New York State
Erie wants to lead in 5G
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, fed up with the lack of high-speed internet access in rural and other underserved parts of his county, wants to borrow $20 million to install 360 miles of proprietary fiber lines in an effort to ensure that Erie is ready for 5G.
A broadband cable drum with laying trailer and other rolls with black fiber optic cables for faster Internet in rural regions like Erie County. Shutterstock
As internet providers work to identify which markets should be the first to get 5G service, some parts of the country are still struggling to just close the digital divide. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, for one, is fed up with the lack of high-speed internet access in rural and other underserved parts of his county, which is why he wants to borrow $20 million to install 360 miles of proprietary fiber lines in an effort to ensure that Erie is ready for the 5G revolution.
“If we do not do invest in #ErieNet and make sure our communications infrastructure is 5G ready some will be left behind,” Poloncarz tweeted on Wednesday. “In the New Erie County, we are not leaving anyone behind.” The proposal for a county-owned network would theoretically allow the buildout of connections to be prioritized in currently underserved areas.
Poloncarz isn’t the only one who should be concerned about New York’s readiness for 5G. Though wireless carriers swear implementation is imminent, they’re running into roadblocks and red tape in New York City when it comes to gaining access to the street and light poles that will be a necessary part of the 5G infrastructure.
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