The 5G transport discussion is primarily focused on the role of fiber in delivering on the increased capacity demands associated with next-generation cellular. But fiber comes with some built-in challenges, chief among them cost and availability–fiber isn’t always where operators need it and there isn’t always time or money to get it there. Given U.S. operators’ reliance on millimeter wave small cells to go to market with 5G, perhaps its time to revisit the role of microwave in 5G transport.
