Bucks County government is hoping to make a buck off its unused rooftops.

The Bucks County Commissioners – two Democrats and one Republican – unanimously voted Wednesday to enter into an agreement with 5G LLC, of Bethesda, Maryland, to market their buildings as places wireless data companies can place 5G antennas. The county will get 75 percent of rental income.

Andrew Corrigan, a senior vice president with Aon who brought the 5G LLC agreement to the commissioners, said the program allows county government to “monetize their rooftops” by installing 5G antennas.

With more than 250 facilities, Corrigan said 5G LLC will market suitable county-owned sites to nearly two dozen wireless data providers and carriers.

5G stands for the fifth generation of mobile communications. This next generation of technology promises consumers faster data rates with lower latency, or delays, in transmitting data. It also promises more capacity for a more efficient network. 5G is being designed with flexibility in mind, to support future services and applications that may not even exist today.

How is 5G different from 4G?

5G technology can provide higher data speeds with less delay than 4G, sometimes referred to as 4G LTE. Some 5G services will provide coverage areas with data speeds up to 100 times faster and almost instantaneous response time. For example, it can take almost six minutes to download a feature-length movie with 4G. With 5G, the same movie can be downloaded in as little as 15 seconds. Technically speaking, current 4G speeds are approximately 12-36 megabytes per second (Mbps), while 5G services are expected to support speeds of up to 300 Mbps or greater.

When will 5G be available?

5G technology requires upgraded cellular networks as well as devices capable of accessing these new networks. 5G networks are already being deployed in some parts of the country. Check with your mobile provider for detailed information about its 5G deployment plans.

A benefit of wireless companies using county buildings is the revenue to the county and better mobile data service for residents, Corrigan explained.

Bucks County Commissioners Chairperson Bob Harvie, a Democrat, said the 5G network will be faster, but it needs more antennas than the current systems. He said multiple county properties could get antennas and bring in revenue.

Nationwide, there are presently 170,000 3G and 4G antenna sites, but 5G will require 3 million sites nationwide to create the faster network.

5G antennas are much smaller than traditional wireless towers. The 5G network requires a close together network of antennas that are about three feet high and a foot wide, with about 15 square feet of rooftop space needed for the setup, Corrigan said.

The new equipment can be easily hidden and won’t penetrate the roof of a facility that is selected, Corrigan said.

5G LLC is working with other governments and commercial real estate owners to market spaces for 5G antennas.

Harvie said he only sees the agreement as a plus because county government can bring in revenue to fund their operations by simply leasing out empty space.

Resident Ed Mackhouse raised concern over radiation put out by 5G antennas.

“Nothing is perfectly safe and we have to have doctors and scientists evaluate these things,” he said.

Beth Curcio, a Warminster Township resident, asked the commissioners to get more information on 5G and said kids were sicker than ever.

“There’s no health or safety complications with these antennas,” Corrigan told the commissioners.

The National Cancer Institute, citing research and studies, has said there have been no links of increased health risks due to mobile data networks for everyday citzens.

In other business, the commissioners approved the Bucks County Consumer Protection/Weights and Measures Department to purchase a new Ford F-550 chassis from Fred Beans for $50,380. The vehicle will be fitted out with a an $89,750 hybrid calibration package by Pemberton Fabricators Inc.

The truck and equipment will be used to take measurements for certifications, like making sure gas pumps are delivering the amount of fuel customers pay for.

Joe Khan, the county’s solicitor and head of the Bucks County Law Department that oversees the Consumer Protection/Weights and Measures Department, said the department is pleased to get the new truck to replace their aging one. He said equipment helps protect consumers and also brings in revenue to the county.

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