Smart pole installation forecast to reach 11 million by 2030

Analyst finds main driver behind smart pole deployments is the need for cellular network densification in the form of 5G and future 6G small cells and the use of mmWave radio spectrum.

Smart poles are predicted to become a key deployment framework for urban infrastructure with a forecast installed base exceeding 10.8 million globally by 2030, new research suggests.

According to global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, which describes smart poles as “multi-functional aggregation points” for smart urban infrastructure, this will translate into system revenues amounting to amounting to $60bn.

Smart urban infrastructure

“The relevance of smart poles for smart cities is huge. They offer an efficient, scalable, and modular framework for deploying the whole spectrum of smart urban infrastructure, ranging from 5G small cells and wifi hotspots to surveillance and traffic cameras, signage and information displays, air quality and flood monitoring solutions, and charging points for two- and four-wheel vehicles, drones, and handsets including renewable energy generation,” said Dominique Bonte, VP end markets and verticals at ABI Research.

He continued: “However, the main driver behind smart pole deployments is the need for cellular network densification in the form of 5G and future 6G small cells and the use of mmWave radio spectrum. As such, the telco ecosystem is expected to at least partially fund the additional smart cities functionality embedded in smart poles.”

ABI Research’s report notes typical barriers slowing down smart pole adoption include issues related to co-ownership and management (design, maintenance, backhaul cost sharing), conflicting priorities and agendas, sensor data privacy concerns, and the lack of awareness of city governments about the many benefits offered by smart poles in terms of cost savings, deployment time, scaling opportunities, and future-proof modularity.