Industry Dive

Could 5G close the digital divide between urban and rural communities?

In trying to push 5G to rural areas, telecommunication companies say they are faced with high costs to install infrastructure and not enough customers to defray those costs. Companies believe they would need to charge unreasonably high rates in order to cover their costs, which would likely mean fewer subscribers. If the costs of investing in 5G infrastructure to help roll the technology out nationwide are too burdensome, experts have a few ideas on how to help bear those costs, including using partnerships with local governments and encouraging carriers to work together.