The “Next Billion” Will Need Towers

The end of a year allows for a time of reflection and Frederic Filloux at Quartz discussed the “Next Billion,” which describes the trend that global Internet traffic is expected to double by the end of 2016. At the end of 2012 there were already 2.4 billion users. Filloux goes on to say, “If 85% of the world population lives within range of a cell tower (including 2G connectivity), 4.3 billion people are still not connected to the web. They will do so by getting a smartphone.” More smartphones mean more towers. The tower companies had a booming 2014, and analysts predict that this year will be no different. With the FCC getting on board by streamlining the application process within state and local governments, tower companies should have an easier time doing their job.