Do those mysterious black poles in Sarasota have a purpose?

Those black poles you may have noticed while driving around Sarasota are 5G small cell poles.

5G is a form of wireless connection introduced in 2019. Connecting to 5G from your device gives you access to faster internet and download speeds. The poles boost 5G cell service to the areas they’re placed in.

The wireless small cell towers must be under 50 feet but typically stand around 15-30 feet tall. Their smooth, sleek designs are intended to let them blend in with their environment.

You might notice these poles more than standard cell phone towers since 5G has higher frequencies. This means it carries more data but cannot travel as far and can be more easily deterred by physical barriers such as buildings or trees. Therefore, more poles need to be placed to ensure widespread coverage.