AT&T Mobility chief: Too early to get excited about 5G wireless technology

Verizon, the first company to introduce 4G LTE, or fourth-generation long-term evolution, wireless network technology about six years ago, announced last week that it aims to launch field technology trials for fifth-generation, or 5G, wireless technology next year.

However, AT&T, an American multinational telecommunications corporation, is not impressed with 5G wireless technology, CNET reports.

"We're not at a point to be making promises or commitments to customers as to what 5G is," Glenn Lurie, chief executive of AT&T Mobility, said in an interview at the CTIA Wireless industry trade show last week. "We as an industry have been really good at overpromising and underdelivering when it comes to new technology."

Leading wireless network service providers are at war over the perception of wireless network superiority, which is crucial for maintaining customer loyalty and even gaining subscribers from rivals. While Verizon seeks to push the technology for faster wireless technology and better coverage, AT&T believes that it's too early to talk publicly about the technology.

According to AT&T, the technology behind 5G is still in its nascent stage and that no one can agree on what ultimately it will look like. It is too early to talk about the potential advantages of a technology that lacks defined industry standards to which everyone can adhere.

"Let's make sure that before we start hyping what it's going to be, that those standards are agreed to," Lurie said.

However, history seems to be repeating itself as AT&T downplayed the immediate benefits of 4G when Verizon started testing 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) before AT&T in 2008. Verizon defended its announcement and in response to AT&T comments, a Verizon spokesman told CNET:

"Innovation happens when you're willing to look at things a little differently than others, and you're willing to put in the hard work to make your vision a reality”.