The wireless giant that continues to dominate 5G devices is conducting tests to bring 5G indoors.
Collaborative efforts between Verizon, Corning, and Samsung are aiming to bring a high-band (mmWave) 5G cell site that can be commercially produced. Corning is aiming to complete its product before the end of the year with Samsung looking to follow thereafter. Both companies were chosen by Verizon from a request for proposal (RFP) that was sent throughout the industry.
This move comes after Samsung secured a deal with Verizon for well over $6 billion. As for Corning, the innovative company has just finished the lab trials of its indoor solutions in Texas. Field testing with Samsung is now beginning through a live environment through Verizon as it looks to continue expanding its 5G reach. Corning has also worked with a mmWave 5G system that used Qualcomm chipsets and software, though it is unconfirmed if this is the same system that is being used in connection with Verizon and Samsung.
These goals are important as we have already seen T-Mobile and AT&T provide their subscribers with nationwide 5G networks. Verizon is still looking to expand how far its signals can transmit and provide mmWave speeds indoors. High-band spectrum is great for transferring data at incredible speeds, however, it has a problem traveling over distance and cannot penetrate through walls. Verizon is already working with companies such as Pivotal Communications and Movandi to help extend the coverage that its 5G network already provides.
Verizon may not have the first nationwide 5G network but lack of coverage hasn’t kept them from dominating the 5G device market. Boasting more 5G units sold than any other carrier, it is safe to say that Verizon’s customers are ready for increased access to the fastest speeds. Still, the wait continues. This move may be exactly what the wireless carrier is waiting for as it alluded to the fact that the reason Verizon is opting not to unleash its 5G network is not due to the inability to do so but rather to wait for the right opportunity due to demand.
Indoor 5G coverage goes beyond servicing smartphones and other devices with Verizon’s nationwide service. 5G is ushering in a wave of new possibilities and one of the more exciting developments is that within the field of fixed wireless. Verizon is looking to secure the right technology to support its private fixed wireless goals and these networks will empower businesses and entities such as healthcare centers, schools, factories, and much more. This summer, Verizon and another fixed wireless player-to-be, DISH, both made notable impacts at the CBRS auction for mid-band spectrum.
Both Corning and Samsung are looking to provide easy, quick solutions that can be installed with ease. With both expecting to be completed soon, it will be interesting to watch how this will affect the way Verizon participates in the upcoming spectrum auction this December.
Source: Fierce Wireless