AT&T is deploying what is called '5-G,' the newest and most robust form of wireless data and Internet connectivity, in San Antonio, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
San Antonio is one of five cities slated to receive 5-G before the end of this year. The others are Houston, Jacksonville, Louisville, and New Orleans.
5-G technology is not only faster, but far more robust wireless data communication, and is needed for the development of, for example, driverless vehicles, as well as virtual reality devices. It also will enable data services on smart phones to be as fast and reliable as on wired devices.
5-G also reduces what is known as 'latency,' the length of time it takes for complicated data to display on mobile devices.
AT&T's announcement comes following the first real-world 5-G data transfer using standard equipment.
5-G is becoming more critical as more and more Internet connectivity is conducted not on standard computers, but on a wide variety of mobile devices.
”We’re at the dawn of something new that will define the next decade and generation of connectivity,” said Andre Fuetsch, chief technology officer, AT&T Communications. “Future smart factories and retailers, self-driving cars, untethered virtual and augmented realities, and other yet to be discovered experiences will grow up on tomorrow’s 5G networks. Much like 4G introduced the world to the gig economy, mobile 5G will jumpstart the next wave of unforeseen innovation.”
Compettitors Verizon and T-Mobile are also rolling out 5-G connectivity, but so far none have announced plans to deploy in San Antonio.
You'll have to get a new 5-G capable smart phone to access full 5-G connectivity.
The announcement comes as AT&T is expanding the availability of its fiber Internet to more San Antonio neighborhoods. AT&T Fiber is a super-fast data distribution system similar to Google Fiber.
“This new day in San Antonio is about bolstering our economic landscape with a tech ecosystem that grows jobs, expands economic impact and mobility for our region, and ensures our citizens have opportunities to succeed. Part of that is providing access to modern infrastructure and affordable internet options to help ignite and drive innovation and education,” said David Heard, co-founder and CEO of Tech Bloc and CMO of SecureLogix. “These investments by AT&T in our city are a critical piece to the continued growth of our local economy and opportunities for all San Antonians.”
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