Google Cloud Partners With AT&T for 5G Business Tools

You know lawmakers are worried about 5G when, on the same day, the Senate holds two hearings related to Chinese security risks. You know they're really worried when they unanimously pass a bill calling on the executive branch to address vulnerabilities in 5G networks and protect domestic companies.

For a growing number of advocates, 5G isn't a we'll-tackle-it-post-election issue. The newest wave of mobile connectivity is already live in 24 markets globally and gaining traction in 39 more, according to GSMA's annual report. By 2025, the mobile operator association predicts:

• 1.8 billion 5G connections (one-fifth of total connections)
• Mobile to contribute almost $5 trillion to global GDP

Big Tech wants some of that. They're working with telecom providers to get in with early corporate 5G customers. This week, Google Cloud said it's partnering with AT&T on 5G-powered business tools for sectors including retail, manufacturing, and transportation.

• Amazon Web Services and Microsoft have already partnered with Verizon and AT&T, respectively, to sell edge computing services.

Related: Today, AT&T is opening its "5G Plus" network (which uses the faster mmWave spectrum) to regular customers.