Tapping into the Gold Mine of 5G Location Data

For government agencies, planning ahead is imperative. Whether it’s building new roads adjusting traffic flows, anticipating energy consumption, or improving the delivery of public services, having vital insights into the needs of constituents is crucial for wise investment in public infrastructure.

Gaining these insights by tapping into a gold mine of 5G geolocation data can offer government agencies an unprecedented opportunity to better serve the public while more judiciously spending taxpayer dollars.

Telecommunications service providers are sitting on a wealth of underutilized data that can be monetized. As 5G service becomes more pervasive, the associated geolocation data is growing exponentially, offering an anonymous, real-time view into subscriber activity within a specific cell tower’s range.

In the hands of state and local planners and project managers, this data can be crucial for better decision-making on future infrastructure and innovative “smart city” projects.

5G Geolocation Data as a Planning Tool

5G geolocation data has the ability to show planners how the public currently is using government infrastructure, allowing decision-makers to more accurately target changes and improvements. Such efforts might include examining existing traffic patterns to inform roadway expansion projects, as well as traffic light timing to increase the flow of vehicles. The data also can offer insights into energy usage, which in the case of electric vehicles can support planning for the strategic placement of public charging stations.

The push for smart cities will require planners to fully evaluate the requirements for infrastructure changes. These could include everything from connectivity with Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the use of artificial intelligence to improve energy efficiency, parking availability, and street light optimization. Smart cities will necessitate data collection to maximize investments.

Planning around public services, law enforcement, and emergency response systems also can benefit from the insights gathered via 5G geolocation data.

Data Accuracy Will Be Essential

Mobile network operators can facilitate the use of 5G geolocation data within government projects, but the accuracy and timeliness of this data will be incredibly important to ensure the success of initiatives. Being able to process the data in real-time, 24/7, will deliver insights that are up to the minute, which planners will need to understand the shifting needs, patterns, and behaviors of constituents. 
Operators should leverage observability and data instrumentation, machine learning, and advanced analytics at the radio access network (RAN) level to dramatically improve the accuracy of geolocation data. This approach reduces the errors associated with the collection of over-the-top GPS and passive geolocation, which can result in inaccuracies due to the density of urban areas and coverage limitations caused by indoor usage.

Telecommunications service providers have an opportunity to tap into the wealth of 5G geolocation data that is at their fingertips, thus delivering accurate and timely data to city planners who are tasked with improving public infrastructure. This presents a potential revenue stream for providers, and invaluable planning data to government planners—a win-win for everyone.

Read more about how 5G geolocation data can help government agencies.

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