The Department of Veterans Affairs is rolling out 5G cellular wireless technology at its Palo Alto, Calif.-based hospital to facilitate faster downloads and higher resolution for virtual care, according to a Feb. 6 Military.com report.
Five things to know:
1. VA's Palo Alto Healthcare System, which is affiliated with Stanford (Calif.) University, will deploy parts of the 5G system this week, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said during a Feb. 5 press conference, according to the report.
2. As the next generation of internet speed, 5G can load websites at least 10 times faster than 4G, according to CNN.
3. The new technology will deliver "richer, more detailed, three-dimensional images of the patient's anatomy with resolution so clear and consistent that it will give us reliable use of important telesurgery services to veterans across the nation," Mr. Wilkie said.
4. Mr. Wilkie said VA expects the hospital's 5G technology to be fully operational this year, and the network will allow VA physicians to virtually consult during surgeries.
5. Last year, Rush System for Health in Chicago partnered with AT&T to become one of the first 5G-enabled hospitals in the U.S.