The foundations for fifth generation (5G) mobile data networks are under construction, and services will be available in limited markets this year, while widespread availability is forecasted for 2020. In much the same way that fiber networks transformed the internet experience for broadband users, mobile users are anticipating faster service, lower latency, and increased reliability once 5G rolls out.
Mobile users aren't the only ones positioned to benefit from the infrastructure investments needed to support 5G. The availability of high speed wireless can influence decisions about real estate development as well as where to locate new corporate headquarters or retail locations, for example.
To capture these ongoing industry changes, Pitney Bowes has recently expanded its telecom data portfolio with four new data products that focus on the modern infrastructure supporting the 5G rollout. These datasets offer telecommunications companies a wealth of insight as they make costly new investments in physical infrastructure. Beyond that, areas such as real estate, government, and business planning will find applications to aid in their decision making.
Carrier Fiber Routes
The Carrier Fiber Routes dataset maps fiber network coverage owned by more than 700 carriers across 7,000 US cities. Telecommunications companies can use this data to understand the existing fiber infrastructure, ranging from metro street-level service to backhaul transport networks, and pinpoint the proximity to fiber infrastructure required for network expansion.
Fiber Lit Buildings
Encompassing more than 2 million locations across the US, including data centers and central offices, Fiber Lit Buildings describes which carriers have a fiber presence or optical switches connected to a fiber loop within a particular building.
Cell Towers
Understanding the existing cellular network infrastructure is critical to planning 5G investments. The Cell Towers dataset enables users to find wireless facilities - towers, rooftops, water tanks, raw land, billboards, trees and the like - to deploy cellular, PCS, WIMAX, LMDS, MMDS and/or other wireless coverage. This product also features more than 420,000 facilities and includes site ID, name, description, location, ground elevation, FAA study number, cell tower type, and more to bring necessary context to each cell tower location.
Broadband Wireless
Broadband Wireless boundaries provide attributes and coverage areas for facility-based wireless providers and documents the range of spectrum used to deliver services.
There's no doubt that 5G will be a game changer for telecommunications and an array of other industries alike, and new business opportunities will inevitably emerge as a result. Accurately capturing 5G investments is critical in taking advantage of these opportunities, but it can be difficult when the infrastructure is hard to find and constantly evolving. Reach out to a data expert for more details on how to get ahead of the 5G game.
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Bryan Bonack
Data Product Manager
Pitney Bowes
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