The rise of 5G has sparked a massive shift in the way mobile networks operate. While 4G revolutionized internet access on mobile devices, 5G is taking connectivity to an entirely new level. However, one of the most significant challenges of 5G is infrastructure—specifically, the number of towers required. Unlike 4G, which can cover large areas with a single tower, 5G demands a much denser network of towers to function efficiently.
1. 5G requires up to 10 times more towers than 4G due to higher frequency bands
One of the biggest reasons 5G requires significantly more towers than 4G is the type of frequencies it uses. 5G primarily operates on high-frequency bands known as millimeter waves (mmWave).
These waves are great for fast speeds but struggle with range and obstacles.
In contrast, 4G LTE operates on lower frequency bands, which travel farther and penetrate walls more effectively. A single 4G tower can cover several miles, but 5G towers need to be much closer together to maintain strong connectivity.
This means for every one 4G tower, multiple 5G small cells must be installed to ensure the same level of coverage.
For businesses and municipalities, this means major infrastructure investments. Cities must work with telecom providers to install thousands of small cell towers on existing structures like streetlights and buildings.
Without this expansion, 5G won’t be able to deliver on its promise of ultra-fast and reliable connections.
For homeowners and renters, this means more visible infrastructure in their neighborhoods. While 5G small cells are much smaller than traditional cell towers, they will be more common in urban and suburban areas.
2. 5G operates at millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies (24-100 GHz), which have shorter ranges than 4G’s sub-6 GHz bands
The biggest drawback of mmWave technology is its short range. Unlike 4G, which can send signals over several miles, 5G’s high-frequency signals weaken quickly.
This means that even within a city, network providers must place towers much closer together to ensure uninterrupted service.
Even something as simple as trees, rain, or buildings can weaken 5G mmWave signals. This makes deployment more challenging, especially in areas with a lot of obstacles. To maintain stable connections, networks rely on a mix of small cells and traditional towers.
For businesses that depend on seamless connectivity—like autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and IoT applications—understanding these limitations is crucial. Companies planning to use 5G for critical applications must ensure they are in areas with adequate small cell coverage.
3. 5G cell coverage radius is typically 250-500 meters, whereas 4G towers cover several kilometers
Coverage is a major difference between 4G and 5G. A single 4G tower can serve users within a radius of several kilometers. In contrast, 5G cell towers only cover about 250-500 meters.
This means that while 4G towers can be placed a few miles apart and still provide strong service, 5G needs multiple towers within a small area to work efficiently. In dense urban environments, this can mean placing a new 5G small cell every few hundred meters.
For consumers, this means that 5G coverage will vary significantly based on location. While major cities may enjoy seamless 5G access, suburban and rural areas might not see full coverage for years. Governments and telecom providers must work together to close this gap.
4. A single 4G tower can cover up to 10 km, while a 5G small cell may cover only 200-500 meters
This stark contrast in coverage highlights why 5G needs so many more towers. If a 4G tower can cover up to 10 km, a single 5G tower would need to be replicated many times over just to match that coverage.
This also impacts deployment costs. With 5G, providers must install many more small cells, which increases installation, maintenance, and operational costs.
However, despite the higher costs, the benefits of 5G—such as lower latency and higher speeds—make the investment worthwhile for many businesses and cities.
For homeowners, this may lead to an increase in the number of visible telecom installations in their neighborhoods. Although small cells are much less intrusive than traditional towers, their higher numbers may raise concerns about aesthetics and potential health effects.
5. 5G small cells need to be placed every 100-200 meters in urban environments
Unlike 4G, which allows large towers to provide service across wide areas, 5G requires small cells to be installed much more frequently. This is especially true in dense city environments where buildings can obstruct signals.
Telecom providers must install these small cells on streetlights, utility poles, and building rooftops. While this ensures better coverage, it also means that city planning efforts need to accommodate these changes.
For business owners, understanding where these towers will be installed is important. Companies operating in areas with weak 5G coverage may need to consider alternative solutions, such as private 5G networks.
6. 5G networks require 3 to 5 times more base stations per square kilometer compared to 4G
The demand for more base stations means that network providers must significantly increase their infrastructure spending. Each new base station adds costs related to deployment, permitting, and maintenance.
For policymakers, this raises important questions about how to support 5G expansion while minimizing disruption to communities. Streamlining permitting processes and offering incentives for infrastructure upgrades can help accelerate 5G deployment.
