Oregon Struggles to Build Towers for Public Safety Network
The multimillion-dollar upgrade of Oregon's emergency radio network is behind schedule and over budget, according to The Oregonian. A three-part investigative article describes how inaccurate maps were used to portray progress on the public safety radio network called the Oregon Wireless Interoperability Network (OWIN) when, in fact, that progress had not been made. MORE

A man fell from a radio station tower early Thanksgiving morning on Grizzly Peak in Oakland, Calif., according to the Oakland Tribune. MORE

Suspects ID'd in Michigan Cell Tower Copper Thefts
Four suspects have been identified in the theft of thousands of dollars of copper from tower sites in the Lansing area and across more than 20 southern Michigan counties, according to the Lansing State Journal. MORE

Flagpole Won't Camouflage RF Exposure -- N.J. Neighbors
Once upon a time, camouflaging a tower as a flagpole or as a tree or even a cactus was seen as a panacea for all tower siting objections. A 100-foot monopole camouflaged as a flagpole proposed by T-Mobile in the township of Wayne, N.J., is a good example of how hard residential tower siting has become, according to Wayne Today. MORE

Analyst Upgrades American Tower to Outperform
Zacks Investment Research has upgraded American Tower to "Outperform," based on its assessment that wireless data demand in developed markets and the company's diversification into emerging markets -- India, Chile, Peru and Colombia and most recently South African -- will provide long-term growth. MORE

Build-to-Suit Firm Marks Eventful First Year

Vertical USA is one year old this month. The staff of the young, build-to-suit firm worked hard in the last 12 months to get its name out, attending trade shows and meeting with potential clients. But it was the years of experience of President Sean Bingham and Vice President Tom Ferguson that enabled them to hit the ground running and rack up contracts both domestically and internationally. MORE

New Smart Phones, Savvy Users Spur Data Usage on Wireless Networks
Mobile data usage is set to more than double, according to network-based analysis comparing the use of various smart phones on wireless networks undertaken by Arieso, maker of network solutions. MORE

DC Power Shelter Cables
Cobra Wire & Cable maintains an extensive inventory of the most popular cables used in tower shelters, including UL1232 X-Flex DC Power Cable, Cop-Flex 2000, and UL3311 battery and UPS Systems Cable. With stocking locations throughout the country, Cobra Wire & Cable offers service, low prices and immediate delivery nationwide. www.cobrawire.com  
Standard and Custom Connectors
Connector City focuses on cost-effective standard and custom connectors designed for a wide range of consumer and industrial wireless products. Since the market success of a customer's products is often determined by the cost, each product is designed to achieve high quality at a reasonable price. The components are a critical factor in determining the range and reliability of a wireless product to ensure the mechanical, electrical and aesthetic requirements of the wireless products are met. www.connectorcity.com
Lightning, Surge Protection
The MWE series of surge devices from Erico offers lightning and surge protection for tower or rooftop-mounted radio units. To help protect valuable electronic equipment from damage, Erico has developed a rugged, weatherproof hybrid surge protector that can handle at least 20,000 amperes of lightning-induced current. The MWE series of protectors offers high surge-protection capabilities in weatherproof enclosures. Two MWE surge devices are recommended per base station or subscriber unit. www.erico.com