Digital Museums and Smart Cities: Verizon CEO Explores 5G Potential Beyond Just a Better Smartphone

January 11, 2021 – “It just gets better!” So declared Verizon CEO

, as he demonstrated how 5G technology is digitally transforming the world in his keynote for the all-digital 2021 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

5G is more than just another technology innovation, he said. It is technology that allows other technology innovations to occur, he explained, thanks to faster speeds and higher capacity for connected devices.

Vestberg, who gave the Verizon keynote at CES in 2019 as well, again promised that 5G would change everything. Now, he’s trying to deliver on that promise.

Two years ago, Vestberg talked about 5G as the fourth industrial revolution. On Monday, he said the COVID-19 pandemic and other social crises have changed the world and accelerated the adoption of technology by governments, businesses, and individuals.

Revisiting the “currencies” of 5G from his previous keynote, Vestberg focused on capabilities that will benefit as 5G is deployed. These include faster speeds, higher capacities, and mobile edge computing, which improving latency for users by using more cloud computing.

But, he said, that’s just the start.

Through a series of live and digital conversations with guests, Vestberg discussed sports, education, business and entertainment:

of the NFL hall of fame joined him on stage to discuss how Verizon and the NFL are using 5G to improve sports viewing, allowing fans to get closer to the game with seven different camera angles and real-time stats.

Vestberg and the Smithsonian Secretary

also showcased different ways in which the new technology benefits education by reaching more people than ever before. The Smithsonian can digitally capture and display different exhibits for students, allowing them to experience the museums from long distance.

, Verizon’s Social Responsibility Officer, explained how the company is using digital 5G to reach more students and improve digital learning through virtual and augmented reality. For example, students could visit different planets in the solar system in a science class through a VR program.

Verizon’s vice president of technology development and the carrier’s 5G labs

explained how 5G can enhance robotics that require fast capture and transmission of large amounts of data.

Skyward’s

and

from UPS also described how they are using 5G for drones, and working with UPS’s Flight Forward delivery program.

Vestberg finished the keynote with a conversation with the music group Black Pumas, speaking about their experience using motion capture to create an AR music video. He also discussed music and enhancing live music venues around the country with 5G technology, when they reopen once the COVID-19 disease is contained.