Smart trash cans offer hidden 5G infrastructure

Alpha Wireless partners with smart waste company Bigbelly to scale 5G technology in cities.

Designed to deliver a more discreet and aesthetically pleasing 5G infrastructure, the partnership will combine Alpha Wireless’ smart antennas, masts, connectors and enclosures with Bigbelly’s platform, Telebelly. Designed to look like a roadside trash can, Telebelly is designed to discreetly place Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment in public places, making it more aesthetically pleasing and deployable.

“The revolutionary Telebelly enables essential connectivity and waste management in one easily accessible location with minimal visual impact and footprint,” said Brian Phillips, CEO of Bigbelly. “By allowing Alpha Wireless to offer a turnkey solution that integrates its antennas with Telebelly, we are helping network operators solve critical challenges faster while providing municipalities with meaningful services that improve quality of life.”

The site cabinet kits can be customized for different use cases, including urban small cells or macro cell deployments. The system is designed to be scalable, with Telebelly able to accommodate up to six radios and cables.

“As 5G changes the way networks are built, today’s smart city innovators are looking for new, more versatile solutions to hide telecom infrastructure,” said Fergal Lawlor, CEO of Alpha Wireless. “Combining our versatile, high-performance antennas with Telebelly enclosures creates a winning combination – as demonstrated by a recent proof-of-concept deployment in Dublin. Our licensing agreement with Bigbelly simplifies critical network expansion and densification to meet growing user data demands.”

The project marks an expansion of the partners’ work to deploy covert 5G infrastructure in Dublin last year. Working with Dublin City Council, the team deployed Telebelly designs around the city to house ICT equipment and WiFi.