{"id":14380,"date":"2018-10-20T05:09:08","date_gmt":"2018-10-20T12:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/?p=14380"},"modified":"2018-10-20T05:18:29","modified_gmt":"2018-10-20T12:18:29","slug":"network-challenges-loom-large-for-telecoms-4g-on-steroids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/?p=14380","title":{"rendered":"Network challenges loom large for telecom\u2019s \u20184G on steroids\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header\">\n<h2 class=\"excerpt\">The hundreds of thousands of small cells needed to run 5G are a recipe for conflict between cities and wireless carriers<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p>October 19, 2018<br \/>\n7:00 AM EDT<\/p>\n<p>Cellphone towers disguised as pine trees, palm trees or cacti aren\u2019t fooling many as they jut out of the natural landscape. Just google the Rogers Communications Inc. \u201ctree\u201d that towers over Sudbury, Ont., or the BCE Inc. ones in Muskoka, Ont.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, wireless companies have for years dressed up existing steel poles in an attempt to appease cottage, beach or desert dwellers who\u2019d rather not see the infrastructure needed to power their mobile devices.<\/p>\n<p>But telecoms will need new camouflage tactics as they prepare for the 5G network evolution that will enable real-time applications such as self-driving cars and smart cities. On top of the approximately 33,000 towers already dotting the Canadian landscape, 5G networks will require a few hundred thousand small cells equipped with radio equipment and antenna.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"related_links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/business.financialpost.com\/telecom\/relationship-woes-canadian-cities-dont-want-to-split-the-bill-with-telecoms-for-underground-infrastructure\">Relationship woes: Canadian cities don\u2019t want to split costs with telecoms for data<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/business.financialpost.com\/telecom\/how-one-company-plumbed-an-ultra-fast-internet-route-across-the-bottom-of-lake-ontario\">How one company plumbed an ultra-fast internet route across the bottom of Lake Ontario<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Variously described as the size of pizza boxes, briefcases or laptops, approximately 273,000 small cells will be embedded into Canadian cityscapes over the next five to seven years, Accenture PLC estimates. You\u2019ll find these cells every few city blocks on lampposts, buildings, newspaper boxes and bus stops, as well as in every office building because 5G operates at higher frequencies that can\u2019t easily penetrate walls or buildings.<\/p>\n<p>Yet there\u2019s tension between the telecoms that want to build their networks as quickly as possible and the municipalities that want to know exactly what goes where and how it might affect their properties. There\u2019s also a debate over how much the telecoms will pay for the right to latch their equipment onto existing infrastructure.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fsk_splitbox_3225_onscreen\" class=\"fsk_splitbox_3225_onscreen sb-opened\">\n<div id=\"fsk_splitbox_3225\" class=\" fsk_splitbox_3225 sb-opened\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Municipalities have some say where telecom equipment goes under federal tower siting rules that require consultation for any tower taller than 15 metres. But,\u00a0ultimately, the federal government has jurisdiction over everything to do with telecommunications, and it might change the rules to speed things up given the importance of 5G, which is expected to create a host of yet-to-be-dreamed-up industries, much like 4G enabled app economy players such as Uber Technologies Inc. and Airbnb Inc.<\/p>\n<p>As part of the Government of Canada\u2019s review of the broadcast, telecom and radiocommunication acts, it is consulting with the public on whether its procedures are \u201c5G ready.\u201d It has already acknowledged that shared responsibility over passive infrastructure presents challenges for efficient deployment.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_\" class=\"wp-caption post-img size_this_image_test aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/financialpostcom.files.wordpress.com\/2018\/10\/5g-small-cell.png?w=640\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"img-caption\">A 5G cell in a U.S. city. Installing such a network is underway in the U.S. where its equivalent of the CRTC \u00e2\u0080\u0094 the Federal Communications Commission \u00e2\u0080\u0094 has ruled that municipalities have 60 days to approve or deny proposals to attach a small cell to an existing structure. The order also limits the fees municipalities can charge, although it gives them leeway for \u00e2\u0080\u009creasonable aesthetic reviews.\u0080\u009d<\/span> <span class=\"img-author\">Verizon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cInefficient access can dramatically increase the cost of deployment or prevent it altogether,\u201d Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) stated in its terms of reference for the legislative reform.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGiven the importance of passive infrastructure for network deployment and the expected growth of 5G wireless, are the right provisions in place for governance of these assets?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While Canada asks questions, the U.S. has already changed its rules to constrain a city\u2019s control over small cells on their streets.<\/p>\n<p>The Federal Communications Commission last month passed an order that puts a shot clock on small cell deployment, giving municipalities 60 days to approve or deny proposals to attach a small cell to an existing structure. The order also limits the fees municipalities can charge, although it gives them leeway for \u201creasonable aesthetic reviews.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Telecoms praised the change, but some municipalities are livid. The U.S. Conference of Mayors called the order a \u201cwrongful intrusion\u201d and a \u201cgift\u201d to private enterprise, and vowed to take its beef to court.