Intelligens Consulting has written previously that, although 5G is coming, it is no longer the goldrush that many analysts predicted towards the end of the last decade.

The bullish predictions around urban densification through the deployment of 5G small cells has not quite materialised in any major UK urban conurbation. And for good reason too.

As it currently stands, the lack of demand coupled with high deployment costs fails to make the investment case for densified standalone public 5G small cell networks and all other forms of connectivity.

From a demand perspective, significant efforts are being made by industry and public bodies to develop compelling 5G centric use cases to stoke demand. From a supply perspective, although the cost of deploying 5G networks will come down over time – as the technology matures thereby improving the investment metrics – public bodies have a crucial role in helping the industry to overcome the challenges faced when deploying small cell networks.

In the UK, the term ‘barrier busting’ describes a set of initiatives that public bodies should be implementing in order to help the industry overcome deployment challenges.

Public bodies that proactively implement barrier-busting can make a significant difference in the investability of a region, which is fundamental to driving future economic growth.

An asset register records local authority assets that can be used for hosting small cell (and other) equipment to facilitate network rollout. The asset register can include a list of publicly owned buildings/rooftops, street lighting columns, CCTV camera posts, traffic lights, ducting, fibre networks, etc.

A single point of entry into public bodies for all telecoms related enquires simplifies the interface with the industry. This could involve setting up a dedicated telecoms unit, for example.

Standardising documentation such as wayleaves, asset rental agreements with a consistent payment structure, all in line with the Electronic Communication Code, ensures that enquiries do not require a protracted negotiation for each and every agreement. This approach ensures fair compensation for the use of public assets while providing cost clarity to the telecoms industry to support their investment decisions.

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Public sector processes underpin all of the above activities. Streamlining processes to make them fit for purpose can reduce the administrative burden on public bodies as well as significantly decreasing the time to market.

These include processes for agreeing on asset rentals, signing off wayleaves and route packs, providing access for site visits, surveys and installs and coordinating activities with roads public realm works, for example.

The telecoms industry has been absolutely clear that public bodies are integral to the successful roll-out of 5G small cell networks.

Without this partnership, 5G will be difficult and costly to roll out, which risks damaging the potential economic gain and widening the digital divide. It should be incumbent on public bodies to make this happen.