Verizon is looking out for itself as the firm and other top carriers anticipate Comcast and Charter Communications to enter the wireless space. The cable companies plan to invoke their mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) agreements with Verizon, melding their WiFi networks with the carrier’s wireless services for mobile offerings, Inside Towers has reported.
Founded in 1983, Verizon has grown to include the communications, entertainment and information sectors; it has a market cap of $214.09 billion, according to investment firm Zacks. Most carriers plan on having their 5G networks fully deployed around the 2020 timeframe, according to industry experts. AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile currently plan a 3-year target.
But Verizon plans to deploy a full commercial version of 5G by 2017 that would download data at one gigabit per second — some 200 times faster than standard 4G LTE networks. 5G technology is designed to be more power efficient than current standard wireless networks so 5G-enabled mobile devices are likely to last longer than their 3G or 4G counterparts, according to Zacks.
Verizon’s February agreement to acquire XO Communications Inc.’s dark-fiber optic network for $1.8 billion. When the deal closes, possibly in Q1 of 2017, Verizon will also lease XO’s Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) wireless spectrum with an option to buy them by the end of 2018. XO has a portfolio of 102 LMDS licenses in 28 GHz and 39 GHz bands.
Finally, the FCC recently authorized airwaves for fixed wireless communications; Verizon believes the agency will soon okay that spectrum for mobile use.
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