• March 17, 2022

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AT&T announced it is turning to a new, creative solution to boost 5G experiences in cities. The company is turning streetlights into 5G small cell sites to help offer mobile data to localized areas while also reducing the cost and speed of installation.

According to AT&T, some of the biggest challenges network operators face when deploying new mobile network infrastructure happen before the construction. This includes securing the site, developing the custom design, and obtaining the necessary permits needed to get started. All of this, plus the time it takes for construction, can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete. By incorporating 5G radios into streetlights, network operators can eliminate the pre-deployment work, significantly reducing overall install time.

AT&T contacted Ericsson, a global equipment provider, with its idea and together they developed the concept for the Ericsson Street Radio 4402. The compact, fully integrated Ericsson Street Radio small cell simply plugs into existing streetlights that utilize a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standardized connector. With aesthetics being key, this device blends seamlessly into the existing infrastructure of the streetlight, barely seen from street level. Devices can also be installed within just 15 minutes, offering a quick and effective solution.

After testing prototypes last year, AT&T has started deploying its streetlight-powered small cells in the field, commercially deploying the devices in a few cities across the U.S.

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Sources:

fiercewireless.com/5g/att-deploying-streetlight-powered-5g-small-cells

about.att.com/innovationblog/2022/streetlights-to-boost-5g-deployments.html

theverge.com/2022/2/25/22951088/att-testing-5g-small-cell-radios-street-lights