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/financialpostcom.files.wordpress.com\/2018\/10\/5g-quote-1.png?w=1000&amp;h=149\" width=\"1000\" height=\"149\" \/>Asked if Canada would consider similar rules, an ISED spokesperson said it\u2019s \u201cclosely monitoring the developments in other countries, including the United States, regarding the management of siting next-generation 5G small cells.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Canada\u2019s consultation phase runs until November, but the expert review panel isn\u2019t expected to deliver its final report until January 2020, though telecoms and cities alike acknowledge the need for upgraded regulations when it comes to 5G infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>Telecoms have already started deploying small cells that can be upgraded to 5G and are testing the new technology in various labs and environments across the country. For now, the small cells improve 4G LTE network connections. Telecoms don\u2019t divulge how much they each cost.<\/p>\n<p>As it stands, telecoms must come to separate deployment agreements with individual cities, typically broad agreements that include fibre deployment. Those agreements just cover public property. For private property, such as office buildings where 5G networks may require two or three small cells per floor, telecoms have to strike deals with each landlord.<\/p>\n<p>Getting everyone on board involves knocking on a lot of doors. But Rogers has figured out a way to test 5G in a real environment with fewer complications.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/financialpostcom.files.wordpress.com\/2018\/10\/cell-towers-vs-small-cells1.png?w=1000&amp;h=575\" width=\"635\" height=\"365\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It inked a three-year, multi-million-dollar partnership with the University of British Columbia to build a 5G hub at its Vancouver campus on the tip of a peninsula that hosts 56,000 students and 15,000 faculty and staff.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe idea is that this becomes an actual live production,\u201d Jorge Fernandes, Rogers Communications\u2019 chief technology officer, said. \u201cIt\u2019s not just a lab environment.<\/p>\n<p>Critically, UBC isn\u2019t technically part of the City of Vancouver or the University Endowment Lands.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey have complete planning authority over this \u2018city,\u2019\u201d Fernandes said. \u201cIf you think about it from our perspective, it\u2019s the ideal location to test real-world applications in an environment where you can get the technology deployed very, very quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In this case, Rogers and UBC have the ability to put small cells wherever they like for their research (they\u2019ll share the intellectual property).<\/p>\n<p>They plan to study radio propagation \u2014 small cells behave differently than macro cells, so they\u2019ll analyze how radio waves behave and how simple things such as foliage affect network quality \u2014 5G applications such as traffic or energy management, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze smart city data.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/financialpostcom.files.wordpress.com\/2018\/10\/5g-quote-2.png?w=1000&amp;h=149\" width=\"1000\" height=\"149\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Still, selling 5G can be tough. Most cities want the latest networks as a way to attract residents and businesses, but 5G\u2019s benefits remain a bit of a mystery.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s not something you can buy out of a box right now,\u201d Fernandes said.<\/p>\n<p>It will take 12 to 18 months for the first iteration of 5G, which Fernandes described as \u201c4G on steroids.\u201d But it\u2019s the second release \u2014 date to be determined \u2014 that will have the real-time capabilities that would really help cities do things such as manage traffic or even check when a garbage can fills up.<\/p>\n<p>The sales pitch comes down to exploring such possibilities and others. Telecoms hope municipalities will see it as an exchange where municipalities give access to infrastructure in return for smart city applications that will ultimately reduce their costs, Fernandes said.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the benefits, there has been pushback, usually related to infrastructure placement, but sometimes related to health concerns.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeople want to have the service, they want to have the coverage, but they don\u2019t want to see where it\u2019s coming from,\u201d Fernandes said.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_\" class=\"wp-caption post-img size_this_image_test aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/financialpostcom.files.wordpress.com\/2018\/10\/ubc-5g-test.png?w=640\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span class=\"img-caption\">It inked a three-year, multi-million-dollar partnership with the University of British Columbia to build a 5G hub at its Vancouver campus.<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"img-author\">Darryl Dyck\/The Canadian Press<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Gord McGuire, the City of Hamilton\u2019s director of engineering services, is one of the people receiving these sales pitches.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMost cities are pretty open to have advanced telecommunications infrastructure,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a huge benefit, it\u2019s a big attraction for business and residents.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>But the evolution from copper wires to cells changes the way cities have to look at rights-of-way, the areas below, on or above city streets and sidewalks. Wireless communications all end up in a wire somewhere, McGuire said, and rights-of-way are already loaded with infrastructure. Plus the city has to ensure equipment isn\u2019t placed where there\u2019s upcoming development or roadwork.<\/p>\n<p>As density grows and telecoms build out their networks, Hamilton is getting ever more permit requests, he said. But telecoms are reluctant to share long-term plans for competitive reasons, making it difficult for the city to respond with staffing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWithout us fully understanding the program more than six months to a year out, it\u2019s difficult for us to react really quickly,\u201d he said. \u201cIt would be helpful if telecoms had a game plan.