As retailers add 5G technology to their existing network architecture, the use of personalized digital signage, augmented reality, virtual reality, video and pattern recognition of shoppers and interactive mobile apps will become part of a typical shopping experience. The future of retail "is going to be much more high-tech, connected experience for both customers and businesses, complete with instantaneous communication systems and mirrors that can recognize tags on clothing." Brian Cabe, vice president and general manager of Crown Castle, said "those insights into customer behavior supplied by 5G network data will offer companies opportunities to make real-time adjustments to improve the customer experience."
Update: deployment of ‘small cells’ in Georgetown
Citizens Association of Georgetown (CAG) Historic Preservation & Zoning chair Elsa Santoyo published an op-ed regarding the need for small cells in Washington, D.C., noting CAG is a small cells activist. Santoyo mentioned the small cells being proposed by Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile/S...
Aspen takes proactive measures to prevent cellular blight
The Aspen City Council is rewriting its land-use code in response to the wireless networks moving toward 5G technology. Paul Schultz, the city's information technology director, said, "We feel this is a very important topic that we need to work as hard as we can … really do...
FCC Commissioner Carr talks infrastructure, spectrum and jobs needed for 5G
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said the opportunity presented by 5G will come in three parts: better and faster performance on smartphones, more competitive home broadband and a new wave of innovation and entrepreneurship. Carr said "there’s no question that 5G is going to be...
Deloitte predicts 50 operators will offer 5G connectivity by 2020
In its Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications Predictions for 2019, Deloitte found that 72 operators are currently testing 5G networks, and it predicts 25 will be launching 5G services this year. The report also found that the number of operators planning to launch 5G ser...
AT&T boosts Atlanta area mobile coverage for Super Bowl
Ahead of the Super Bowl, AT&T said its customers and FirstNet subscribers "are getting a big boost in mobile coverage and capacity." It said it’s the first company to make standards-based mobile 5G available to Atlanta businesses and consumers and that "it’s been worki...
City of Branson working on new ordinance ahead of 5G technology
The City of Branson is drafting an ordinance to control the design, permits and overall appearance of small cells in public right-of-ways. City Attorney Chris Lebeck said that to bring 5G to the city, carriers will set up "small cell" systems, and that "they welcome the new high-s...