For tech businesses relying on 5G, ensuring access to a strong network will be crucial for their long-term success. Those in high-demand sectors like smart manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, and IoT should plan for additional investment in connectivity solutions.
7. 4G towers are typically spaced 1-3 km apart, while 5G mmWave towers may need spacing of 100-500 meters
The dramatic difference in spacing requirements underscores just how much more infrastructure 5G requires. This change will be particularly challenging in suburban and rural areas, where network providers may struggle to justify the cost of installing so many small cells.
For rural communities, this means they may experience slower 5G rollouts compared to urban areas. Governments and telecom companies must work together to develop solutions that extend 5G coverage beyond city centers.
For property developers and real estate investors, understanding where 5G infrastructure is expanding can provide insights into future property values. Areas with strong 5G coverage may see increased demand from tech-savvy home buyers and businesses.
8. 5G mid-band (3.5 GHz) coverage is approximately 1 km per tower, significantly less than 4G
Mid-band 5G provides a compromise between high-speed mmWave and long-range low-band 4G. However, even with this balance, it still falls short of 4G’s coverage capabilities.
For businesses, choosing the right 5G deployment strategy is essential. Those in manufacturing and logistics may benefit from private 5G networks that ensure reliable connectivity without depending entirely on public infrastructure.
For consumers, the mix of different 5G frequencies means that their experience will vary based on their location. People living in urban areas may get ultra-fast mmWave speeds, while those in suburban areas may only receive mid-band or low-band 5G.
9. Deploying 5G infrastructure costs 1.5 to 3 times more than 4G due to the increased number of towers
One of the biggest challenges of 5G deployment is cost. Because 5G requires so many more towers than 4G, the overall investment needed to build a functioning network is significantly higher.
Estimates suggest that deploying 5G infrastructure can cost between 1.5 to 3 times more than 4G.
This increased cost comes from multiple factors. First, the sheer number of small cells required means that telecom companies must invest in more equipment, labor, and permitting fees. Each small cell installation requires time, expertise, and materials, all of which add up quickly.
Second, the maintenance costs for 5G are higher than for 4G. Since there are many more towers to manage, network operators must dedicate additional resources to keeping the system running efficiently.
This can mean increased costs for repairs, software updates, and infrastructure upgrades.
For cities and local governments, understanding these costs is essential. Many municipalities are partnering with telecom companies to streamline the permitting process and reduce the financial burden of deployment.
In some cases, public-private partnerships are being used to accelerate 5G rollout while keeping costs manageable.
For consumers, these costs may be reflected in their monthly phone bills. As telecom companies invest billions into 5G infrastructure, they may pass some of these expenses onto users through higher service fees.
However, as 5G adoption grows and technology becomes more efficient, prices are expected to stabilize.
10. A city may require 20,000+ 5G small cells compared to a few thousand 4G macro towers
Urban areas are particularly affected by the high density of 5G towers needed. While a city might have only a few thousand traditional 4G macro towers, the number of 5G small cells needed can exceed 20,000.
This is because high-frequency 5G signals do not travel as far as 4G signals. In a dense city environment, where buildings and other structures can block signals, network providers must place small cells in close proximity to maintain reliable service.
For city planners, this means that a significant amount of infrastructure must be built to accommodate 5G. Telecom companies are working closely with municipalities to install small cells on existing structures like streetlights, utility poles, and traffic signals.
For business owners, the high density of 5G towers can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Companies that rely on high-speed internet, such as tech startups and digital media firms, may benefit greatly from improved connectivity.
On the other hand, some businesses may face disruptions during the installation of new infrastructure.
11. The U.S. alone may need over 800,000 new 5G towers to match 4G coverage
To fully match the coverage provided by existing 4G networks, the U.S. will need to build over 800,000 new 5G towers. This is a massive undertaking that will require billions of dollars in investment and years of construction.
The sheer scale of this deployment highlights why 5G expansion is happening in stages. Initially, network providers are focusing on major cities and urban centers, where demand for high-speed connectivity is highest. From there, they will gradually expand to suburban and rural areas.
For government agencies, ensuring that all communities have access to 5G is a priority. Policies and subsidies are being introduced to help bridge the digital divide and bring 5G to underserved areas.
For real estate developers and investors, tracking the expansion of 5G can provide valuable insights. Properties in areas with strong 5G coverage may see increased demand from businesses and consumers who rely on fast internet speeds.
