Why 5G can’t succeed without a small cell revolution
Small cells will be the foundation of future nationwide 5G networks; however, the US is currently unable to deploy them at the scale and speed required. Industry coordination around three measures could transform the scenario for small cells in the US, making 5G a reality. While 5G offers faster speeds and lower costs, it requires a buildout of the wireless network, in the form of small cells, at a scale and speed that the telecom industry hasn’t undertaken before. One FCC commissioner recently estimated that the US needs 800,000 small cells to make 5G a reality. International Data Corporation (IDC) expects over two million—by 2021. By comparison, the existing 2G/3G/4G network, built over many years, has just over 200,000 cell towers. The telecom industry has… read more