Bridging the 4G/5G Gap: Telecommunications Roadmap for Implementation

Wireless technologies have become a fundamental part of our daily life in the 21st century. They give us the ability to make efficient use of our time, connect us any time and anywhere, and make our lives better in innumerable ways. In order to function, our wireless devices need to connect to cellular sites that provide good coverage both outdoors and indoors. To do that increasingly requires placement of sites closer to populated areas – creating new challenges for both providers and local governments. Next-generation cellular technologies will enable greater functionality, but their complexity places increasing burdens on municipalities – including a need to understand the relevant technical terminologies that appear in applications, permitting and licensing negotiations, and deployment planning.

This 2 hour virtual event will:

• Define the socio-economic value of cellular technologies to our modern society;
• Help you understand some of the technical definitions, evolution of cellular generations, and the differences between 3G, 4G, and 5G;
• Provide a high-level overview of the convergence of cellular technologies to help local government and municipal leaders develop application processes and understand the technologies and terminologies in applications for deployment of wireless communication facilities in their jurisdictions;
• Give you an overview and history of medical and academic research into the effects of electromagnetic fields on humans;
• Walk you through the process of ensuring compliance with U.S. federal and state regulations and laws pertaining to wireless communication facilities;
• Outline how next-generation technologies will augment, extend, and/or replace existing cellular networks, and offer suggestions on planning for integration of next-generation technologies into existing application approval processes and aesthetic requirements;
• Give you an overview and understanding of how these new technologies may affect the current and future planning of local municipalities.

Who should attend:

• Technical professionals working in ICT and the telecommunications industry;
• Academic faculty members teaching about cellular technologies;
• Students interested in learning about the applications of cellular technologies on a local level;
• Institutions, corporations, and organizations that work on cellular-related topics and projects;
• Local government and municipal agency leaders including:  
• Elected Officials (Mayors, Councilmembers, etc.)
• City/Town Managers, and Assistant/Deputy Managers
• Public Works, Transportation, and Public Utilities employees (Directors/Managers, and Engineers)
• Planning Staff and Planning Commissioners
• Economic Development (Directors/Managers) and Hospitality/Visitor agencies
• Municipal Real Estate employees (Directors/Managers, and staff)
• Local businesses, social service clubs, Chambers of Commerce leaders and staff

Upon successful completion of this event, learners will be able to:

• Understand the effects cellular networks have on society and commerce;
• How 5G can contribute to local economies;
• Understand what is needed for 5G integration in a 3G/4G world;
• Understand the technical lexicon and aspects of wireless equipment datasheets, reports, system design documents, and site applications;
• Understand the risk vs. reward trade-offs of 4G and 5G; and
• Access resources related to the topic (i.e. Bridging the Gap: 21st Century Wireless Communications Handbook).

All attendees to the event will:

• Earn a Certificate of Completion confirming 2 PDHs/0.2 CEUs
• Earn an IEEE digital badge that may be shared on social media channels
• Receive a complimentary copy of Bridging the Gap: 21st Century Wireless Telecommunications Handbook