According to a joint report by the industry trade group Wireless Broadband Alliance and research firm IHS Markit, 62 million Americans living in urban centers lack access to high-speed internet.
Moreover, because super-fast, high-capacity broadband networks are essential to smart city development and Internet of Things (IoT) enablement, the ubiquitous connectivity that holds the promise of generating real benefits to those living and working in the nation’s cities will remain out of reach if lacking a reliable communications network
As part of its mission to improve wireless connectivity for smart cities, communities and buildings, NextEdge Networks and its sister company Modus recently became the first wireless services and infrastructure companies to be Certified B Corporations® in the United States. B CorpsTM are certified by the nonprofit B Lab® to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, improving the quality of life in communities through business.
“As the first wireless services and infrastructure B Corp in the United States, we feel privileged with the opportunity to have a positive impact on the cities and broader communities in which we work and reside,” commented Doug Wiest, CEO of NextEdge Networks. “At a time when it is estimated that nearly one-fourth of all urban residents in the U.S. lack access to high-quality and affordable broadband, we are in a unique position to help solve the Digital Divide for the many cities and residents that are facing these challenges.”
NextEdge Networks and Modus partner with municipalities to help them process wireless applications and provide database support as well as services to enable IoT. Additionally, NextEdge Networks and Modus work with building owners and operators as well as IoT providers to improve in-building wireless connectivity and deploy smart city solutions, which also aligns with the principles of B Corps.
“Our B Corp status aligns with the mission of our customers, which includes leading municipalities and landlords, who employ technological innovations that can improve resource efficiency, save money, and help make their communities and buildings more economically resilient,” stated Jeff Tannenbaum, Chairman of Titan Grove, the majority funder of NextEdge Networks.
NextEdge Networks and Modus joined the global community of Certified B Corps that share the goal to use business as a “force for good.” The companies met stringent performance requirements outlined in the B Impact Assessment, a globally-recognized standard that looks at environmental performance, how an organization treats its employees, the impact it has on its customers and the broader community, as well as the organization’s accountability, governance, and transparency practices.
NextEdge Networks and Modus were founded in 2005 in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, and now have a nationwide presence. The companies have since grown through innovation and exceeding customers’ expectations to become the leading, next-generation wireless infrastructure services provider in the nation. NextEdge Networks and Modus designed and installed the country’s first 5G evolution site and market-wide 5G network, and as well as the nation’s first 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) support network. NextEdge Networks is majority funded and owned by Titan Grove in partnership with management.
“The B Corp ethos matches the heart of our corporate culture and will challenge us to become an even better company,” remarked Erik Corkery, EVP of Modus. “We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact our company will have on transforming cities into smart communities with smart buildings through better wireless connectivity, and serving as a model for responsible business practices. This is another innovation and a first from our company.
To learn more about about NextEdge Networks, visit www.nextedgenetworks.com. For information about Modus Services, visit www.modus-corp.com.
