AT&T says it will offer 5G wireless in a dozen cities by late 2018

AT&T plans to begin mobile 5G service in a dozen cities later this year, the company said Wednesday, suggesting the next generation of wireless technology will arrive sooner than expected. The move follows the recent ratification of a key 5G wireless standard.

Why it matters: The next generation of technology, aka 5G, is designed not only to offer faster data speeds, but also support far more devices and allow the kind of ultra-low-latency needed to handle remote operation of equipment and medical gear.