From our friends at techradar:
5G is the fifth generation of mobile internet connectivity, and is just beginning to roll out around the world. It promises speeds up to 20 times faster than 4G connections, more bandwidth and more stable connections. 

This has tremendous potential to transform the way we communicate, with live high-definition video streaming and much faster download speeds, but it also has uses far beyond what we currently do with our phones and tablets – including reaching into the classroom.

Why this matters:  
Classroom technologies such as virtual/augmented reality and remote education are opening up new avenues to learning and engagement for K12 students. These technologies demand transmission of large amounts of data—which 5G can provide. To explore the benefits of 5G mobile internet connectivity in the classroom, visit techradar.com

Today Verizon Innovative Learning, the signature program of the Verizon Foundation, announced the launch of the Verizon 5G EdTech Challenge, in partnership with NYC Media Lab. The nationwide challenge calls for EdTech non-profits including enterprise organizations, start-ups, research groups and universities to create transformative education solutions that leverage 5G connectivity to solve for challenges in under-resourced middle schools throughout the U.S.

[Need to Know: Cybersecurity]

Submissions of beta phase projects will be accepted online at 5GEdTechChallenge.com from October 15 to November 30, 2018.

[Do you have an innovative edtech product? Nominate it for the Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence Contest! Click here for details]

Winning teams will receive $100,000 each (for a total of a $1 million investment), access to 5G nodes, Verizon 5G training and mentors, and support teams within the education community to prepare their concepts to be implemented in select middle schools.

Projects will begin to be implemented in select Verizon Innovative Learning Schools during the third quarter of 2019.

First, there was sneakernet. Then came the information superhighway. Next up? The Cloud. And now we’re hearing the latest catchphrase for the next great Internet thing—5G. What could this mean for edtech? If the price is right and various regulations and standards fall into place, it could mean a faster, more reliable platform to access online learning opportunities. We don’t suggest holding your breath for it any time soon, however.

Roberto Saracco writes in IEEE Future Directions: “In the education sector the possibility of personalising and contextualising the education, connecting it to everyday experience, reinforces learning and often increases students’ motivation since it shows its practical application side.” Saracco and other visionaries point to augmented and virtual reality technologies as two areas where 5G can make a real difference. Imagine learning biology by taking a virtual tour of the human body or taking a field trip to Rome without leaving your classroom.

[Need to Know: Blockchain]

Sounds great, right? You’ve also probably heard it before. The promise of 5G is similar to many promises made through the years for technology in schools. Even the most optimistic projections don’t see any real solution in fewer than five years. Nevertheless, major carriers like Verizon have begun to invest in research and development. As part of a $400 million initiative to fund STEM education, the company has announced plans to double the number of in-school programs it supports—from 100 middle schools in September 2018 to 200 middle schools by the end of 2020. Verizon Innovative Learning Schools will have access to 5G and continue to offer programs in urban and rural communities that expose students to skill building in augmented reality, machine learning, coding, 3D printing, and more. The program will reach an additional five million students by 2023.