When Might the Catskill Region Expect to Enjoy 5G Wireless Connectivity?

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Known for its picturesque views and amenable climate during the warmer months of the year, the Hudson Valley has always represented an extremely popular tourist destination. Let’s also remember that this region is currently home to millions of permanent residents. Although the population may be falling in certain areas, there is no doubt that the Catskills region is one of the most attractive that New York State has to offer. However, it has been shown that the younger generation is now migrating away in order to find more lucrative economic opportunities elsewhere. This is partially due to the somewhat sporadic Internet connectivity that still plagues some locations. As we are on the cusp of 5G wireless services, what can the Hudson Valley (and the Catskills as a whole) expect to enjoy and when might this technology make its presence known?

people sitting down near table with assorted laptop computers

A Question of Demand

We should first point out that 5G wireless services will first be rolled out into major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Albany and Buffalo. This is simply due to supply and demand. As these networks can be costly to maintain, it only makes sense that they are introduced to areas associated with a much higher volume of Internet traffic (and therefore, more paying customers). This is also why some analysts believe that 5G connectivity might not arrive within the Catskills until 2025 or 2026 (1).

What About Logistics?

Some towns found within the Hudson Valley are naturally more remote than others. Thus, installing physical hardware such as permanent mobile phone towers is likely to be challenging in terms of labor and logistics. This is the very same reason why relatively few residents have been able to enjoy other types of high-speed connections such as fiber optics. Major utility providers such as AT&T always have to keep an eye on the proverbial “bottom line” and in this case, some of the more rural locations will simply have to deal with spotty coverage for the time being.

Regional Considerations

Still, the more populous locations within the Catskills could very well experience 5G services sooner as opposed to later. When we then take into account that pastimes such as online sports betting are quite popular here, users will be keen to have the ability to access this site and countless others. In other words, companies are just as eager to tap into the lucrative opportunities that await. It is hoped that this will create a greater sense of urgency amongst major regional Internet providers such as Mid-Hudson Cable and Spectrum.

However, the fact of the matter is that it will likely be a game of “watch and wait” well into the foreseeable future. As 5G connectivity requires a massive financial commitment, companies need to prioritise their efforts for the time being. The good news is that 4G coverage is constantly improving, so residents should be able to access the digital domain much faster when compared to a handful of years ago.

Sources:
1. http://www.wirelessoracle.com/city/catskill-ny coverage/#:~:text=There%20are%20currently%20no%205g,available%20between%202024%20and%202026.




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