vendor open interface standards movement.
Read Full ArticleIranian hackers breached dozens of municipal water systems in Minnesota, knocking treatment plants offline. The attack highlights critical infrastructure vulnerability that parallels mobile network security risks, as cellular systems face similar OT/ICS exposure.
Read Full ArticleEchoStar's Hughes Satellite Systems filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as the parent company reported Q2 subscriber losses across pay-TV, wireless, and broadband segments. The filing complicates EchoStar's $23B spectrum sale to AT&T.
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A new US-led 6G alliance backed by 25 countries lacks a clear path to securing wireless supply chains. Industry observers say the coalition must demonstrate tangible results beyond diplomatic support to influence next-generation network standards.
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SpaceX's Starlink plans a direct-to-cell trial in Malaysia as an Ookla report reveals rapid D2C satellite service growth across Asia-Pacific. The expansion signals intensifying competition between satellite and terrestrial cellular coverage in underserved regions.
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Five major wireless operators reported Q2 results that met targets while obscuring subscriber growth composition behind four incompatible metrics. The industry retired traditional customer metrics at end of 2025, making cross-carrier comparisons nearly impossible.
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The FCC confirmed the $2.4 billion trust fund linked to EchoStar's spectrum sales to AT&T and SpaceX is exclusively for external companies and partners involved in Dish's 5G network buildout, not for servicing EchoStar subsidiary loans.
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India launched its first dedicated telecom manufacturing zone targeting $3.7 billion in investments to strengthen domestic production of wireless equipment. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported network gear and build local supply chain capacity.
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A Semafor report claims SpaceX is hunting for spectrum to serve cities and dense areas, potentially acquiring it through auction or M&A. The move would position the satellite company as a direct competitor to major US wireless carriers.
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Samsung posted $63 billion in Q2 profit overall, but its mobile division reported losses. The company warned memory chip shortages will persist through at least 2028, impacting smartphone production and network equipment supply chains.
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Singtel confirmed discussions with multiple parties to sell a minority stake in Australian carrier Optus. Meanwhile, Australia's telecom regulator ACMA is suing Optus over last year's Triple Zero emergency services outage.
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AT&T and Verizon announced additional workforce reductions attributed to AI automation, while other tech companies are rehiring amid growing skepticism about AI capabilities. The cuts highlight telecom's lagging approach to AI-driven restructuring.
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A tower foreman died July 15 after being struck by a transmission line during removal from a 300-foot self-supporting tower in Castle Danger, Minnesota. The incident marks the first wireless construction fatality of 2026, ending the industry's safest year on record.
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OSHA issued five serious citations totaling $24,116 against Carlton Structural Services Corp. after a gin pole failure killed a technician at a 347-foot Atlantic City tower. The company's owner simultaneously faced four felony drug arrests during the investigation.
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EchoStar and AT&T completed their $23 billion spectrum sale, with a portion deposited into an FCC-mandated trust fund. Uncertainty remains over whether the deal closure will prevent a potential Hughes unit bankruptcy filing.
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The FCC authorized $6.3 billion in incentive payments to help satellite operators clear the upper C-band for 5G use. Cable operators remain anxious about the transition timeline and potential service disruptions during the spectrum repurposing process.
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The GSMA published a report arguing that banning Huawei equipment across the EU would be economically disruptive and too costly for operators. The stance risks alienating the European Commission, Ericsson, and Nokia who support vendor diversification.
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TIM's proposed Poste Italiane takeover advances as the carrier targets growth in defense, mission-critical services, AI-enabled operations, and data centers. CEO Pietro Labriola highlighted ongoing tensions with fiber and tower partner Inwit.
Read Full ArticleFirstNet and AT&T launched the first 5G standalone core network dedicated exclusively to public safety and first responders. The deployment enables network slicing, enhanced reliability, and advanced emergency services capabilities across the national FirstNet infrastructure.