12. Millimeter-wave 5G signals struggle to penetrate buildings, requiring more towers for indoor coverage
One of the biggest weaknesses of 5G’s high-frequency signals is their inability to penetrate walls and other solid objects effectively. This means that even in areas with excellent outdoor coverage, indoor reception can be poor unless additional infrastructure is installed.
To solve this issue, network providers are deploying indoor 5G solutions such as small cells and distributed antenna systems (DAS). These technologies help extend coverage inside buildings, ensuring that users receive a strong signal regardless of their location.
For businesses operating in large office buildings, shopping malls, or stadiums, investing in private 5G networks or indoor 5G solutions may be necessary to maintain seamless connectivity.
For homeowners and renters, Wi-Fi networks will continue to play an essential role in ensuring fast internet access indoors. While 5G will complement Wi-Fi in many cases, it is unlikely to replace it entirely for indoor use.
13. 5G infrastructure consumes more power per site but is more efficient in data transmission than 4G
While 5G offers incredible speed and low latency, it also consumes more power per site than 4G. The higher number of small cells, combined with the processing power required to handle massive amounts of data, means that energy consumption is a concern.
However, 5G is also more efficient in terms of data transmission. Compared to 4G, it can handle more devices while using less energy per bit of data transmitted. This means that over time, as networks optimize their infrastructure, the overall efficiency of 5G should improve.
For cities, energy consumption is an important factor in 5G deployment. Many municipalities are exploring ways to power 5G infrastructure using renewable energy sources to reduce the environmental impact.
For businesses and homeowners, 5G’s higher power usage may not have a direct impact on their energy bills, but it is something to consider when looking at the long-term sustainability of new technology.
14. 5G base stations can handle up to 1 million devices per square km, compared to 100,000 for 4G
One of the most exciting advantages of 5G is its ability to support far more devices than 4G. A single 5G base station can handle up to 1 million connected devices per square kilometer, compared to only 100,000 for 4G.
This is a game-changer for the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, and high-density environments. With more devices connected than ever before, businesses can leverage real-time data and automation in ways that were previously impossible.
For companies developing IoT products, understanding 5G’s capabilities is essential. Devices ranging from smart home appliances to autonomous vehicles will benefit from the increased network capacity.
For urban planners, the ability to connect more devices means that smart city initiatives—such as traffic management systems and environmental monitoring—can become more efficient and data-driven.
15. 5G small cells are often mounted on streetlights, traffic signals, and buildings, unlike large 4G towers
Because 5G requires so many more towers, network providers are utilizing existing infrastructure to deploy small cells quickly.
Instead of building massive standalone towers like those used for 4G, telecom companies are mounting 5G small cells on streetlights, traffic signals, and building rooftops.
This approach helps speed up deployment while minimizing the visual impact of new infrastructure. In many cities, residents may not even notice the presence of 5G small cells since they blend into existing urban structures.
For local governments, streamlining the approval process for small cell installations can help accelerate 5G deployment.
Some cities are adopting “one-touch make-ready” policies, which allow multiple small cell installations to be completed in a single visit, reducing delays and costs.
For businesses and property owners, leasing rooftop or pole space for 5G small cells can be a potential revenue opportunity. Telecom companies often pay for the right to install equipment on private property, creating an additional income stream for landlords.
16. The total global number of 4G towers exceeded 7 million in 2022, while 5G is still catching up
4G has been the dominant mobile network technology for over a decade, and as of 2022, there were more than 7 million 4G towers worldwide. In contrast, 5G is still in its early stages, with network operators gradually expanding their coverage.
The slower rollout of 5G is due to multiple factors, including higher costs, regulatory hurdles, and the need for significantly more infrastructure compared to 4G.
Unlike 4G, which could be deployed using fewer large macro towers, 5G requires a much denser network of small cells, which takes time and money to build.
For telecom providers, the challenge is not only building new 5G towers but also maintaining existing 4G infrastructure. Since most 5G networks currently operate in a non-standalone (NSA) mode, meaning they rely on 4G towers for coverage, providers must balance investments in both technologies.
For consumers, this means that 5G may not be available everywhere for several more years.
While major cities are seeing rapid 5G deployment, rural and suburban areas are still largely dependent on 4G.
17. A full nationwide 5G rollout could require up to 10 times more antennas compared to 4G
The difference in antenna requirements between 4G and 5G is staggering. A full nationwide rollout of 5G could require 10 times more antennas than 4G due to the higher frequency bands used by 5G.
In 4G networks, a single tower with a few antennas can cover a large area.
