This episode of Wireless Weekly on April 5, 2025, dives into two significant stories impacting the wireless infrastructure landscape .... First, AT&T achieved a major breakthrough by successfully testing data transport speeds of 1.6 terabits per second on their long-distance fiber network, four times faster than their current top speed .... This advancement has the potential to revolutionize streaming, cloud computing, and AI applications and could reduce reliance on traditional wireless backhaul, potentially impacting the need for tower upgrades in urban areas....

Second, Verizon finalized a $3.3 billion deal to sell over 6,000 of its towers to Vertical Bridge while retaining leasing rights.... This move allows Verizon to free up capital while maintaining operational control .... For cell site landlords, this signifies a potential increase in competition among tower companies as Vertical Bridge becomes a larger player, but also a shift towards carriers preferring to lease rather than own infrastructure, potentially leading to fewer direct relationships with landlords ....

Overall, the episode highlights the evolving dynamics of the wireless industry, with a growing role for fiber in urban connectivity and a trend among carriers to adopt asset-light strategies regarding tower ownership .... While fiber advancements might reduce some demand for macro towers in cities, rural areas and small cells remain critical for 5G expansion.... The episode also teases future discussions on T-Mobile's satellite connectivity and Crown Castle's small cell strategy.

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