\tVerizon CTO Kyle Malady provided an update on the operator\u2019s mobile 5G progress two and a half months after launch [1], noting it is using only about half of its available mmWave capacity in its initial markets.<\/p>\n
Speaking at an investor conference, Malady said Verizon deployed 400MHz of mmWave spectrum thus far in Chicago and Minneapolis. He noted those assets are already yielding \u201ccrazy speeds\u201d of over 2Gb\/s, but added the operator is working to double the channel to 800MHz.<\/p>\n
Since launch, Malady said Verizon has continuously tweaked its 5G network, \u201cgrinding out new features and fixes\u201d through software updates \u201cliterally every other day\u201d.<\/p>\n
In addition to adding more spectrum, the operator is focused on nailing \u201cseven or eight critical technical elements,\u201d including beamforming and increasing the reach of its mmWave spectrum.<\/p>\n
While Malady said he would welcome the addition of C-Band [2] (3.7GHz-4.2GHz) spectrum to Verizon\u2019s portfolio, he noted the operator\u2019s contingency plan is to reallocate its existing low- and mid-band assets over time to create broad 5G coverage layers.<\/p>\n
It is unclear what Verizon\u2019s timeline for doing so would be, however, given it is currently in the process of recycling its CDMA spectrum for LTE [3].<\/p>\n
Energy innovation
\nMalady also revealed Verizon is currently trialling power-related innovations which could accelerate equipment installations as it deploys small cells in its quest to expand 5G coverage to 30 cities by the year end.<\/p>\n
It teamed with electricity providers to develop a system delivering DC power over fibre rather than AC over dedicated lines.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo when we\u2019re running small cells up the street, we don\u2019t have to connect power to each and every one of them”, Malady noted. “We think that could speed up our deployment time.\u201d<\/p>\n[1] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/home-banner\/verizon-stakes-5g-claim-with-mobile-launch\/
\n[2] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/top-three\/verizon-chief-presses-for-mid-band-action\/
\n[3] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/top-three\/verizon-closes-door-on-3g-devices\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Verizon CTO Kyle Malady provided an update on the operator’s mobile 5G progress two and …<\/p>\n
The post Verizon CTO talks mobile 5G progress<\/a> appeared first on Mobile World Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n