Verizon is reportedly in talks with both Apple and Google to serve as a provider for 5G video when the wireless provider launches its 5G home service in a pair of California markets later this year.
Verizon Communications Inc. is seeking to partner with Google or Apple to provide television when it launches the first superfast 5G service to homes in Los Angeles and Sacramento later this year, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Negotiations are ongoing and could still fall apart, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. Verizon is expected to update to its 5G rollout plans when it reports second-quarter results Tuesday. The phone giant came up short developing its own live online TV service, and a partner could help Verizon deliver on its promise of a robust 5G offering in four cities before the end of the year.
The deals would either include Apple TV or Google’s YouTube TV to showcase Verizon’s 5G tech. However, either partnership could prove to be temporary, bridging the gap until Verizon is able to launch its own video service.
The report indicates the 5G home service is expected to launch in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and two other cities later this year. Verizon plans to “beam online services to home receivers” at 5G speeds in order to compete with cable-based offerings from AT&T and Comcast.
