Communications market snapshot (Part two)

Last week’s post featured overview, size, and outlook information about the communication market for engineering and construction. This week we will cover drivers, trends, and hot spots.

Drivers

• Value of private nonresidential construction

• Household media consumption

• Demand for internet connections (wired and mobile)

• Local and state government investment

• Advertising expenditure

• Price of steel and other construction materials.

Trends

Telecommunication companies will continue to be challenged on capital investment decisions as they deploy infrastructure necessary to support growing broadband demand. According to the Federal Communications Commission, more than eight million homes and businesses, primarily in rural and low-income areas, lack access to high-speed internet.

With the expansion of broadband infrastructure, state and local government entities will need guidance and expertise to understand not only the operational and environmental impact on communities, but also on their own systems (e.g., 911 call centers, traffic management, etc.).

Despite existing barriers due to a concentrated market, municipalities are increasingly investing in their own fiber networks (as opposed to relying on external developers and private ISPs). Many transportation agencies and local governments are investing in systems integration, which enable intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and smart mobility initiatives.

With the rapid increase in cloud-computing adoption and the growing demand for data-intensive applications, vulnerability to cyberattacks will continue to be a major concern.

Hot Spots

Top 10 states with largest Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program grant allocations by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration: Texas, California, Missouri, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Washington.

Top 10 metro areas in numeric population increase:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX

• Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA

• Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ

• Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL

• Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX

• Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

• San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX

• Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

• Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN

Original content can be found at Morrissey Goodale.

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.