Cathy Piche Highlights Wireless Infrastructure at NYSWA Conference

Cathy Piche, Chair of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) Board and Executive Vice President and COO of Towers at Crown Castle, addressed attendees at the Times Center in New York City on October 29, 2025. Her remarks highlighted the transformative power of wireless connectivity, emphasizing the importance of the infrastructure that enables real-time communication for millions.

Piche referred to New York as a historical leader in wireless technology, noting that the NYPD was the first police department licensed by federal regulators to use wireless spectrum in 1920. This pioneering spirit persists, as public safety agencies depend on cellular networks daily. According to Piche, approximately 85% of 9-1-1 calls now originate from mobile devices, underscoring the critical role of wireless connectivity in emergencies.

Turning to current trends, Piche reported that Americans utilized 132 trillion megabytes of mobile data in 2024, representing a significant increase from a decade prior. Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube are primary drivers of this growth. Additionally, Piche noted the rising prevalence of user-generated content and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that increase bandwidth demands, prompting the need for robust infrastructure.

Looking forward, Piche pointed to several industry dynamics poised to shape the future. The U.S. wireless network comprises over 155,000 towers, with investments exceeding $32 billion in wireless network capital expenditures in the previous year. Factors including a newly directed spectrum pipeline, federal funding for broadband expansion, edge computing, and the evolving role of AI will influence network development and capabilities in the coming years.

Piche concluded her remarks by emphasizing the ongoing evolution of the wireless industry and the unique opportunities it presents for enhancing connectivity across the nation. A Q&A session followed, where these topics were further explored.