However, with 5G, multiple antennas are needed to support high-speed data transmission and ensure consistent connectivity.
For cities, this means that telecom providers will need to install antennas on a wide variety of structures, from streetlights to utility poles. While this may raise concerns about aesthetics, many companies are working on solutions to make 5G antennas blend seamlessly into urban environments.
For businesses and real estate developers, understanding where and how 5G antennas will be placed is crucial.
Buildings that support 5G infrastructure may become more attractive to tenants and buyers who prioritize fast, reliable internet access.
18. Dense urban areas may require 5-10x more 5G towers than 4G due to higher data demand
One of the key reasons why urban areas need significantly more 5G towers than 4G is the massive demand for data. In high-density environments, such as city centers and business districts, thousands of people are using the network simultaneously.
With 4G, a single tower can serve a large number of users, but as data consumption increases, network congestion becomes a problem. 5G is designed to handle much higher traffic loads, but to achieve this, it requires more small cells distributed throughout the city.
For telecom providers, this means that urban 5G deployment is a top priority. Cities with high population densities, such as New York, Tokyo, and London, are seeing rapid small cell deployment to support the growing demand for fast and stable internet.
For consumers, this means that while 5G will deliver much faster speeds in cities, coverage in rural areas may take longer to reach parity with 4G.
19. 5G requires fiber backhaul for high-speed connectivity, whereas 4G can use microwave links
Unlike 4G, which can rely on microwave links for backhaul (the connection between cell towers and the core network), 5G requires fiber-optic connections to function at its full potential.
Fiber backhaul is necessary because 5G networks transmit massive amounts of data at extremely high speeds.
For telecom providers, this requirement adds another layer of complexity to 5G deployment. In areas where fiber-optic infrastructure is already in place, deploying 5G is relatively straightforward.
However, in regions without extensive fiber networks, additional investment is needed to lay new fiber cables.
For cities and municipalities, ensuring that fiber infrastructure is expanded is crucial to supporting 5G growth. Some governments are investing in public-private partnerships to accelerate fiber deployment and improve connectivity.
For businesses, having access to fiber-backed 5G networks can be a game-changer.
Companies that rely on cloud computing, video conferencing, and large-scale data transfers will benefit greatly from the increased speed and reliability of 5G.
20. Deploying 5G mmWave can cost 4-5 times more than deploying 4G LTE per square mile
One of the biggest financial challenges of 5G deployment is the cost of millimeter-wave (mmWave) networks. Deploying mmWave 5G can cost four to five times more than setting up a traditional 4G LTE network per square mile.
The primary reason for this high cost is the sheer number of small cells required. Because mmWave signals do not travel far, telecom providers must install many more towers to achieve the same level of coverage as 4G.
For businesses and local governments, these high costs mean that mmWave 5G will likely be concentrated in high-traffic areas such as downtown districts, stadiums, and transportation hubs. In suburban and rural areas, lower-frequency 5G bands will likely be used instead.
For consumers, this means that while mmWave 5G will provide the fastest possible speeds, it may not be available everywhere. Instead, most users will experience mid-band and low-band 5G, which offer a balance between speed and coverage.
21. 5G small cell installations take about 1-2 weeks, while 4G macro towers take months to deploy
One advantage of 5G’s reliance on small cells is that they are much faster to install than traditional 4G towers. While setting up a new 4G macro tower can take months due to permitting, construction, and testing, a 5G small cell can be deployed in just 1-2 weeks.
This faster deployment time allows telecom providers to expand 5G coverage rapidly in urban areas. Instead of waiting months for new towers to be built, providers can quickly roll out small cells on existing infrastructure such as streetlights and utility poles.
For cities and municipalities, streamlining the permitting process for small cells can help accelerate 5G deployment. Some cities have introduced policies that allow multiple small cells to be installed at once, reducing delays and costs.
For businesses and property owners, the rapid deployment of 5G small cells can mean faster access to high-speed internet. However, it also means that new infrastructure may appear in their neighborhoods with little notice.
22. The average 5G tower has a lifespan of 5-10 years, while 4G towers last 10-15 years
One of the lesser-known facts about 5G infrastructure is that its towers have a shorter lifespan compared to 4G. While traditional 4G towers can last between 10-15 years, the average 5G small cell is expected to last only 5-10 years before needing replacement or upgrades.
This shorter lifespan is primarily due to the rapid advancements in wireless technology. As new generations of 5G hardware become available, older equipment will quickly become obsolete.
