Usable, accessible 5G service is still a far-off hypothetical for most people – Verizon and AT&T are implementing test networks in a few markets in 2018, but it is generally accepted that it will be many years before 5G is really a viable alternative to other networks. In Houston, however, experts and residents alike are optimistic that 5G will be fully deployed and available by 2020.
Jay Brown, chief executive of Crown Castle, a Houston-based cellular tower company, said his company is in the process of prepping for 5G service in Houston and around the country. “In the early days, there were five to eight cell towers in the whole city,” Brown said. “Now there are 2,000 towers in Houston, and 5,000 to 6,000 in the entire area.” Brown also noted that Houston is one of the easier cities to get right-of-way access for cables and antennas, making the path towards 5G smoother than it will be elsewhere.