SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Construction crews are installing the cable that will support Verizon’s 5G network in Sioux Falls.
But before the 5G gizmos that go on light poles and other structures, 5G starts out with a very low tech hole in the ground.
Crews are working in downtown Sioux Falls–in fact across the street from KELO Radio at the corner of 13th Street and Phillips–drilling holes in the sidewalk and occasional cutting away three-foot deep or so holes in the ground below.
There, they access the conduits under the sidewalks and streets and install about a two-inch diameter cable that will help carry the much faster signal to devices on light poles and other public infrastructure.
In January, the City Council approved a contract with Verizon to install the “small cell” system on city-owned utility and light poles in the public right of way. Unlike 4G, 5G, according to the FCC, though considerably faster, has a much smaller range. Hence, more transceivers need to be placed around town for adequate coverage than current 4G towers.