Additionally, because 5G small cells operate in harsher urban environments—where they are exposed to weather, pollution, and constant technological shifts—they wear out faster than 4G towers.
For telecom providers, this means that maintaining a 5G network is a continuous process of upgrades and replacements.
Unlike 4G, where large towers were built and left operational for over a decade, 5G networks require more frequent investments in infrastructure.
For cities and local governments, planning for ongoing 5G maintenance is essential. Permitting processes must be streamlined to allow for quick replacements, and infrastructure policies should account for the shorter lifespan of small cells.
For businesses and consumers, the faster upgrade cycle means that 5G networks will continue to improve at a rapid pace.
While this is beneficial in terms of performance and reliability, it also means that the cost of maintaining 5G infrastructure will remain high for telecom companies, potentially affecting service pricing.
23. 5G deployments rely on both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) architectures, requiring dual infrastructure in early stages
5G networks operate in two different modes: standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA). In the early stages of deployment, most telecom providers are using NSA architecture, which means that 5G networks are still relying on existing 4G infrastructure for certain functions.
This dual-infrastructure requirement increases costs and complexity for network providers. Instead of building a completely independent 5G network from scratch, providers must integrate new 5G hardware with existing 4G systems.
This includes sharing core network components, spectrum, and even some physical tower locations.
For businesses and municipalities, understanding the difference between SA and NSA 5G is important. In NSA mode, users may experience faster speeds than 4G but will not get the full benefits of 5G’s low latency and ultra-reliable connectivity.
True 5G performance will only be possible when networks transition to standalone mode, which requires additional infrastructure investment.
For consumers, this means that early 5G experiences may not be as transformative as expected. While speeds will improve, the full capabilities of 5G—such as near-instantaneous response times and massive IoT connectivity—will only be realized when SA 5G becomes more widespread.
24. Lower frequency 5G (sub-6 GHz) requires only 20-30% more towers than 4G for equivalent coverage
Not all 5G frequencies require an extreme increase in the number of towers. While high-frequency mmWave 5G needs significantly more infrastructure, lower-frequency 5G—such as sub-6 GHz—offers a more gradual upgrade path.
Compared to 4G, sub-6 GHz 5G only requires 20-30% more towers to provide similar coverage. This is because lower frequencies travel farther and penetrate obstacles more effectively than mmWave signals.
For telecom providers, this means that deploying sub-6 GHz 5G is a cost-effective way to expand coverage, particularly in suburban and rural areas where building thousands of small cells is not practical.
For businesses and governments, understanding the differences between 5G frequency bands is crucial for planning infrastructure. While high-speed mmWave 5G is best suited for urban areas and high-density environments, sub-6 GHz 5G can provide broad coverage with fewer towers.
For consumers, this means that their 5G experience will depend on their location. Those in city centers will likely have access to ultra-fast mmWave 5G, while those in suburban and rural areas will experience lower-speed sub-6 GHz 5G, which still provides a significant improvement over 4G.
25. By 2030, 5G could have over 1 million small cells deployed in major cities worldwide
As 5G adoption continues to grow, the number of small cells deployed globally is expected to exceed 1 million by 2030. This represents a massive investment in telecom infrastructure and highlights the scale of 5G expansion.
For telecom providers, this means an ongoing commitment to building and maintaining a dense network of small cells. Urban centers, where data demand is highest, will see the most aggressive deployment of 5G infrastructure.
For city planners, accommodating such a large number of small cells requires careful coordination with telecom providers. Policies must be in place to ensure that small cells are installed efficiently without creating unnecessary visual clutter or disruption to public spaces.
For businesses, the widespread availability of 5G will unlock new opportunities in automation, remote work, smart technologies, and high-speed internet services. Companies that embrace 5G early will have a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital economy.
26. The total cost of deploying nationwide 5G in the U.S. is estimated at $275 billion
Rolling out 5G across the United States is a massive undertaking, with an estimated cost of $275 billion. This investment includes infrastructure, spectrum licensing, labor, and operational costs.
For telecom providers, this represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in history. Unlike 4G, which required fewer towers and less complex deployment, 5G’s need for dense small cell networks significantly increases costs.
For policymakers and governments, finding ways to reduce the cost of 5G deployment is a priority. Some regions are exploring public-private partnerships to share the financial burden, while others are looking at regulatory reforms to streamline the approval process for new towers.
