For some time, telecommunication companies have been saying that Austin, Texas, is lagging in implementing the next wave of wireless communication, known as 5G.

Now, the city is admitting that is the case.

Austin has failed to keep pace with federal and state guidelines for preparing for 5G's rollout, city officials acknowledged.

The result is that Austin — a place where tech innovation usually flourishes — is playing catch-up in preparing for what is expected to not only become the new and faster standard for wireless communication, but also power tomorrow's cellphones, cars and more.

Telecommunication companies say their applications to install 5G connection devices have run into a bureaucratic slowdown at the city's telecommunications and regulatory affairs office.

As of last week, Austin's office of telecommunications and regulatory affairs said it had approved 37 applications in total filed by wireless carriers such as AT&T and Verizon.

In other Texas cities, it's been a much different experience. AT&T, for example, said it has had 25 times more small-cell devices approved in Dallas. The company is also preparing for a full 5G launch in Houston, San Antonio and other Texas cities.

"The city of Austin has simply failed to comply with (the state's) timeline," said Bob Digneo, an assistant vice president for AT&T's Texas operations. "The lengthy application review process ... is not seen in any other city in Texas."