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Samsung taps AT&T for a 5G testbed in Texas

Updated: Oct 01, 2018, 8:07 AM

Daniel Petrov

Verizon may have shouted "first" on the 5G switch today, but AT&T has a 5G announcement of its own to make, in partnership with none other than Samsung. The factory that used to make Apple's A-line processors, and numerous other silicon wonders, Samsung Austin Semiconductor in Texas, will now set aside a "5G innovation zone."

While 5G service there will be provided by... you guessed it... AT&T, the factory lab will serve as a testbed for things like 5G equipment, automated manufacturing, AI robotics and even predictive maintenance.

What's in it for AT&T? Well, the chance to be the commercial 5G network provider at the forefront of one of the industry fields with the largest growth potential. According to Igal Elbaz, Senior Vice President of Wireless Technology at AT&T:

We’re hard at work deploying our commercial mobile 5G network for people and businesses in parts of a dozen cities by the end of this year. Seeing a number of technologies enhanced and improved by 5G at a large manufacturing plant will give us an exciting glimpse into a 5G world, which is closer than ever.

source: Samsung