5G Presents Financial - and Social - Opportunities for Cities

Communication networks have become an essential part of local infrastructure. Secure, reliable, and affordable connectivity is essential for public agencies, services, businesses, residents, and visitors. Almost all aspects of civic, commercial, and consumer life depend on some level of connectivity. And the connectivity landscape is undergoing a major wave of disruption and innovation.

With the advent of 5G wireless networks, cities have an unprecedented opportunity to take control of how ubiquitous connectivity affects not only the financial success but also social and governance aspects of their communities. Cities can generate new revenue streams through the leasing of infrastructure for small cell sites. Perhaps more significantly, they can improve social equity by lessening the digital divide between advantaged and economically challenged neighborhoods. Cities can partner with wireless carriers and leverage municipal assets such as streetlight or utility poles to compel carriers to provide network coverage across all neighborhoods. They may also, through development of city-owned fiber networks, generate measurable revenue for city coffers and attract new business to their cities-further broadening the tax base for new social services.

This ‘Guidehouse Insights report’ provides detailed information about the financial opportunities that 5G proliferation creates for cities. The report also explores how 5G can improve quality of life, attract industry, and lessen the digital divide. It discusses the challenging community connectivity considerations and provides actionable recommendations for city managers eager to benefit as 5G networks proliferate.

KEY QUESTIONS ADDRESSED:

• How can cities benefit financially from 5G proliferation?

• How can 5G improve quality of life, attract Industry, and lessen the digital divide in cities?

• How much can cities earn by leasing poles for small cells?

• How much can cities earn by leasing dark fiber, and should they build a local fiber ring?

• With whom should cities partner to maximize their benefits as 5G proliferates?

KEY QUESTIONS ADDRESSED:

• How can cities benefit financially from 5G proliferation?

• How can 5G improve quality of life, attract Industry, and lessen the digital divide in cities?

• How much can cities earn by leasing poles for small cells?

• How much can cities earn by leasing dark fiber, and should they build a local fiber ring?

• With whom should cities partner to maximize their benefits as 5G proliferates?