5G and fiber in Davidson County, NC

Extending 5G coverage in Davidson County and across the nation has the potential to bring significant economic benefits. 5G is the latest wireless communication technology that promises faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections. By enabling faster and more reliable connectivity, 5G can enable a range of new applications and services, such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and augmented reality.

A report by Accenture estimates that 5G could add $500 billion to the U.S. GDP and create up to 3 million new jobs by 2025. The report also suggests that industries such as healthcare, education, and transportation could benefit significantly from the increased connectivity that 5G provides. In particular, healthcare could see significant improvements in patient care and remote monitoring, while education could be transformed by the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies.

In addition to 5G, true asymmetrical bandwidth fiber (also known as "symmetrical fiber" or "symmetric gigabit fiber") has the potential to change the ISP landscape by enabling faster upload speeds that are on par with download speeds. This can enable new applications and services that require high-speed uploads, such as video conferencing, cloud computing, and online gaming.

A report by Deloitte suggests that the deployment of symmetrical gigabit fiber could have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, potentially adding $130 billion in economic value and creating up to 2.3 million new jobs.

Improved bandwidth and faster connectivity can also bring better security to the telecommunications landscape. The use of protocols like PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) and QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) can help to improve the security of communications and protect against cyber threats.

As for a timeline for changes in the local and national telecommunications landscape, it's difficult to predict with certainty. However, many telecommunications companies are already investing heavily in 5G and fiber networks, and we can expect to see continued growth in these areas in the coming years. Additionally, the federal government has made significant investments in expanding broadband access and improving digital infrastructure, which could further accelerate the deployment of new telecommunications technologies.

Overall, extending 5G coverage and deploying true asymmetrical bandwidth fiber can bring significant economic benefits to Davidson County and the nation as a whole. By enabling faster and more reliable connectivity, these technologies can unlock new applications and services, improve productivity and efficiency, and create new job opportunities. Additionally, improved security measures can help to protect against cyber threats and ensure the privacy and integrity of communications.

Davidson County is served by a number of telecommunications providers, including major national companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Spectrum, as well as smaller regional providers like North State and Lexington Utilities. These companies offer a range of services, including wired and wireless internet, cable TV, and phone service.

Historically, the telecommunications landscape in Davidson County and across the country has been shaped by a mix of market forces and government regulation. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 deregulated the telecommunications industry and allowed for increased competition, leading to the emergence of new players in the market. However, the government also plays a role in regulating the use of public resources like radio spectrum and providing funding for broadband infrastructure through programs like the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Connect America Fund.

Local governments and municipalities can play a key role in driving changes in the telecommunications landscape in a sustainable and meaningful way. One approach is to work with telecommunications providers to encourage the deployment of new technologies like 5G and fiber networks. This can involve streamlining permitting processes and providing incentives like tax breaks or access to public rights-of-way.

Another approach is to explore the possibility of creating municipally-owned broadband networks. This involves the local government or a public utility building and operating its own broadband network, which can offer faster speeds and lower prices than those offered by private providers. Several cities and towns across the country have pursued this approach, and it has been particularly successful in rural areas where private providers are less likely to invest.

To support these efforts, there are several resources and organizations that local governments and municipalities can turn to for assistance. The National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors are two organizations that provide support and guidance on broadband deployment and digital infrastructure. Additionally, the FCC's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs can provide information on federal funding opportunities and regulatory issues.

In conclusion, the telecommunications landscape in Davidson County and across the country is constantly evolving, driven by a mix of market forces and government regulation. Local governments and municipalities can play a key role in driving changes that benefit all citizens and stakeholders, whether through encouraging the deployment of new technologies or exploring the possibility of municipally-owned broadband networks. By working collaboratively with telecommunications providers and leveraging available resources and organizations, local governments can help to ensure that all citizens have access to fast, reliable, and affordable broadband services.

here are some sources and URLs for the resources mentioned

   National League of Cities: https://www.nlc.org/
   U.S. Conference of Mayors: https://www.usmayors.org/
   FCC's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: https://www.fcc.gov/general/office-intergovernmental-affairs

Additionally, here are some more resources related to broadband deployment and digital infrastructure:

   BroadbandUSA: https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/
   Connected Nation: https://connectednation.org/
   Institute for Local Self-Reliance: https://ilsr.org/
   Next Century Cities: https://nextcenturycities.org/
   Rural Telecommunications Congress: https://www.ruraltelecon.org/

These organizations provide a range of resources and support for local governments and municipalities looking to expand broadband access and improve digital infrastructure in their communities.

here are some hyperlocal sources and URLs for Davidson County, North Carolina:

   Davidson County Government: https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/
   Davidson County Economic Development Commission: https://www.davidsonbusiness.com/
   Davidson County Public Library: https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/138/Public-Library
   City of Lexington: https://www.lexingtonnc.gov/
   Town of Thomasville: https://www.thomasville-nc.gov/
   DavidsonWorks: https://www.davidsonworks.org/
   Davidson County Community College: https://www.davidsonccc.edu/
   Davidson County Education Foundation: https://www.dcefnc.org/
   Davidson County Chamber of Commerce: https://www.davidsonchamber.net/

These local sources provide information and resources specific to Davidson County, North Carolina and can be helpful for individuals and organizations looking to get involved in the community and stay up-to-date on local initiatives and developments.

While it is true that the telecom industry has had its share of scandals and controversies over the years, it is important to note that these incidents do not represent the entire industry. Broadbandits: Inside the $750 Billion Telecom Heist is a book that focuses on the downfall of telecom giants such as WorldCom and Global Crossing, and is a compelling account of the challenges faced by these companies.

It is true that the telecom industry has faced criticism for various issues over the years, including high prices, poor customer service, and concerns over privacy and security. However, it is also true that the industry has played a critical role in driving innovation and technological progress.

As with any industry, there have been bad actors and scandals in the telecom industry, but it is important to recognize the many positive contributions that the industry has made to society as a whole.

It is worth noting that Broadbandits was published in 2003 and focuses on events that occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While it is important to learn from the past and be aware of the mistakes that have been made, it is also important to recognize that the industry has evolved significantly in the years since then.

Today, the telecom industry is continuing to drive innovation and technological progress, and is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of our society and economy.