Topic 5- State of the Art Technology
Small Cells, 5G, and the Internet of Things
The number of cell sites in the US could multiply by a factor of ten in the future, according to former FCC chair Tom Wheeler.1 Fifth-generation wireless, or 5G, is associated with wireless connections to the internet of things (IoT), including smart city technology and self-driving cars.2 The IoT refers to the evolution of state-of-the-art big data, cloud-edge computing, data centers, fiber-optic transport, and wireless technology. It’s about expanding the growth in such markets as smart home technology, remote sensing, machine-to-machine communications, and analytics to just about any device that can be monitored, actuated, and analyzed. Water companies reading residential meters and parking meters using wireless gear are early existing applications of the IoT.
While 5G is growing, it is expected to blossom throughout this decade. Microcell sites are expected to lead the way. The frequency spectrum has been tested to support the expanded development of microcell site technology and 5G applications in the new frequency spectrum.3 In addition to the frequency spectrum, also known as wireless broadband, all wireless facilities require real estate rights or entitlements. Small cells, 5G, and the IoT will require significant wireless site and permitting efforts through the 2020s by qualified consultants.
