Mobile 4G networks have been integral to communication for a number of years now.  Like many things, when the 4G network came out it was the latest and greatest way to communicate.  Now, in 2018, a new, improved network is on the horizon-a 5G network.

The 5G network promises to improve upon the wildly successful 4G network with increased network capacity, lower latency, and higher speeds.  In addition, the network will likely consist of smaller cells or towers compared to the 4G network to promote the benefits the network aims to deliver.

In months past, many of the largest players in the industry worked to figure out the best way to get devices onto 5G as soon as the network takes shape.  Verizon made a large move to become the first company to offer the 5G service as a whole, by introducing the network through the relatively “easy” channel of home-tethered devices like cable modems.  On the other hand, AT&T pursued the mobile route through devices like phones, tablets, and headsets.

Now with the 5G network only a few months away, companies are continuing to push their ideas to execution. In particular, Verizon has succeeded in preparing its home-tethered devices for the launch, in particular, a 5G home router.  While the router is a great product, Verizon is currently facing a problem in that they do not feel confident in their ability to sell it.  The router certainly offers benefits, but are they really enough to replace the current cable modem used by many Americans?

Luckily for Verizon, they have a found a solution to the problem that they believe will push sales and allow customers to realize the immense value of their product.  Verizon announced that they will be pairing up with Apple and the new Apple TV 4K to help promote their network.  The Apple TV 4K provides 4K videos, Dolby Vision HDR, and second-to-none content streaming.  The features of the Apple TV will likely appeal to many customers, and as a result, utilizing the Apple TV 4K as the face of Verizon’s new 5G network promises to increase network usage and sales.

With the Apple TV 4K, the sales pitch will switch from, “we want to replace your cable modem” to “we want to bring 5G into your home.  Not only do we want speed up your internet and lower latency, but we want to provide you with an extremely easy to set up TV that offers picture perfect quality and free TV services.  With the new TV, you will experience the 5G network first hand.”  The pitch becomes a bit more complex and now solves the customer’s problem first-hand.

Whether or not Verizon’s plan succeeds is still up in the air.  By the end of 2018, Verizon will be launching its 5G network to four cities: Indianapolis, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Houston, before going to a larger audience in 2019.