AT&T and Deloitte have partnered to bring the Dallas-headquartered telecom giant’s 5G network connectivity and edge computing services to Deloitte University by summer 2020.

The deal adds AT&T’s 5G and Multi-access Edge Compute (MEC) tech to the university’s existing cellular environment to create a communications platform that allows for exploring new technologies and innovations.

“At Deloitte we are always looking for ways to evolve our programs and provide the best experience for our people,” Kevin Westcott, vice chairman of Deloitte LLP and U.S. telecommunications, media & entertainment leader, said in a statement.

Upgrading the communications technology will allow the learning and leadership center to develop and test new interactive digital teaching collaboration models, according to Westcott. He added, “As we prepare our people for the future of work, it’s important to incorporate leading technologies so that our people—and those of our clients—can learn in new and exciting ways and gain experiences at Deloitte University that they can’t easily gain anywhere else.”

Deloitte’s Connectivity and Mobile Trends Survey found more than 40 percent of Gen Z consumers reported they were planning on playing more mobile games and almost 35 percent of Gen Z and millennials said access to 5G will change how they use AR/VR.

Adding 5G and edge computing to Deloitte University’s communications network will bring gamification and new digital realities to the center’s curriculum. The tech allows for data intensive experiential learning programs such as mixed, augmented, and virtual reality, plus volumetric video applications that blend the physical and digital world, according to a statement.

Keeping these capabilities onside via AT&T’s MEC also allows the university to keep select on-site data more private and secure.

“Our work with Deloitte University will allow us to explore how 5G and edge compute technologies can help to boost employee learning and collaboration,” Mo Katibeh, chief marketing officer of AT&T Business, said in a statement. “Consistently updating our skills and learning for life is becoming a key part of our world. Gamification, role playing, and virtual collaboration—more powerfully enabled by 5G and Edge—means faster and more effective learning for everyone, no matter where they are in their career.”

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