Why 5G networks can't succeed without a small cell revolution
Small cells, the foundation of future nationwide 5G networks
It's no secret that a 5G network will be the standard for Internet connectivity. But to pave the way for a national 5G network, US telcos will have to work together to facilitate a successful, large-scale, and speedy deployment of small cells, which will serve as its foundation.
Currently, rolling out these small cells is too costly and time consuming in the United States. This must change if the US expects to keep up with global competitors, including China and South Korea. In our analysis, we stress three measures that the industry should carry out to streamline small cell deployment, making a national 5G network a reality.
Small cells: The challenges
Why does it take so long and cost so much to deploy small cells? Here are just a few of the challenges:
- Identification of the millions of necessary locations
- Acquiring permits for identified locations
- Operational costs to lease, deploy and maintain sites for most of these new small cells
"Network operators can work with city officials and other stakeholders to overcome barriers to deploying small cells — by creating a framework that easily identifies the best sites for small cells, expedites permission for their use, and keeps costs under control."
The solution: Working together
Network operators can work with city officials and other stakeholders to overcome these challenges by creating a framework that easily identifies the best sites for small cells, expedites permission for their use, and keeps costs under control. Here’s how:
- Win stakeholder support for 5G and small cells
- Reform city permitting to balance agility and oversight
- Establish a nationwide small cell information exchange
