The coronavirus global pandemic has forced many office workers to take their jobs at home, resulting in an increased demand for faster internet connection. In the hopes to give residential internet users a faster service, telecommunication companies have been working non-stop to boost their network through the help of 5G boxes.
Wireless companies, including Verizon, are now installing chest freezer-sized boxes as part of their 5G network rollout. The box, also known as "ground fixtures" is supposed to supply power and data to 5G antennas on nearby utility poles.
5G (of fifth-generation) network is a connection speed that is meant to be five to ten times faster than a 4G connection. Currently, 5G connections are limited in the country. That is why telco giants are launching their 5G network in the city, resulting in installing 5G transmission boxes in nearby suburbs.
Property Eyesore
While the telecom giants' effort to provide a 5G connection to every household is an applaudable move, some homeowners are not happy when a huge box suddenly emerged in their front yard.
Houston is the first city to receive a 5G network launching from Verizon. According to the Houston Chronicle, residents were made aware of the ongoing work but were not informed of installing annoying boxes in front of their property.
One of the residents named Dirk Wijnands told the outlet: "Three weeks after the work began, they hung a little tag on our doorknob that said something like, 'Oh we are doing some work on your lawn."
"They're ugly. There's no warning, no discussion about them. No discussion of alternatives," another resident noted.
The news outlet reported that the city residents are now outraged over what they call an "ugly" installation from the telco giant. Homeowner's primary concern is how the eyesore installation will affect their property's value in the future.
However, According to the 2017 Texas Senate Bill 1004, Verizon doesn't have any obligation to ask homeowners permission or notify them before installing the 5G boxes. The equipment and the utility pole are placed on the right-of-way or part of the country's land, even if it is within a homeowner's front yard.
The only thing the network provider need is a permit that is now cheaper when the said bill was passed. From $3,000, telcos now only need to pay $300 to secure a permit and proceed with the installation.
Internet Upgrade Cost
Houston neighborhood is not the only residential area affected by the unexpected installation of equipment meant to boost internet connection. It turns out that telecoms have been receiving this kind of reaction from homeowners for the past years as companies prepare for the 5G network transition. The report also noted that the Verizon installation in the Montrose neigborhood began in 2019.
Another concern raised by the affected homeowners is the possible error that may come along with the installation. The news outlet reported an instance when contractors dig into pipes and burst them, leaving the streets flooded with water instead of a 5G signal.
READ MORE: New York Industrial Site Thrives Amid COVID-19 Pandemic