An interesting feature of the new 3GPP Release 16 standards for 5G is support for Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB), which can use high capacity spectrum bands, mainly in millimeter wave, for both access and transport. Ericsson and Verizon are now working on a proof-of-concept trial. Although Verizon said it prefers fiber as the ideal backhaul solution for most 5G base stations, in areas where fiber is absent or expensive, it can rely on IAB. That could be a temporary solution, with the data transferred to fiber when that link is deployed. That would avoid long delays in offering service, in areas where local regulations make it hard to run fiber quickly. Flexibility is important to Verizon, which has a fairly…