AT&T, Deloitte Partner To Boost Edge Computing & 5G Solutions

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) recently collaborated with Deloitte to deploy enhanced 5G solutions in the latter’s university campus to encourage students to explore virtual learning on an advanced computing platform — Multi-access Edge Compute (MEC).

AT&T has a competitive advantage over its rivals through its edge computing services that permits businesses to direct application-specific traffic to the cloud, network and even in the premises. The company’s MEC solution leverages indigenous software-defined network to enable ultra low-latency and high-bandwidth applications for faster access to data processing. It also ensures enhanced data security and improved connectivity with utmost flexibility to manage data traffic.

The adoption of AT&T’s next-gen robust networking solutions in the 700,000 square foot leadership and learning center will allow students to explore methods of learning through 3D video applications, role playing, AR/VR and gamification. The company will commence rolling out 5G and MEC at the university and is expected to complete it by summer 2020.

A month back, AT&T collaborated with the University of Miami to unveil 5G+ and MEC technology to explore various scholarly pursuits and foster innovative research methods. The new category of educational experience powered spatial computing platform — Magicverse — to amalgamate virtual content with the physical environment by bolstering digital learning and development opportunities among students.

From the introduction of world’s first 5G millimeter wave connection to innovations in healthcare, manufacturing and entertainment, AT&T has proved itself to be the harbinger of 5G infrastructure. The company expects edge computing solutions to be widely available in autonomous vehicles, drones, robotic production lines and autonomous forklifts in the near future. Over the past five years, it has invested about $145 billion in wireless and wireline networks including capital investments, and acquisitions of wireless spectrum and operations.

The tech behemoth is currently focused on building networks that will enable fiber-based connectivity and LTE to work efficiently with 5G solutions, making the most of business transformation, alongside opportunities to boost revenues and reduce operating expenses. Its wireless network covers more than 99% of Americans and is reportedly the fastest in the nation.

Markedly, AT&T aims to deploy a standards-based, nationwide mobile 5G network in early 2020, involving the utilization of millimeter wave spectrum for deployment in suburban and rural areas. Currently, the company’s 5G Evolution technology is available in more than 200 markets, and is expected to reach more than 400 by the end of 2019.

AT&T has long-term earnings growth expectation of 4.5%. Backed by diligent execution of operational strategies, the stock has gained 35.7% compared with the industry’s rise of 18% in the year-to-date period.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

AT&T currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks in the broader industry are Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) , Ubiquiti Inc. (NASDAQ:UI) and Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ:GOGO) . While Qualcomm and Ubiquiti sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Gogo carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Qualcomm surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average positive earnings surprise being 8.7%.

Ubiquiti outpaced estimates thrice in the preceding four quarters, the average positive earnings surprise being 16.1%.

Gogo exceeded estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average positive earnings surprise being 39.1%.

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