Ducey: Arizona the first state to “pave the way” for 5G cell service
Apr 6, 2017, 4:35 AM
In this March 13, 2017 photo, a cell tower is seen through trees in North Andover, Mass. Insurance companies are using cellphone tower data to deny claims for stolen cars, burned homes and other mishaps, despite the information coming under question at criminal trials across the country. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey wrote a letter published on Wednesday saying that his signature on House Bill 2365 makes his state the first to “streamline” the deployment of 5G wireless communication.
“The legislation, by making it easier to add capacity to existing wireless networks and, thus, improve our infrastructure, will go a long way in solidifying our reputation as a state where new and exciting tech companies can set up shop and flourish,” Ducey wrote.
An article from Business Insider explained that 5G technology hasn’t really hit mainstream yet, but when it does, it could allow customers to consume internet at speeds up to 500 megabytes per second — fast enough to download a 100GB 4K movie in two minutes, they said. The U.S. average for internet speed is 6.5 megabytes per second.
“In the 21st century, entrepreneurs shouldn’t have to jump through a patchwork of regulatory hurdles or navigate a maze of permits and fees in order to offer Arizonans access to mobile data,” Ducey added. “That’s what the legislation ensures.”
The first-term governor said it’s not a matter of “if” — but “when” — wireless networks in Arizona expand.
