The wireless industry is made up of service providers (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T), infrastructure providers (American Tower, Crown Castle, SBA, etc.) along with many other contractors and subcontractors working diligently to provide services for mobile phones and devices.
The wireless industry has always been regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) within the parameters set forth in the Telecommunications Act of 1996. There have been several subsequent laws enacted amending or enhancing the initial legislation including the 2012 Middle Class and Job Creation Act (47 U.S.C. §1455 a/k/a Section 6409). In addition, there have been numerous FCC Report and Orders providing further clarification or regulation of the wireless industry, along with now 30 states with their own set of regulations which are sometimes conflicting with federal law making navigating this field extremely complex.
According to CTIA infographics library eighty percent of Americans consider wireless services indispensable. Smart wireless devices are an integral part of communications for residents, students, businesses and emergency services across the country and all of the people who work within that field make up the wireless industry.
As of 2020 the wireless industry is providing 4G services with 5G being tested in certain communities across the country. These services are intended to provide faster and more reliable connectivity ability.
Macro towers and base stations still make up the most utilized infrastructure with more small wireless facilities being added as fill-in services are needed in higher use density areas. Most of the small wireless facilities are being added within the rights-of-ways.