To understand 5G, it’s helpful to understand what came before it. Broadly, the first generation of mobile technology, 1G, was about voice. The ability to use a phone in a car, or anywhere else, really took root here. The advent of 2G introduced a short-messaging layer—pieces of which can still be seen in today’s texting features. The move to 3G provided the essential network speeds for smartphones. And 4G, with its blazing data-transfer rates, gave rise to many of the connected devices and services that we rely on and enjoy today.

A discussion around 5G technology is really a discussion around delivering life-changing technologies through next-generation networks. And Verizon has the engineering experience, deep fiber assets, wireless millimeter wave spectrum, and partnerships to move huge amounts of data at unimaginable speeds.

This is all predicated on work we began years ago to “densify” our 4G LTE network with small cell sites in high traffic areas—places like shopping centers and college campuses, as well as downtown areas. Thanks to Verizon engineers’ groundwork, we will be able to introduce 5G faster and more efficiently.

Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband has the potential to revolutionize industries and provide immediate impact for customers.

Bottom line: Much of the pre-positioning for 5G Ultra Wideband is already done, including access to the radio waves, fiber, and small cells—all of which will make the installation of 5G network equipment faster, and bring next-generation technology to our customers sooner.