AT&T and Verizon point out how reliant their 5G wireless networks are on fiber

Both AT&T and Verizon are pointing out how reliant their 5G wireless networks are on fiber – and how they’re reinforcing their investments to handle all the 5G data traffic that’s coming down the pike. Verizon said it’s “supercharging” the core of its fiber network by upgrading older router equipment with new gear provided by Juniper Networks. When it’s done, the upgrade will significantly increase the bandwidth needed to support wireless, home internet, enterprise, small business and its FIOS customers. Rival AT&T has been talking about its fiber expansion for a while now. According to AT&T Network EVP Chris Sambar, AT&T said it already has the country’s largest fiber internet coverage, but “we’re not sitting back.” Rather than resting on its laurels, AT&T is “out there building more fiber than anyone else, adding on average more than 350 customer locations per hour across the country,” Sambar said. “This fast track puts our fiber network on pace to cover more than 30 million locations by the end of 2025.”