5G Cell Tower Location Solutions | SiteTenna

The Expansion of 5G Networks and Associated Challenges

The rollout of 5G networks is progressing rapidly, with extensive deployments occurring throughout much of the developed world. However, a significant hurdle in achieving complete coverage lies in limitations related to 5G transmissions.

Compared to 4G, the spectrum utilized by 5G technology necessitates a considerably larger number of towers for telecom operators to deliver the promised bandwidth while maintaining the signal quality users anticipate.

Difficulties in Cell Tower Deployment

Installing cell towers presents substantial difficulties. Operators must identify optimal locations with clear line of sight to users, ensure access to both power and internet connectivity, and then negotiate long-term contracts—often spanning a decade or more—with property owners.

This process must be repeated tens of thousands of times, potentially even more, to establish a comprehensive network.

Introducing Sitenna: A Marketplace for Tower Sites

Sitenna, set to launch next week as part of Y Combinator’s Summer 2021 Demo Day, aims to dramatically accelerate the process of tower site selection and contract acquisition.

The platform functions as a marketplace connecting landlords, tower operators, and telecommunications companies.

National Infrastructure Priorities and Regulatory Efforts

Securing tower siting and access to existing poles has, in certain instances, been recognized as a matter of national infrastructure importance.

In the United States, the challenges surrounding the swift installation of new towers became a key focus for the FCC during the Trump administration, leading to the launch of the 5G FAST Plan designed to streamline regulations governing tower installations.

Sitenna’s Approach and Market Launch

Founders Daniel Campion and Brian Sexton identified an opportunity to contribute to these initiatives. Over the past year, they have developed a marketplace that assists property owners in evaluating the potential of their assets for telecom usage.

Simultaneously, it aids tower operators in selecting sites and digitally executing installation agreements.

The company initiated operations in the United Kingdom in June, experiencing significant traction. Campion reported that 65,000 real estate assets, representing approximately 15% of the U.K.’s towers, are now listed on the platform.

Two pilot programs are currently underway with Vodafone and its tower provider, Cornerstone. Expansion into the U.S. market is planned for the first quarter of the following year.

Beyond the Marketplace: B2B SaaS Tools

While initially functioning as a marketplace, Sitenna is also integrating B2B SaaS tools to enhance its offerings.

These tools are designed to assist telecommunications companies in managing the onboarding of new tower locations and subsequent asset management.

“Once they find the site, they ping pong emails back and forth,” Campion explained. “Therefore, we have created tools to streamline their workflows.”

The Ongoing Need for Tower Infrastructure

Despite the current surge in tower installations driven by the transition to 5G wireless technology, this demand is not expected to diminish rapidly.

Campion highlights a “continual refresh rate of 15-20% on the carrier side” due to factors such as evolving usage patterns, building redevelopment, and routine hardware upgrades.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Wireless Infrastructure

Furthermore, the emergence of 6G—while still in its early conceptual stages—represents a future demand for infrastructure management.

Sitenna aspires to become a central hub for managing all generations of wireless infrastructure, ensuring its relevance in the evolving landscape of telecommunications.