“Can you hear me now?” or “more bars” are common refrains for cell phone advertisements. The often dropped call or text message that won’t go through are the bane of all wireless users and cause for constant complaints. Making this common frustration go away is an ongoing process that involves technology upgrades and better coverage. But when one stops to consider the practical side of making these services better, the real power of “strength in numbers” becomes apparent.

“Can you hear me now” means the need for lots and lots of cell towers, and the need for a company to own the land and towers that enable the wireless signals to be effective. There aren’t too many companies that work in this area, but they do control a vast pool of land and associated investment that provides a stable revenue stream once an individual network is assembled.

Crown Castle International Corp.,