DAS 2016 Capex Forecast $19 Billion By IGR; IMT 2020 5G Predictions

Iain Gillott, founder and president of iGR Research shares his 2016 U.S. DAS forecast insights and a few 5G laughs with Jeff Mucci, RCR Wireless News.

Recently release iGR report projects that 5 yr US DAS capex will exceed $19 billion while US DAS capex and opex spending will exceed $23 billion.

Commercial buildings and multi-dwelling units (MDU) will lead carrier and neutral host DAS capex deployments 2016 as stadium and hospitality venues near end of DAS upgrade cycle and total cost of deploying DAS decreases due to technology advances.

More specifically, overall DAS TCO in smaller buildings and MDUs is decreasing because carriers are plugging fiber fed, digital remote radio units (Distribute Radio Systems - DRS) directly into a DAS array eliminating the need for power attenuation boards to power down then power up radio signals. In addition, carriers and neutral host providers will be leveraging existing building headends along with base station hotels to centrally serve multiple buildings. Using a centralized approach; however, will require significant fiber assets.

Gillott referred to the use of DRS technology in tandem with small cell deployments as a top down versus a femto cell centric "bottom up" approach to providing capacity in-building.

When asked about the role of "CPRI" in future DAS and small cell deployments, Gillott predicted that CPRI will continue to evolve as an option of efficiently serving both indoor-wireless systems and small cell remote radio units off of centralized base base units.

With respect to small cell network's impact on DAS deployment forecast, Gillott mentioned that non-technical obstacles continue to hold up mass small cell network deployments. These non-technical challenges, which include securing right of ways and easements, will continue to drive carriers towards in-building DAS systems, where carrier or neutral host provider may already have a building owner or manager relationship

The new market study can be purchased and downloaded directly from iGR’s website (https://igr-inc.com), providing immediate access to a digital copy of the research. Alternatively, contact Iain Gillott at (512) 263-5682 or email for additional details on this report, as well as information on the Wireless & Mobile Landscape and Small Cell, DAS & Het-Nets advisory and subscription services.

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