Verizon is looking to continue expanding 5G services across the U.S. Last month, in partnership with Amazon Web Services, the communications giant launched mobile edge computing, or MEC, to help reduce latency and unlock the potential for advancing a variety of use cases, according to Kyle Malady, chief technology officer at Verizon.

"When you think about marrying the great performance of 5G ultra wideband, along with this new computing power, you can create a new platform that will allow developers to create new and exciting products," Malady told Cheddar. 

But what does that mean for the average person? Customers using new applications developed with mobile edge computing technology should experience fewer lags, concerts and other live events could be enhanced through the use of "A.R. and V.R. type experiences," and there could be a host of medical advances, according to the CTO.

"Right now, we're working with a firm...they can use this capability for diagnostic purposes, and we're testing it in a few hospitals right now to find polyps, to find cancer," Malady explained.

While multiple industries have been slowed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Malady said Verizon has stayed committed to its goal of bringing 5G services to more U.S. cities.

"We're on track to deliver all the things we told the street we would," he stated. "Even with COVID, we've been able to overcome, and we continue to deploy the network for ultra wideband. We're also working on our nationwide service, which will be out in the fourth quarter."

As the company continues to roll out 5G access across the U.S., coupled with the addition of the new MEC service, Malady made assurances that sustaining current capacity is a top priority.

"As a matter of fact, our network held up really well during COVID when people's usage patterns changed quite significantly," he said.

Share:
More In Business
Trump says Netflix deal to buy Warner Bros. ‘could be a problem’ because of size of market share
President Donald Trump says a deal struck by Netflix last week to buy Warner Bros. Discovery “could be a problem” because of the size of the combined market share. The Republican president says he will be involved in the decision about whether federal regulators should approve the deal. Trump commented Sunday when he was asked about the deal as he walked the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Honors. The $72 billion deal would bring together two of the biggest players in television and film and potentially reshape the entertainment industry.
What to know about changes to Disney parks’ disability policies
Disney's changes to a program for disabled visitors are facing challenges in federal court and through a shareholder proposal. The Disability Access Service program, which allows disabled visitors to skip long lines, was overhauled last year. Disney now mostly limits the program to those with developmental disabilities like autism who have difficulty waiting in lines. The changes have sparked criticism from some disability advocates. A shareholder proposal submitted by disability advocates calls for an independent review of Disney's disability policies. Disney plans to block this proposal, claiming it's misleading. It's the latest struggle by Disney to accommodate disabled visitors while stopping past abuses by some theme park guests.
Load More