- Verizon CNO Lynn Cox said it’s now time to figure out how to expand 5G capabilities - beyond deployment
- On the regulatory front, freeing up spectrum and permitting constraints are key, she said
- Cox also touched upon how satellite technology can be used to improve network resiliency
CONNECTX, CHICAGO – Operators are well on their way in deploying 5G networks – now it’s time to figure out how to expand the technology’s capabilities, said Lynn Cox, SVP and chief network officer at Verizon.
Not only does it involve tapping into tech like AI, RedCap and Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO), but also launching new services that present new revenue opportunities for 5G, she said at Tuesday's ConnectX keynote.
“Things like network slicing, edge compute, private network, we’re at the infancy with these…but they’re already transforming businesses,” Cox said.
For Verizon’s part, Cox noted the operator intends to wrap up most of its 5G deployments to existing cell sites in the next 18 months. In the meantime, it’s working on preparing network slices for public safety, offering up assets for AI connectivity as well as continuing its fixed wireless access (FWA) rollout.
FWA was “the first big use case” that emerged with 5G, she said, and Verizon still has plenty of runway to grow on that front. For instance, the multi-dwelling unit (MDU) market.
The current challenge with deploying FWA to apartment buildings is “you can’t serve everyone in the building,” Cox explained. One person could have access but their neighbor down the hall might not.
To address that, Verizon plans to use millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum to deploy radios specifically for FWA service to MDUs. Execs have said the solution will go to market later this year.
Regulatory hurdles to 5G investment
Asked what policymakers need to do to better incentivize network investments, Cox said the number one priority is freeing up spectrum – and restoring the FCC’s spectrum auction authority.
“We need to keep up with our global peers and keep up with the capacity demands on the network,” she stated.
Of course, Cox also stressed the importance of reducing delays and streamlining permitting processes – a major pain point among operators.
How satellite can bolster resiliency
As low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology becomes more prevalent in the connectivity space, Verizon sees it as a complement to cover the gaps in its terrestrial network, Cox went on to say.
“There is 1% that we do not serve and that is a great space for satellite,” she said, adding satellites could also help make the network more resilient.
“You lose the fiber to a site, we can have a LEO satellite there and bring that site right back up,” Cox said.
Given satellite’s upload and download constraints, she doesn’t think the technology will take over in any way. “I absolutely view it as something that we will see more deployment of, but it will be in managed areas,” she concluded.