AT&T and Microsoft team up for private 5G edge deployment

To further accelerate its goal of deploying private cellular networks for enterprises, universities and the public sector, AT&T announced that it is now looking to launch a private 4G/5G wireless network as an integrated platform with connectivity and applications to enable low-latency services at the edge.

To achieve this, AT&T announced in a statement the “valuable ability to go beyond the geographic boundaries of AT&T’s private network and still remain connected over the AT&T public network.” The service, called the AT&T Private 5G Edge offering, is being developed in partnership with Microsoft, and it leverages Microsoft’s Azure Private Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) platform to help quickly deploy these private wireless networks across radio spectrum, including CBRS.

The operator said AT&T Private 5G Edge is designed to be an integrated platform that delivers connectivity and embedded applications through a single platform and uses CBRS spectrum and/or AT&T spectrum when needed to meet customer requirements. AT&T added that it is "looking to provide high-end computing and graphics processing capabilities for 5G networks with self-installation capabilities."

As Tad Brockway, corporate vice president of Azure for Operators at Microsoft, noted, “Secure private 5G networks enable organizations to deliver latency-sensitive applications. AT&T is working with Microsoft to simplify the integration of the multiple elements required for private wireless solutions, streamlining the application creation environment and accelerating deployment.”

“The move from Wi-Fi to dedicated and secure 5G connectivity with edge computing capabilities opens up possibilities for retail stores, manufacturing plants, restaurants, schools and more,” AT&T’s statement added.

AT&T says it’s still talking to customers in different vertical markets to collectively figure out how to best apply the technology, but early potential use cases could include:

• Manufacturing — Cameras and AI tools can assist with everything from robotic assembly to “incident detection,” such as when a worker is injured or a fire breaks out, then almost instantly alerting first responders or activating fire suppression systems.
• Automotive Dealerships – Automakers could create dedicated cellular networks within dealerships to help buyers manage the setup process for vehicle diagnostics and other connected features, rather than tying to the dealership’s Wi-Fi network.
• Medical clinics —Video sensors with embedded AI capabilities can be quickly deployed in pop-up locations to monitor patients for fever based solely on their appearance, without requiring staff to manually test them.

Rupesh Chokshi, Vice President of Product Strategy and Innovation at AT&T Business, concluded: "With AT&T Private 5G Edge, we are enabling customers to create and deliver innovation faster - with simplicity, flexibility, security and high-speed wireless connectivity. This solution opens the door to entirely new applications and use cases we have never imagined. The combination of 5G and edge computing can revolutionize the way businesses operate, regardless of size, and we are actively working with these businesses to identify the right compelling opportunities. Our collaboration with Microsoft is exciting because it combines technology with an adaptable business model and brings innovation to any customer."