Walmart is reportedly in negotiations with Verizon to install antennas and other equipment at Walmart Health clinics to create a 5G wireless service, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Verizon has been pitching its 5G capabilities to manufacturers and hospitals, saying it would improve the amount of time it takes for machines to respond to one another. Currently, Verizon's 5G coverage is limited, as the communications provider has only built the service in select cities.
By adopting a 5G system, Walmart Health hopes its clinicians would be able to more easily communicate and interact with physicians and other healthcare providers through streaming video or other mobile devices, people familiar with the matter told WSJ.
"Healthcare looks like a big opportunity," said Walmart CEO Doug McMillion at an investor meeting in February, reports WSJ. The retail giant is targeting rural areas to deliver its healthcare services.
Along with assisting how providers interact with each other, the 5G network has the opportunity to improve the patient experience. In essence, a patient could have her medical data stored in an app. When the patient arrives at a clinic, she could register for her visit. Then as she walks around the store, she could pick up prescriptions and groceries. While doing so, the 5G could detect if items need to be restocked.