For consumers, these costs may eventually be reflected in service pricing. While competition between telecom providers will help keep prices in check, the enormous investment required for 5G may lead to higher monthly fees in some regions.
27. 5G small cells have a power consumption of around 10-50W, compared to 4G macro towers at 1-2 kW
Energy consumption is another key factor in 5G deployment. While 4G macro towers consume between 1-2 kilowatts (kW) of power, 5G small cells typically consume only 10-50 watts.
For telecom providers, this means that while each individual 5G small cell uses less power than a 4G macro tower, the sheer number of small cells required results in a higher overall power demand. This has led to discussions about energy efficiency and sustainability in 5G networks.
For cities and local governments, integrating renewable energy solutions such as solar-powered small cells could help offset the increased power usage. Some telecom companies are already experimenting with energy-efficient solutions to make 5G more sustainable.
For businesses and consumers, the increased power demand of 5G is unlikely to have a direct impact on electricity bills. However, the environmental impact of large-scale 5G deployment is an important consideration for future network expansion.
28. 5G networks can offer speeds up to 10 Gbps, whereas 4G maxes out at around 1 Gbps
One of the most exciting aspects of 5G technology is the dramatic increase in speed. While 4G networks max out at around 1 Gbps under ideal conditions, 5G has the potential to reach speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
This means that tasks that once took minutes on 4G—such as downloading a high-definition movie—can be completed in seconds on 5G.
For businesses, this level of speed opens up new possibilities for cloud computing, real-time video conferencing, and data-intensive applications like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
However, these ultra-fast speeds are mostly achievable on millimeter-wave (mmWave) 5G networks, which are still limited in coverage.
Mid-band and low-band 5G, which provide better range and penetration, offer speeds closer to 1-3 Gbps—still significantly faster than 4G but not quite at the 10 Gbps level.
For telecom providers, the challenge is ensuring that users consistently experience high speeds. This requires continued investment in small cell deployment and fiber-optic backhaul.
For consumers, the benefits of 5G speeds will be most noticeable in areas with strong network coverage.
Those living in cities with dense 5G small cells will enjoy faster and more reliable connections, while those in rural areas may see only moderate speed improvements until further infrastructure is built.
29. More than 80% of 5G networks worldwide rely on 4G LTE as a fallback
Despite the advancements of 5G, most current deployments still rely on 4G LTE as a fallback. More than 80% of 5G networks operate in a non-standalone (NSA) mode, meaning that while data transmission happens on 5G, key network functions are still handled by 4G infrastructure.
This approach allows telecom providers to roll out 5G more quickly without having to build a completely new core network from scratch.
However, it also means that users may not experience the full benefits of 5G, such as ultra-low latency and network slicing, until standalone (SA) 5G is widely available.
For businesses, understanding this distinction is crucial when investing in 5G-dependent applications. While NSA 5G provides faster speeds, only SA 5G will deliver the full capabilities needed for technologies like autonomous vehicles and industrial automation.
For consumers, this means that their 5G experience may vary depending on location and network infrastructure. While speeds will be faster than 4G, the true potential of 5G won’t be fully realized until standalone networks are more widespread.
30. The number of global 5G sites is expected to surpass 4G by 2035 due to rapid expansion
Looking ahead, 5G deployment is expected to outpace 4G in the coming years. By 2035, the number of 5G sites worldwide is projected to surpass the total number of 4G sites.
This growth will be driven by increasing demand for faster internet, the rise of IoT devices, and advancements in smart city technology. Telecom providers are investing billions in infrastructure to ensure that 5G coverage extends to as many areas as possible.
For cities and municipalities, preparing for this shift is essential. Policies and regulations must be adapted to accommodate the large-scale deployment of small cells and fiber-optic networks.
For businesses, staying ahead of the curve by adopting 5G-ready technology will provide a competitive advantage. Companies in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics will particularly benefit from the expanded capabilities of 5G networks.
For consumers, the increasing number of 5G sites means that coverage gaps will continue to shrink over time. While early adopters in major cities already have access to 5G, more rural and suburban areas will gradually see improved service as the network expands.
wrapping it up
The shift from 4G to 5G represents one of the most significant technological upgrades in recent history. However, this transition comes with major challenges—especially when it comes to infrastructure.
Unlike 4G, which could be deployed using fewer, larger towers, 5G requires a dense network of small cells to function effectively. This means that millions of new 5G sites will be needed worldwide, requiring significant investment from telecom providers, governments, and businesses.