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/financialpostcom.files.wordpress.com\/2018\/10\/5g-quote-three.png?w=1000&amp;h=149\" width=\"1000\" height=\"149\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Other common questions dwell on the practical. With so many cells, how much of a risk is vandalism? (Not much, given they\u2019ll be adhered to poles and blend in, Rogers said.) Does the network collapse if a car knocks over a street lamp? (No, the traffic would be picked up by adjacent cells.)<\/p>\n<p>Then there\u2019s the question of who pays for determining the best sites and maintaining them.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this year, Hamilton, the City of Calgary and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities filed a joint application with the telecom regulator in a dispute between Hamilton and Bell. The cities argued that taxpayers shouldn\u2019t have to split the bill with Bell to find location information for underground facilities.<\/p>\n<p>The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission in August issued a decision siding with Bell.<\/p>\n<p>Calgary is also in the middle of a court battle with Rogers, Bell, Shaw Communications Inc., Telus Corp. and Zayo Canada Inc. over its municipal rights-of-way bylaw.<\/p>\n<p>Bruce Cullen, Calgary\u2019s director of corporate analytics and innovation, won\u2019t comment on a case before the courts, but he echoed the importance of revamping procedures for small cells, which may be placed every 300 metres in dense urban areas.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a lot of infrastructure if you think about it, if all are connected to power or some sort of fibre backhaul,\u201d he said. \u201cThe processes we currently have aren\u2019t going to work.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As the federal government reviews its rules, Calgary plans to advocate on behalf of its citizens to ensure there are no safety issues or unnecessary tax burdens. The city is redesigning its internal processes so the people who work on streetlights, roads and above-ground facilities have input inTO where the small cells go.<\/p>\n<p>Calgary has time to plan, Cullen said, given the industry still needs to set final standards and the government must auction off more spectrum before 5G becomes a reality. The city is also preparing for a 5G world with its own \u201cliving lab,\u201d where it\u2019s working with the University of Calgary on smart city applications.<\/p>\n<p>Cities and telecoms recognize 5G isn\u2019t just about faster speeds. Rather, it\u2019s a whole new network. Right now, Canada is building it piecemeal.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, Telus has successfully reached separate commercial arrangements with cities, building owners and provinces, though it would prefer a more cohesive approach, said Ted Woodhead, Telus\u2019 senior vice-president of regulatory affairs.<\/p>\n<p>Its tech team would \u201cgiddy up\u201d on capital investment if there were clearer rules in place to distinguish jurisdiction, he said. Court battles that arise because of disagreements over whether a municipality or the federal government has final say, \u201cit goes without saying, inject a great deal of delay in the process,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>Woodhead lauded the FCC\u2019s order to speed up deployment in the U.S., particularly since it limits how much cities can charge telecoms on an ongoing basis to lease space on city property.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis isn\u2019t about macro towers, it\u2019s about small cells,\u201d he said \u201cWe need 2018, 2019, 2020 rules to deal with this change in reality.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In a telecom\u2019s current best-case scenario, it takes about a year to get a 30 to 75-metre tall macro tower built and lit up, he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe can\u2019t be doing that times 100,000 or 200,000 or 300,000,\u201d Woodhead said. \u201cCanada will be so far behind the 5G curve. I don\u2019t think that\u2019s in the public interest, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s in the government\u2019s interest. I don\u2019t think, ultimately and most importantly, it\u2019s in Canadians\u2019 interest.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/business.financialpost.com\/telecom\/network-challenges-loom-large-for-telecoms-4g-on-steroids<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/business.financialpost.com\/telecom\/network-challenges-loom-large-for-telecoms-4g-on-steroids\">https:\/\/business.financialpost.com\/telecom\/network-challenges-loom-large-for-telecoms-4g-on-steroids<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The hundreds of thousands of small cells needed to run 5G are a recipe for conflict between cities and wireless carriers October 19, 2018 7:00 AM EDT Cellphone towers disguised as pine trees, palm trees or cacti aren\u2019t fooling many as they jut out of the natural landscape. Just google the Rogers Communications Inc. \u201ctree\u201d [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[346,357,17,103,28,368,492,3,598,42,324,500,23,139,517,343,43,44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14380","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-5g","category-5g-antenna","category-bc","category-canada","category-cell-tower","category-enode","category-gnode","category-health_and_safety","category-living-lab-5g-antenna","category-lower-mainland","category-rogers","category-rollout","category-school","category-telus","category-testbed","category-ubc","category-vancouver","category-victoria"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14380","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14380"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14380\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14386,"href":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14380\/revisions\/14386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14380"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14380"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emrabc.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14380"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}