Microsoft is working with AT&T to speed up its 5G network

One of the key selling points of 5G networks is reduced latency, but what is less known that in many cases this is achieved by moving computing resources closer to the user via so-called Edge computing. Now Microsoft has revealed that new Network Edge Compute (NEC) technology is being developed in partnership between Microsoft and AT&T.  Using AT&T’s 5G network of edge locations, Microsoft’s Azure Cloud and Edge computing technology services can be delivered closer to customers. The NEC technology will be rolled out for a select group of customers in Dallas first. The target is to make the technology more broadly available to select customers in Los Angeles and Atlanta sometime in 2020. AT&T became the first to activate a 400-gigabit connection between Dallas and Atlanta.  The company currently services 21 cities across the US with their 5G network and plans to expand this nationwide this year.