Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) has picked Atlanta to pilot its next-generation 5G broadband technology.
The New York-based telecommunications company will begin offering 5G to pilot customers during the first half of 2017 in Ann Arbor, Atlanta, Bernardsville, N.J., Brockton, Mass., Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Sacramento, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
5G networks are expected to be more reliable and offer Internet speeds 10-to-100 times faster than current 4G broadband technology.
The Verizon pilot, which will include businesses and consumers, will assess the technical and operational viability of a 5G network.
Atlanta-based rival AT&T Mobility is also conducting 5G lab trials in Atlanta , Middletown, N.J.; Austin, Texas; San Ramon, Calif.
The 5G broadband standard will drive innovation in new data-intensive business applications. 5G's reliability and ability to handle large data volumes will be essential to the adoption of technology platforms, such as the autonomous vehicles and Internet of Things (IoT).
IoT technology connects appliances such as thermostats, locks, bulbs and refrigerators to the Internet, transforming them into “smart devices,” able to transmit data to smartphones and even amongst themselves. While IoT technology began in the consumer market, it is rapidly expanding into industrial applications.
"5G technology innovation is rapidly evolving," Verizon Vice President Adam Koeppe noted in a statement. "Network density is increasing to meet the demands of customers.”
Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2017/02/22/verizon-to-pilot-5g-broadband-technology-in.html