Microsoft Targets 5G Wireless Networks to Make Its Cloud Faster

As mobile carriers build out the next-generation 5G network, Microsoft Corp. wants to make that equipment part of its Azure cloud, speeding delivery of services to nearby customers.

Here’s how it works: Microsoft has already built a massive network of more than 60 data center regions around the globe where customers can rent computing power and storage. Over the last few years, the company has also been selling services that let customers crunch data or perform some tasks on devices located on the client’s site. Now Microsoft wants to use the 5G equipment of partners like AT&T Inc. to provide some processing power that’s located even closer to some customers than regional datacenters. Being closer means faster speeds.