Connect(X) 2025
“Will Wireless Keep Growing or Hit a Plateau?” was the imposing subject at one of yesterday’s panel sessions at Connect(X) 2025 in Chicago. The wireless infrastructure industry has experienced a prolonged boom, the participants agreed, but is it positioned for sustained growth, or is it approaching a plateau?
Moderator David Yacoub, President & CEO, Site Link Wireless & Site Link Construction led the panel with Jennifer Fritzsche, Managing Director, Greenhill; Alex Gellman, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, Vertical Bridge; Beth Hoffman, Managing Director, Berkshire Partners and Melissa Mullarkey, Senior Vice President of Wireless Solutions, Boldyn.
The panel cited various bright spots on the wireless infrastructure landscape such as data centers, AI and other emerging technologies. Fritzsche said more markets are in play as demand for data expands, with edge “players” becoming bigger participants in the industry. Gellman stated that fixed wireless still has room to grow even though BEAD money is “tilted toward fiber.” He said he hopes the powers in D.C. will let more local jurisdictions decide the usage of the grant money. “Fixed wireless helps mobility especially in rural areas,” he said. “Farmers aren’t just sitting at home.”
Yacoub asked the panelists, “In one word, what will define the future for wireless site development?” The panel shot back with ‘fiber,’ ‘capex,’ ‘ubiquitous’ and ‘spectrum.’
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