Streetlights are increasingly helping the expansion of mobile internet. According to James Filanc, of Southern Contracting Company, mobile internet is projected to grow by 1000% percent within the next five years and 5G (as opposed to 4G LTE) is coming. Wireless Carriers are now installing small cell towers on streetlights. This is a great and new revenue opportunity for cities that own their own streetlights.
Many carriers are racing to secure leases on streetlights for as long as possible so that they can support 5G before other carriers. The big issue is that multiple carriers will need to serve their customers fairly within the city.
Cities will need to figure out how to allow the carriers to serve the community equally without allowing one company to have a monopoly on 5G.
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Race to 5G
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