With deployment commitments from the country’s top-two cellular carriers, State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) said Indiana is a national leader when it comes to 5G investments.
VanNatter, a member of the House Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications, said this week’s announcement by Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr noted that AT&T and Verizon will deploy 5G-capable technology in Indianapolis by the end of the year. These 5G networks will offer stronger and faster internet connections than currently available.
“State policies have made Indiana a national leader in mobile broadband and more prepared for the deployment of future technology advancements.” VanNatter said. “Thanks to these forward-thinking polices, more Hoosiers are connected to strong, reliable internet through the use of new infrastructure technology called ‘small cells,’ which are around the size of a backpack, rather than larger tower cells.”
5G technology will rely on small cells to expand networks.
An FCC proposal to accelerate the deployment of 5G throughout the nation utilizes Indiana policies VanNatter supported to speed up distribution of small cells, minimize burdensome regulations and consider local needs and concerns. VanNatter said one year after Indiana enacted these policies, wireless providers have installed 1,000 small cells across 30 sites in Indiana.
“The FCC’s proposal will give wireless providers flexibilities to bring faster internet to Indiana, specifically rural communities, at a lower cost, stimulating greater investments in these areas,” VanNatter said. “I am optimistic about what this federal proposal means for our state moving forward and remain committed to connecting more Hoosiers in rural communities to dependable broadband.”
VanNatter says a next-generation network can connect Hoosiers, help create jobs, expand access to high-quality education and telemedicine, and encourage smart agricultural advancements.