Power Probs

Reinventing the Telecom Power Grid from the Ground Up

Today’s broadband and 5G networks require more and more small cells AND the power that fuels them. Unfortunately, the telecom power grid is still not available to everyone, and many are unable to drive on the information highway at top speed.

"There’s AC power virtually everywhere in North America. But just because there is power going down the street doesn’t mean there is access for small cells. As a result, small cells were installed in locations where there was power—instead of in the best connectivity location."

This has put a strain on Communications Service Providers (CSPs) to expand the telecommunications power grid to provide electricity to all the equipment and structures that fuel the Internet.

Think about when you move into a new house and you’re trying to plan where you’re going to put your massive, big screen TV. The wall where you want to place it is always in the wrong place. The same thing happens with the power grid. There’s AC power virtually everywhere in North America. But just because there is power going down the street doesn’t mean there is access for small cells. As a result, small cells were installed in locations where there was power–instead of in the best connectivity location.

The old way to connect devices to power was to build new infrastructure closer to the end-users and to set up meters for the smaller converters. That was costly.

Another pricey method is running copper alongside fiber cables. This doubles the amount of cabling needed for new projects. This is cost-prohibitive for all parties involved and stunted the rollout of the 5G and rural broadband networks.