Partnership adds 20,000 potential 5G small cell locations across the U.S.
As carriers grapple with challenges around mmWave 5G antenna deployment strategies in urban landscapes, small cell aggregator Digital Locations announced this week a new partnership which it claims is one of the first to tackle 5G small cell densification head-on. The company announced an agreement with smart waste and recycling pioneer Bigbelly to market 20,000 Bigbelly locations to its small cell network.
Bigbelly’s signature products are solar-powered waste and recycling collection bins found in public parks and other open public spaces. The company boasts 65,000 installations globally, with about 20,000 of them distributed nationwide. These outdoor Bigbelly locations can be used for 5G small cell and private deployments without having to alter the landscape with larger antenna configurations, Digital Locations said in a statement.
“As a result of this agreement, Bigbelly and Digital Locations seek to be one of the first teaming arrangements to solve the outdoor/indoor 5G cellular signal problem by providing a solution to where people frequent the most, such as busy cities and towns, campuses and corporate settings,” the company said.
Rich Berliner, CEO of Digital Locations, said that improving 5G connectivity is only part of the appeal.
“Bigbelly’s locations will give us the ability to assist our customers in expanding their wireless footprint using 4G, 5G and CBRS technologies,” he said.
Alex Gamota, Bigbelly Senior Vice President of ICT, explained why his company makes it an ideal partner for hosting small cell locations. It’s more than just about the prime real estate spot – Bigbelly has its own multipurpose hosting platform, called Telebelly. The company said it’s optimized for small cell deploment, as standalone Wi-Fi hot spots, and for other purposes.
“By design, Bigbelly’s Waste and Recycling stations are situated ‘where the people are.’ Improving connectivity not only supports information and communication technology applications; the Telebelly platform also optimizes daily operations and enhances the overall quality of life,” he said.
Telebelly is in use in Dublin, Ireland as part of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) Connected City program. The pilot program was successful enough that the Dublin City Council (DCC) formed a new Telecoms Unit to manage intelligent urban technology and 5G deployment.
