Discover 3 companies utilizing the 5G edge with Verizon and Amazon

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Verizon and AWS have added three 5G mobile edge computing cities, bringing the total to five, and here we take a look at the companies taking advantage of the new opportunities at the 5G edge.

Verizon 5G Edge logo.
(Image credit: Verizon.)

Businesses and developers  in three new locations – Atlanta, New York and Washington, DC – can now build and deploy applications with AWS Wavelength at Verizon’s 5G Edge, following last month’s launch of the Verizon and AWS mobile edge computing (MEC) platform in Boston and the Bay Area.

“Watching businesses build transformational applications on the world’s first 5G mobile edge computing platform with AWS Wavelength shows how our 5G Ultra Wideband network matters to customers today, and is already impacting how businesses operate and consumers live, work and play,” said Tami Erwin, CEO of Verizon Business. “When it comes to innovating on 5G and MEC, we’re only scratching the surface.”

Mobile edge computing is a vital component of Verizon 5G, as it moves application data and processing closer to the edge of the network. This reduces latency, so application developers can produce next generation 5G use cases.

A number of companies are already taking advantage of 5G MEC, and here we take a look at just three of them.

1. Zixi

Zixi’s Software-Defined Video Platform (SDVP) enables live broadcast-quality (4K) video delivery over any IP network. The company’s currently testing how a major broadcasters can deliver live feeds over 5G using AWS Wavelength. Ultimately, the company is hoping to test how content providers can distribute live streams across broadcast media workflows, taking advantage of low latency, without the need for satellites.

"We’re working with Verizon, AWS Wavelength and a major global broadcaster to test many live and live linear 4K and 8K broadcast media workflows for 5G production."

Gordon Brooks, Zixi.

“We’re working with Verizon, AWS Wavelength and a major global broadcaster to test many live and live linear 4K and 8K broadcast media workflows for 5G production implementations,” said Gordon Brooks, CEO and executive chairman of Zixi. “With our SDVP on Verizon 5G Edge and AWS Wavelength, our customers should have the ability to scale, provide end to end workflow management and the quality of experience that their consumers demand.”

2. YBVR

YBVR is building a VR video platform, and is testing how it can utilize 5G and Wavelength to stream live 8K Ultra HD (UHD) video to sports fans and concert goers, taking the user experience to a new level, by allowing simultaneous users to choose various camera views with ultra-low latency.

"With 5G and MEC, fans should be able to enjoy 8K live streams on mobile and XR devices in real-time."

Sebastian Amengual, YBVR.

“Leveraging the powerful combination of Verizon 5G and AWS Wavelength will enable us to put the ‘fan in control’,” said Sebastian Amengual, YBVR co-founder and CTO. “With 5G and MEC, fans should be able to enjoy 8K live streams on mobile and XR devices in real-time and have their own, personalized watching experience which was not feasible before.” 

3. CrowdVision

CrowdVision is testing how 5G and AWS Wavelength can provide the throughput and low latency required to help detect pedestrian movements, and improve safety and wayfinding. CrowdVision uses video or LiDAR and artificial intelligence to provide live data about everything from crowd congestion to traffic flows, queues and wait times, in venues like airports and arenas.

"With 5G and MEC, we can improve how large venues manage crowds and apply social distancing controls."

Sam Kamel, CrowdVision.

“Deploying cameras and LiDAR using a wireless infrastructure that can handle CrowdVision’s large bandwidth requirements is a true game changer,” said Sam Kamel, president of CrowdVision America. “By working with Verizon and AWS, we can now extend our analytics solution to places never before accessible. With 5G and MEC, we can improve how large venues manage crowds and apply social distancing controls to deliver not only fun - but also safe - customer and fan experiences.”

Those looking for more information can visit the Verizon 5G Edge homepage, and for more developer-focussed details, you can visit the AWS site here. 

Dan Oliver
Dan Oliver

Dan is a British journalist with 20 years of experience in the design and tech sectors, producing content for the likes of Microsoft, Adobe, Dell and The Sunday Times. In 2012 he helped launch the world's number one design blog, Creative Bloq. Dan is now editor-in-chief at 5Gradar, where he oversees news, insight and reviews, providing an invaluable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the key issues facing 5G.