The promises of 5G - the fifth-generation cellular technology - are incredibly fast speeds and the ability to connect thousands of devices at once. But according to the state's chief of telecommunications Vermonters hoping the technology will bring much-delayed broadband and cellular coverage to rural areas of the state will be disappointed.
Clay Purvis, director of telecommunications and connectivity for Vermont’s Department of Public Service, joined Vermont Edition to explain the promise of 5G and why the technology will likely make existing coverage faster rather than increase coverage where it doesn't exist.
And he explained why the slow rollout of 5G means it’s unlikely to bring relief to Vermont's broadband woes.
Broadcast live on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.