Comcast: We can make 5G work

Comcast is preparing to participate in the Federal Communications Commission's upcoming incentive auction of 600 MHz spectrum, which could pit the broadband behemoth against wireless carriers just as 5G technologies come to market. And Comcast CFO Mike Cavanagh said the company has what it takes to make 5G work. "5G is an exciting new platform," Cavanagh said. "We're still in early days. Antennas are going to need to go up, and we need space and power and backhaul. The spectrum doesn't pass through trees and buildings." Cavanagh suggested Comcast has some assets that will be crucial for the deployment of 5G: It can handle backhaul with its massive fixed-line footprint, and it has the municipal infrastructure and rights-of-way deals to create a wireless network in some key markets. Finally, it has the necessary personnel to build and maintain a wireless network.