The wireless telecommunications industry is evolving rapidly in order to accommodate the next generations of 5G wireless technology. The architecture for 5G will use “small cell” facilities, cell phone carriers, tower companies and even cable television companies to facilitate this transition.

This cost structure means that small cell facilities could be cheaper to operate than traditional cell towers, both in terms of acquiring the underlying property rights, as well as for facility and equipment costs.

Given the emerging regulatory framework governing small cell sites, municipalities will have to work closely with the telecommunications industry, wireless carriers and tower companies for the best use of public infrastructure.