The 5G market is about to kick into gear, as evidenced in two key announcements from Verizon and AT&T.
Verizon will launch the world’s first commercial 5G service, 5G Home, on Oct. 1 and will begin processing orders starting on Sept. 13. 5G Home will be initially be available in select parts of Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento.
Network speeds will average 300 Mbps, with peak speeds reaching about 1 Gbps. The company does not plan to use data caps.
A special introductory offer will be available to “First on 5G” members, who will receive three free months of service, three months of YouTube TV and a free Apple TV 4K or Google Chromecast Ultra device. After the introductory period ends, the company says, customers will pay $50 per month for the service while non-Verizon wireless customers will pay $70 per month.
First on 5G customers will receive free installation and a free router as well as priority for purchasing new 5G mobile devices when they reach the market.
AT&T, meanwhile, is close behind. The company has unveiled the remaining cities that will receive 5G service by the end of 2018. They include Jacksonville, Houston, New Orleans, Louisville and San Antonio. Previously-announced destinations include Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Oklahoma City, Waco and Raleigh.
AT&T has also announced cities that will receive 5G service in 2019. They include Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Nashville, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose.
