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Upgrading Your Telecom Tower for the 4G to 5G Transition
November 19, 2020 at 10:30 PM
The 4g to 5g transition will revolutionize wireless.

Cellular providers are hyping the new 5G network’s high-speed internet capabilities as they push upgrades for 4G phones. However, the physical 4G to 5G transition has proven to be a bottleneck in the network upgrade for which everyone’s waiting. Contributing to the lengthy rollout is a shortage of cell tower climbers to install the new technology on telecom towers, and a deficit of 5G cell sites able to provide full network coverage.

In practical terms, the 4G to 5G upgrade means another revolution in consumers’ wireless capabilities. We’re entering the age of driverless cars, streaming gaming, upgrades to manufacturing and shipping, and faster abilities from artificial intelligence.

It’s hard to imagine the technological strides that await us once the 5G network is operational. But first, telecom towers must make the 4G to 5G transition.

5G gear will be lightweight and compact.

The good news is manufacturers of 5G radio gear understand masts will now support multiple networks. And that there’s a limit to the carrying capacity each site can support. Tower Engineering Company has decades of experience helping telecom companies with asset management. We’ve climbed thousands of towers to evaluate them for the structural capacity to increase revenue.

The 5G gear design kept in mind towers burdened by 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. But not every telecom tower will be able to support additional equipment. We can assess your site so you’ll know your tower’s capabilities or determine if modifications are required to expand your carrying capacity.

Using Integrated Access Backhaul.

Verizon and Ericsson have new technology in development for sites without sufficient fiber available for backhaul. Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) allows a tower to deploy 5G service using millimeter wave (mmWave) bandwidth. It’s faster to upgrade than installing new fiber but doesn’t have the same capabilities, reliability, or longevity.

Companies can deploy 5G using mmWave until they can physically install new fiber for the 5G masts.

Is 5G bad for public health?

There’s been a lot of publicity about the 4G to 5G transition from cellular service providers and some newfound attention on the country’s telecom towers. Naturally, media attention and the public’s notice can attract attention from people making unfounded claims.

Transitioning from 4G to 5G puts the public health at no greater risk from any of the dangers anti-5G activists flout:

  • Cancer
  • Infertility
  • Dementia
  • Autism

There’s no scientific evidence to back up the claims, and the World Health Organization has confirmed that 5G poses no threat to public health.

Take part in the 5G densification.

The 4G to 5G transition is the perfect time to expand your telecom portfolio. Full 5G coverage requires new towers across the country. Many of them will be small cells incorporated into the existing landscape. But existing 4G towers will require equipment upgrades. We’ve surveyed diverse sites for past clients, from the mountains to rural countrysides, to cities and suburbs. Our engineers can survey your site for building a new tower or a small 5G cell.

Some towers may require an entirely new antenna, rather than simple modifications. As a tower-owner, the upgrade may entitle you to increased revenue, as the 5G equipment supports all the major cellular providers.

Get support for your 4G to 5G transition today.

Tower Engineering Company has the experience and knowledge if you’re ready to upgrade your telecom tower for 5G capability. We have a nearly five-decade record in the industry, working with tower owners and broadcast companies worldwide. We’ll apply that know-how to helping you upgrade your telecom towers ahead of the curve.

Our customer service experts are ready to answer your questions; just get in touch with us today.