Read Full ArticleThe Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that local health boards lack legal authority to shut down cell towers based on RF exposure concerns, overturning a Pittsfield Board of Health cease-and-desist order against a Verizon tower that cost $84,000 to defend.
Read Full ArticleNATE endorsed FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's draft order to auction 160 MHz of Upper C-Band spectrum (3.98-4.14 GHz), which would harmonize terrestrial wireless across a contiguous 440 MHz super-band. The auction is critical for 5G mid-band expansion.
Read Full ArticleA federal judge released EchoStar from its legal requirement to build and operate a nationwide cell network, closing a key T-Mobile/Sprint merger condition. The ruling does not resolve EchoStar's larger disputes with tower companies over lease obligations.
Read Full ArticleDell'Oro Group reports 5G standalone core revenue is three times higher than 4G core was at the equivalent point in its technology cycle. Escalating hardware costs are expected to stretch the revenue curve longer than previous generations.
Read Full ArticleNTIA published FAQs for the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Round 4, focused on AI-native telecommunications. Applications due September 9, 2026, with awards up to $50M federal share. The program targets open RAN, multi-vendor interoperability, and 5G/6G supply chain diversification.
Read Full ArticleThe Wireless Infrastructure Association was selected as one of five organizations nationwide to receive $29.9 million from the US Department of Labor for registered apprenticeship programs. The funding supports pay-for-performance incentives for telecom workforce development.
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Wireless contractors report they can no longer compete with illegal 1099 crews and undocumented workers who underbid compliant companies by avoiding insurance, workers' comp, and safety costs. Carrier capex remains strong but the contracting workforce is eroding.
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CITCA opened a new regional safety training facility in North Jackson, Ohio through a partnership with Tri-County Tower LLC. The site provides hands-on tower, rooftop, and industry-specific safety training in a real-world environment for Midwest contractors.
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AT&T completed its acquisition of 50 MHz of lowband and midband spectrum from EchoStar in a $23 billion deal. The spectrum adds critical coverage layers to AT&T's 5G network across the United States.
Read Full ArticleDell'Oro forecasts microwave transmission revenue associated with 5G will grow through 2028 at an average annual rate of 12%, driven by backhaul and fronthaul demand from expanding small cell and densification deployments.
Read Full ArticleAT&T and Ericsson demonstrated at AT&T Stadium that standard 5G cell towers can detect and track multiple drones in real time using software layered on existing equipment. The sensing capability does not include drone interception or neutralization.
Read Full ArticleNATE's weekly government relations update tracks federal legislation affecting cell tower construction, permitting reform, and infrastructure funding. Key bills on SITA reauthorization and tower siting streamlining in Congress.
Read Full ArticleMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules health boards lack authority to block cell tower construction over RF concerns. Major win for tower companies facing local opposition. Could affect pending projects statewide.
Read Full ArticleFederal judge ends EchoStar's obligation to build its own 5G network. Tower companies like American Tower, Crown Castle, and SBA Communications still pursuing separate legal action. Major impact on cell tower construction demand.
Read Full ArticleNATE announces carrier framework agreements with Avetta reimbursement program for tower construction contractors. Streamlines compliance and safety documentation for cell site workers. Affects NATE member companies nationwide.
Read Full ArticleTower Industry Standards Association and NATE release deep-dive training on monopole collar ring mount installation. Critical safety standard for tower construction crews. Addresses common installation failures in the field.
Read Full ArticleWireless Infrastructure Association report and independent analysis both confirm satellites cannot replace cell towers for broadband coverage. BEAD program pulling back satellite funding, redirecting to tower construction projects.
Read Full ArticleAmerican Tower's cell site rights in Detroit upheld again. Case returns to appeals court. Ongoing legal battle over tower construction rights in urban Michigan. Important precedent for tower company site development.
Read Full ArticleAT&T and Ericsson demonstrate cell tower-based drone detection technology. Towers equipped with sensors can identify and track drones. New revenue stream for tower companies and site operators. Could drive tower upgrade projects.
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