Beware the 5G Hype: Wireless Rivals Fuel Confusion

AT&T, Verizon put their own spin on wireless standards to appear cutting-edge; some decry fake 5G

The FCC recently announced a plan to encourage a blazing fast wireless service called 5G. But what is 5G? And how far is the U.S. from rolling it out? Photo: Reuters

What’s 5G wireless service? On this, companies can agree: It’s what comes after 4G.

Asking for a more specific definition of the wireless industry’s brand new thing invites controversy. U.S. telecom companies have started slapping the 5G label on a smorgasbord of technologies, sowing confusion in an industry not known for its simplicity.

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