Sections Local news About Axios Sign up Technology - 5G 5G The big picture 5G rollout advances despite pandemic, but hazards loom Supply chain disruptions and a broader downturn hitting wireless sales are among several potential pitfalls. Apr 7, 2020 - Technology The next decade of smart city growth Global spending on smart city projects will reach nearly $124 billion this year alone. Feb 17, 2020 - Technology Team Trump's 5G misfires Dueling arguments by two top officials mark the latest phase in a long saga. Feb 7, 2020 - Technology The battle over 5G deployment in America's cities Cities are in a battle over how new 5G antennas will be scattered. Jan 29, 2020 - Technology Deep Dive: The next tech wave rides on 5G 5G will carry a raft of new technologies out of the labs and into our streets and homes. Sep 22, 2018 - Technology How to sound smart about 5G The next generation of wireless tech, explained. Sep 22, 2018 - Technology All 5G stories Margaret Harding McGill Nov 22, 2021 - Technology FCC approves Verizon's $6B purchase of TracFone Photo illustration: Mateusz Slodkowski via Getty Images The Federal Communications Commission on Monday said it had approved Verizon's $6 billion purchase of wireless company TracFone, after the companies agreed to conditions meant to protect consumers. Why it matters: The FCC was the last regulatory hurdle for Verizon, which expects to close the transaction in the coming days. Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow Shawna Chen Nov 11, 2021 - World Biden signs bill to secure telecoms against national security threats The Huawei booth at the China International Fair for Trade in Services on Sept. 6 in Beijing. Photo: Lu Junming/Costfoto/Barcroft Media via Getty Images President Biden signed into law Thursday a bill that requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to secure telecommunications systems against potential foreign threats to national security. Why it matters: In recent years, lawmakers have increasingly voiced concerns about Chinese telecom giants' operations in the U.S., and possible surveillance by the Chinese government. Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow Shawna Chen Oct 26, 2021 - Technology FCC votes to halt China Telecom operations in U.S. A meeting room in the Federal Communications Commission headquarters. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images The Federal Communications Commission voted Tuesday to revoke authorization for China Telecom's U.S. subsidiary to operate in America, citing national security concerns. Why it matters: The state-owned China Telecom is one of the largest telecommunications companies based in China. It has provided services in the U.S. for nearly 20 years but must now cease operations within 60 days. Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow Bryan Walsh, author of Future Oct 16, 2021 - Technology The smart city comes of age Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios Better sensors, more intelligent AI, and the coming wave of 5G wireless could finally fulfill the promise of the smart city. Why it matters: How we organize, run and power our cities will be increasingly important in the years ahead, as urbanization expands and the damaging effects of climate change compound. Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow Joann Muller, author of What's Next Aug 11, 2021 - Technology Verizon's 5G-equipped vehicle is built for disaster Verizon's Swiss Army Knife for communication and disaster response. Photo: Verizon This is THOR, Verizon's Tactical Humanitarian Operations Response vehicle, which the communications giant calls a 5G-enabled Swiss Army Knife on wheels. Why it matters: It's a prototype of a vehicle that the Verizon Response Team — which handles major emergencies — could send to a disaster zone like a wildfire or hurricane to establish communications when other networks are down. It enables emergency responders from multiple agencies to communicate more easily. Details: Built on a modified Ford F650 chassis, THOR can provide its own mobile network, along with commercial satellite options and radio communications. It can be operated remotely from a tablet and comes with a drone that can fly ahead to provide aerial views for situational awareness. Fun fact: Verizon's Response Team has a menagerie of field equipment they call The Barnyard: COWs (Cell On Wheels), COLTs (Cell On Light Trucks), CROWs (Cellular Repeater On Wheels) and GOATs (Generator On A Trailer). Ina Fried, author of Login Jul 30, 2021 - Technology Column / Signal Boost Japan tests teleporting games and "remote cheering" NTT is using augmented reality holograms to transport an Olympic badminton match to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Photo: NTT Japanese telecom giant NTT is using the Olympics to show off a new generation of technologies that can transport the sporting experience to wherever fans are, instead of making them come to games. Why it matters: Technology like this would have solved tons of problems this year, when no spectators are allowed at the actual Olympic venues. Unfortunately, it's all available only in demo form right now. Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow Kierra Frazier Jul 16, 2021 - Technology Acting FCC chair says 5G midband spectrum key to closing digital divide Photo: Axios Jessica Rosenworcel, acting chairperson of the Federal Communications Commission, told an Axios virtual event that the key to helping close the digital divide is to focus on 5G midband spectrum, not millimeter wave. Why it matters: Research shows that closing the gap in broadband access could add hundreds of thousands of jobs and tens of billions of dollars in economic output, Axios' Bryan Walsh writes. Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow Ina Fried, author of Login Jul 12, 2021 - Economy & Business Ray Ozzie's Blues Wireless raises $22 million to add 5G to everything Photo illustration: Axios Visuals Blues Wireless, the latest startup from Lotus and Microsoft veteran Ray Ozzie, is announcing $22 million in Series A funding today. Why it matters: The company, whose launch Axios first reported back in 2019, aims to build 5G modules that can easily add wireless connectivity to all manner of devices. Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow Margaret Harding McGill Jul 8, 2021 - Technology Exclusive: Union flexes muscle for internet funding Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios The union workers who build the nation's internet networks have a huge stake in how Congress decides to divvy up infrastructure funding— and they want strings attached to make sure they're not left on the sidelines. Why it matters: The telecom workers' union sees an ally in President Joe Biden for its pressure campaign to ensure union members will play a role in infrastructure-funded jobs. Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow Bryan Walsh, author of Future Jul 6, 2021 - Technology New Qualcomm CEO on the future of work and his company Photo illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios. Photo: Miquel Benitez/Miquel Benitez via Getty Images New Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon laid out his plans for the semiconductor giant in a media roundtable on his first day on the job. The big picture: Amon sees Qualcomm benefiting from the shift to remote work, as demand grows for higher-end computing and cloud infrastructure on multiple platforms, including in augmented reality, connected cars and virtual reality. Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow More 5G stories Axios gets you smarter, faster with news & information that matters. Copyright Axios Media, 2021 About About Axios Advertise with us Careers Events Axios on HBO Axios HQ Privacy and terms Online tracking choices Contact us Subscribe Axios newsletters Axios app Axios podcasts Courses Earn Axios rewards