The wireless backhaul community has seen a compilation of consistent market growth, relationships and new technologies developed this past week.

Although 2017 seems like it’s far away, Devicescape confirmed that the number of amenity Wi-Fi hotspots has already touched 12 million access points – a 100 percent increase in 2012. With the recent surge in mobility usage, this should come as no surprise, and for the future, Devicescape predicts that the number of hotpots will reach 10 million by 2017. Last week, Curated Virtual Network (CVN) gave us the same prediction for 2017, which makes us believe that this is a common belief across the wireless network community.

Joining forces with Ericsson, Tele2, a provider of communication technologies and services, will begin a mobile backhaul network expansion throughout Europe. Ericsson (News - Alert) will provide Tele2 with its MINI-LINK series of microwave radio solutions, a solution that supports old technology and next-generation networks, as well as professional support services and training. Ericsson was chosen by Tele2 because of its flexible LINK product features, which can create all-IP networks and in-networks that are involved from TDM to packet technology.

To improve visibility for its customers, Preferred Wireless has partnered with Envysion (News - Alert) and will utilize its advanced Video-Driven Business Intelligence. In the past, Envysions’ Managed Video as a service has helped many companies implement and administer multiple video applications across a large number of locations. In hopes of increasing its profits and sell techniques, Preferred Wireless will implement Envysions’ products into all of its locations.

Another partnership that has emerged is between Tarana Wireless and Universal Small Back Cell Solution, which has just released a new product line called AbsoluteAir. By using backhaul technology, the companies were able to create a product similar to one that can deploy 3G/4G small cells anywhere, as well as can meet mobile carrier requirements for sustained high capacity. But most importantly, the solution allows AbsoluteAir to deliver low cost of ownership and provides efficient small cell backhaul.

Another cool product to be released for the wireless backhaul industry is the iPA Series PIM Test Analyzer developed by Kaelus, a designer and manufacturer of RF and microwave solutions. Designed for versatility, the iPA is the first battery-powered PIM Text Analyzer capable of supporting test scenarios such as testing at the top of a tower. The company believes that this is the next generation in its line of industry leading Passive Intermodulation (PIM) equipment.

That’s all the latest development for wireless networks, so stay tuned for next week’s update in wireless backhaul solutions!