If 5G offers faster speeds than 4G, why is it taking so long for major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile to support 5G service in U.S. cities? Learn about the various challenges of rolling out 5G around the world, including regulatory approvals and network construction costs.
Why You Shouldn't Get Excited About 5G | Untangled
Due to the type of signal some 5G cell towers emit, their reach is severely limited to nearby devices. Many networks operate on 5G radio frequencies called millimeter waves, which can carry a lot of data. So while they support faster connections and smoother streaming, they’re often limited to less than a square mile of coverage.
Because of this limited range, fewer users can reach the network from a single cell tower. 5G signals are also more easily blocked by common objects such as trees and buildings. This means that many small antennas must be deployed to serve more customers. Deploying such infrastructure across the country is no easy task, and providers sometimes run into problems with local community regulations.
Municipal regulations may be one of the biggest barriers to rapid 5G deployment. While some cities are working with telecom providers to install 5G equipment, others have policies and procedures that are proving to be roadblocks. These include zoning regulations, lengthy permitting processes, high costs, and even aesthetic concerns surrounding the installation of 5G hardware on streetlights and utility poles.
