On Day Two of the NATE UNITE 2025 conference, a panel titled “View from the Top: Examining the Communications Infrastructure and Services Market Outlook in 2025 and Beyond” provided valuable insights. Moderator Clayton Funk of Houlihan Lokey led executives Andy Haldane of Tower Engineering Professionals, Todd Boyer of TowerCo, and Danny Agresta of APC Towers in discussing the wireless infrastructure business’s current state and future outlook.
Panelists are optimistic about industry growth in 2025 and 2026, with expectations of increased work and spectrum auctions boosting prospects further. Haldane noted strong demand for TEP’s services, particularly field services, continuing into 2025 and 2026. Boyer predicted a robust build-to-suit period while expressing concerns over tower climber availability and equipment delivery timelines. Agresta observed an uptick in new towers and colocations, expecting continued strong activity due to mid-spectrum deployments.
The conversation included topics such as macro tower builds versus colocations, with a roughly equal split currently but a need for more capacity. Agresta mentioned that search ring sizes have decreased significantly, requiring streamlined permitting for new deployments. Haldane indicated steady and increasing work from Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) along with AT&T (NYSE: T) turf vendors, with a notable rise in small cell activity.
M&A activity, mobile data consumption, and LEO satellites’ impact on terrestrial networks were also discussed. Key takeaway: The industry outlook is positive, with busy times ahead for services providers, and tower companies and their contractors.
By John Celentano, Inside Towers Business Editor
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