Verizon is introducing a new plan to improve cell service in hospitals.

Verizon is working to improve hospital connectivity with a two-pronged strategy. This includes a neutral host network to improve signal strength for visitors, as well as a separate, secure private 5G network for essential hospital functions.

Hospital connectivity can be unreliable due to the increase in electronic records, telehealth, and connected devices. Visitors and patients struggle with cellular dead zones.

To address this, Verizon is implementing a dual system. The first part involves a neutral host network, which is a strong on-site signal booster for the public network. This will improve service across carriers without requiring logins.

The second component is a private 5G network. This secure network is designed for the hospital's critical operations. It supports data workflows, connected equipment, and future technologies with dedicated bandwidth and enhanced security.

Verizon says Ericsson is managing the buildout for both networks. Hospitals can begin with the neutral host network and then enable the private 5G network as needed.

This approach aims to solve connectivity issues using one integrated system. Poor cell service is a common complaint for visitors, and a neutral host system addresses this without compromising the hospital's private network security.

AT&T also has invested in private 5G for healthcare, promoting its "Private 5G as a Service" to help hospitals adopt the technology. Verizon is bundling public access (neutral host) with private operations (5G) as a scalable package.

This aims to provide a clear upgrade path. Hospitals can be slow to adopt new technology due to cost and complexity. Verizon hopes to simplify the transition for IT administrators by suggesting a staged approach: visitor network first, critical functions later.

The separation of public access and private operations is important in a sensitive environment like a hospital. Many patients and visitors struggle to get adequate service in waiting rooms.

Implementation will be the true test. Hospitals can be challenging environments for wireless signals. While Ericsson is a strong partner, deployment will require careful planning.