Ownership of Backup/Emergency Networks in the U.S.

Cradlepoint: Cradlepoint is a private company that specializes in providing cloud-delivered 4G and 5G wireless network solutions. They offer networking solutions that can be used as backup/emergency networks for various organizations, including public safety agencies.

FirstNet: FirstNet is an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). It was created to build and operate a dedicated wireless broadband network exclusively for first responders, including police, fire, and emergency medical services. AT&T was awarded the contract to build and maintain the FirstNet network in a public-private partnership.

Some of the major players in the 5G intellectual property space include:

1. Qualcomm: A leading technology company known for its contributions to wireless communication technologies and widely recognized for its 5G innovations.
2. Huawei: A Chinese multinational technology company that has heavily invested in 5G research and development and holds a significant number of 5G patents.
3. Ericsson: A Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company with a substantial portfolio of 5G-related patents.
4. Nokia: A Finnish multinational corporation that is actively involved in the development of 5G technology and holds a considerable number of relevant patents.
5. Samsung: A South Korean multinational conglomerate with a strong presence in the telecommunications industry and an extensive 5G patent portfolio.
6. ZTE: Another Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company with significant 5G intellectual property holdings.

It's important to note that the distribution of 5G intellectual property might have evolved since my last update, and new companies or entities may have emerged as key players in this domain. Additionally, various licensing agreements and collaborations between companies contribute to the wider adoption and use of 5G technologies across the industry. For the most current and accurate information about the ownership of 5G intellectual property, it's advisable to refer to up-to-date sources and industry reports.

A significant portion of the hardware that encompasses the Radio Access Network (RAN) in the United States is manufactured by several major companies. Some of the prominent players in this industry include:

1. Ericsson: A Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company known for providing RAN equipment and solutions.
2. Nokia: A Finnish multinational corporation that offers a range of telecommunications equipment, including RAN solutions.
3. Huawei: A Chinese multinational technology company that has been a significant player in the global telecommunications market, providing RAN infrastructure and solutions.
4. Samsung: A South Korean multinational conglomerate that manufactures RAN equipment and has been expanding its presence in the telecommunications industry.
5. ZTE: A Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company that offers RAN solutions.
6. Cisco: An American technology company that provides networking and telecommunications equipment, including products for RAN deployment and management.

It's important to note that the telecommunications industry is dynamic, and the market share of companies may change over time due to various factors such as mergers, acquisitions, and evolving technologies. Additionally, regulatory decisions and geopolitical factors can also impact the presence of specific vendors in the United States and other markets. For the most current information, it's recommended to refer to up-to-date sources or industry reports.

Cell phone towers in the United States are owned by a variety of entities, including:

1. Major wireless carriers: Companies like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile (which includes Sprint after their merger), and US Cellular own a significant number of cell phone towers to support their wireless networks.
2. Tower companies: There are specialized companies that own and operate cell towers as their primary business. These tower companies lease tower space to multiple wireless carriers, allowing carriers to expand their coverage without the need to build their own towers. Examples of tower companies include American Tower Corporation, Crown Castle, and SBA Communications.
3. Local and regional carriers: Smaller regional wireless carriers also own and operate cell phone towers in their respective service areas.
4. Government agencies: Some cell towers are owned by government agencies and public institutions for various purposes, including emergency communications and public safety.

The ownership of cell phone towers is a diverse landscape, with a mix of private companies, tower operators, and government entities contributing to the extensive cellular infrastructure across the country.

The internet backbone in the United States is not owned by a single entity, but rather it is a complex network of interconnected high-capacity fiber-optic cables and network infrastructure owned and operated by multiple private companies and telecommunication providers.

Some of the major companies that own and operate significant portions of the internet backbone in the United States include:

• AT&T
• Verizon
• CenturyLink (now known as Lumen Technologies)
• Comcast
• Level 3 Communications (now part of CenturyLink)
• Sprint (now part of T-Mobile)

These companies, along with several others, invest in and maintain the infrastructure that forms the backbone of the internet in the U.S. They provide the essential connectivity that enables data to flow between different networks and regions, facilitating the functioning of the internet as we know it. Additionally, many of these companies also have international connections, which further contribute to the global nature of the internet.

It's important to note that the internet backbone is a dynamic and ever-changing network, with new players and technologies continuously emerging and evolving to meet the growing demands of internet users and data traffic.

Satellites in orbit are owned and operated by a wide range of organizations, including governments, private companies, research institutions, and international organizations. Here are some of the main categories of satellite owners:

1. Government Agencies: Many countries have their own space agencies that own and operate satellites for various purposes, such as communication, Earth observation, scientific research, and national defense. For example, NASA in the United States and ESA (European Space Agency) in Europe own and operate numerous satellites.
2. Commercial Satellite Operators: Private companies own and operate a significant number of satellites for purposes like telecommunications, broadcasting, Internet access, and navigation. Examples include companies like SpaceX, Boeing, SES, and Iridium.
3. International Organizations: Some satellite systems are operated by international organizations. The most notable example is the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which manages the allocation of orbital slots and radio frequencies for satellite communication.
4. Research and Educational Institutions: Universities and research institutions may have their own satellites for scientific experiments and educational purposes.
5. Military and Defense Organizations: Many countries operate military satellites for purposes like surveillance, reconnaissance, and secure communications. These are typically owned and operated by their respective defense departments.
6. Commercial Satellite Constellations: Some companies are deploying large constellations of small satellites for purposes like global broadband Internet coverage. For example, SpaceX's Starlink and OneWeb are two such constellations.

The ownership and operation of satellites are diverse and distributed worldwide. The specific details of ownership and the number of satellites owned by each entity can change over time as new satellites are launched and old ones are retired. It's important to note that the information about satellite ownership is not static and may vary depending on the source and the time frame of reference.