AT&T is skeptical of Verizon Wireless’ plans to unveil “some level of commercial deployment” of “5G” by 2017. Verizon Wireless’ plans are significantly ahead of most industry estimates that don’t foresee the next generation of wireless technology coming to fruition until around 2020.
“We’re not at a point to be making promises or commitments to customers as to what 5G is,” Glenn Lurie, chief executive of AT&T Mobility, said in an interview at the CTIA Super Mobility trade show last week. “We as an industry have been really good at overpromising and underdelivering when it comes to new technology.”
Verizon Wireless said last week it is working on establishing network environments, or “sandboxes” at its Waltham, Mass., and San Francisco Innovation Centers to “foster compelling applications faster.” The carrier said the move will see it begin technology field trials beginning next year.
“5G is no longer a dream of the distant future,” said Roger Gurnani, EVP and chief information and technology architect for Verizon. “We feel a tremendous sense of urgency to push forward on 5G and mobilize the ecosystem by collaborating with industry leaders and developers to usher in a new generation of innovation.”
AT&T points out that it is still too early to even know what 5G is exactly as standards are still being defined and that process is expected to continue through 2018.
“Let’s make sure that before we start hyping what it’s going to be, that those standards are agreed to,” Lurie said.
“Innovation happens when you’re willing to look at things a little differently than others, and you’re willing to put in the hard work to make your vision a reality,” a Verizon spokesman responded.
This is not the first time Verizon has tried to be the first out of the gate to try to advance a new technology. The launch of LTE was very similar. In 2008, Verizon Wireless was the first to put out a version of LTE despite the fact the standards process had yet to be finalized.
Other industry heavyweights such as Ericsson, Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco Systems, Samsung and Qualcomm are along for the ride with Verizon on its 5G push. Those companies have been testing various 5G technologies since earlier this year.
“We are all aligned with Verizon to ensure the success and leading position for the US,” said Rima Qureshi, chief strategy officer for Swedish telecom supplier Ericsson.
