Will 5G and Smart Cities Go Hand-in-Hand?

5G and smart cities could have a lot of synergies, as research firm Kagan explains in a new research note. Researchers drew on Verizon’s experience in the first four markets where the carrier will deploy fixed 5G wireless, but their observations could apply to mobile 5G as well. “Between tearing up streets to lay fiber and installing small cells on municipal infrastructure, city cooperation is essential for 5G deployment – and that is the most prominent similarity between the four cities chosen by Verizon for its initial 5G launches,” wrote Kagan, part of S&P Global Market Intelligence.  Kagan researchers pointed to Verizon’s agreement with the city of Sacramento (CA) as an example of the kind of 5G and smart cities synergies that we may be seeing more of. Verizon agreed to invest $100 million to support the city’s smart grid initiatives in exchange for being able to use city conduit for fiber deployment, for discounted utility pole attachment fees and for small cell lease terms that were favorable to the carrier. “Whereas Sacramento and other cities typically issue a request for proposal for services and then pick a bidder from the bunch, Verizon approached Sacramento directly and offered a nonexclusive partnership,” Kagan noted.