Taylor Swift’s concert, attended by 80,000 fans, generated an unprecedented demand for 5G uplink, exceeding downlink traffic for the first time. Joe Russo from Verizon highlights the importance of uplink innovation to facilitate live streaming, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and wearable technology.
RedCap 5G seeks to make affordable 5G devices widely accessible, addressing gaps in existing technology. Meta’s smart glasses and other comparable wearables will depend on strong uplink capabilities for real-time video sharing. Verizon’s advancements in standalone 5G focus on ensuring reliability for future immersive experiences.
When 80,000 Taylor Swift fans live-streamed her concert, Verizon’s networks experienced a historic first: uplink traffic exceeded downlink traffic. This significant milestone, highlighted by Verizon’s Joe Russo, emphasizes a major change in 5G priorities. “The future of connectivity goes beyond just speed; it focuses on enabling users to share effortlessly,” Russo explains.
The Uplink Revolution
Live events such as Swift’s concert underscore the increasing demand for high-capacity uplink networks. Fans are not only consuming content; they are also sharing it. With augmented reality glasses, wearable technology, and virtual reality headsets set to become integral to everyday life, Russo anticipates a rise in real-time data transmission.
“Devices like Meta’s smart glasses will function as personal assistants around the clock, streaming live video to enrich experiences,” he states.
RedCap 5G: Bridging the Affordability Gap
While flagship smartphones are equipped with 5G capabilities, numerous tablets and wearables are falling behind. Introducing RedCap 5G (Reduced Capability 5G), an affordable solution tailored for less complex devices.
By reducing power requirements, RedCap has the potential to make 5G access more widely available, allowing for budget-friendly devices that maintain performance. Verizon’s main network already accommodates RedCap, and partnerships are in progress to introduce devices in 2024.
Standalone 5G and the Road Ahead
To address increasing demands, Verizon is focusing on standalone 5G networks that provide quicker response times and enhanced reliability.
Russo emphasizes the need for connectivity to adapt to the ongoing uplink traffic from millions of users. “Augmented reality, virtual reality, and live streaming are no longer niche technologies—they have become the standard,” he notes.
For more in-depth insights, listen to Russo’s keynote at the Barclays Communications and Content Symposium on February 25 at 9:15 a.m. ET, which will be streamed on Verizon’s Investor Relations website.
