The benefits of installing the wireless technology include super-fast internet speeds, but 5G is connected by cumbersome infrastructure.
To hook up the small cells that power 5G grids, wireless providers will have to install thick wires and poles, and antennae on nearly every block they want to cover, outfitted with equipment that is about the size of a large backpack.
In order for the new technologies to be widely deployed, mobile networks will need to deliver complex and wide ranging network management capabilities for quality, performance, bandwidth, latency and coverage.
For example, for the self-driving car experiences to meet future customer expectations, it will be critical to quickly communicate with other connected vehicles and objects with high reliability while the vehicle is in motion.
The city of Kettering continues to develop design standards to regulate the location and size of small cell antennas and facilities for the latest wireless technology 5G system.
Small cell antennas and transmitter receivers will be placed on light poles and other public utility structures throughout neighborhoods in Kettering. City officials are trying to keep pace with the latest technology, and 5G fits the mold, city officials said.
“As permitted in state law, the city of Kettering continues to develop small cell standards for our community,” said Kettering Assistant City Manager Steve Bergstresser.
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Bergstresser explained that, “short term, not a lot of installations will be necessary to facilitate areas where cellular coverage is weak. As 5G comes online over the next few years, more small cell installations may be required.”
The engineering department require permits for small cell installations since they are in the public right-of-way.
Ryan Duke, the city of Xenia’s finance director, said the city is committed to ensuring the community has access to reliable high speed internet as demand for network services continues to increase.
In recent years, Xenia has begun the build out of a high capacity fiber optic network that will position the city well in the future.
“5G technology will most certainly play an important role in connecting the Xenia Community, therefore, the city is ready and willing to work with those who endeavor to bring 5G to Xenia,” Duke explained. “To date, the city has not been approached by a service provider who has detailed a plan to move forward with 5G implementation.”
He noted that it is unlikely that 5G technology reaches more rural municipalities in the very near future.
“The city views 5G as one piece of a broader approach to improving access in our community, and its impact is certainly considered when evaluating the future of internet access locally,” Duke said. “Xenia is carefully planning its approach to network access as technologies evolve and service demands change.”
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Beavercreek City Manager Pete Landrum said a concern with 5G construction was the potential impact on public safety and local community aesthetics, but there hasn’t been any problems so far in the city.
“We have approved four mini-cell permits so far with another application arriving last week,” Landrum said. “We believe these mini-cell facilities are being installed to support the 5G service.”
Past issues were with cell mini towers concerning state legislation regarding the right of way, but those issues were settled in a compromise with the state about the process of how those are approved, but that wasn’t just specific to 5G, he explained.
Cindy Stafford, finance director for Oakwood, said the city has passed legislation regarding the design of small cell infrastructure.
“As part of the fiber ring project, we have had very preliminary discussions regarding smart cities and the impact of 5G,” she said. “It is always important to understand current and anticipated technology, and the impact that technology has or will have on the services we provide and what services can or could be provided in the future.”
In Centerville, legislation was established to allow applications in accordance with Ohio House Bill 478, which permits small cell wireless facilities throughout the state.
“The house bill really dictates what we are able to do,” said spokeswoman, Kate Bostdorff. “We have received one application and it is still in process.”
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