Much like fiber internet, 5G networks promise to deliver better performance. However, unlike fiber internet, upgraded wireless networks don’t seem to carry the smaller price tag for better performance. Or at least, the one Verizon plans to launch doesn’t.
As of April 11th, 2019, Verizon will launch its 5G network in Minneapolis and Chicago. Don’t get too excited: not all of the cities will receive the service just yet. Verizon elaborated that only portions of the cities will receive the service until they expand fully.
The plan also comes at a cost — the cheapest unlimited plan is $75/month. The most expensive ranges to $95/month. And, as mentioned, this new 5G service will cost $10 more per month on top of whichever unlimited plan you choose.
The new Ultra Wideband mobility service also comes with new hardware offers, as well.
Initial Rollouts With Motorola and Samsung
The latest Samsung Galaxy phone (the S10) is pretty awesome to look at. The specs on it also impress most critics, but most importantly — the phone is 5G enabled. Though it hasn’t officially launched, the S10 joins the Verizon roster next month.
The Motorola Moto Z3 is the very first smartphone model available for the service. The 5G Moto mod enables the expanded capabilities. You can pre-order it starting March 14, 2019.
Verizon’s Chief Technology Officer, Kyle Malady, commented on what this means for Verizon in a press release.
“Continuing our track record of 5G ‘firsts,’ we are thrilled to bring the first 5G-upgradeable smartphone exclusively to Verizon customers…Not all 5G networks are the same. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network is built by the company with the nation’s best and most reliable 4G LTE network. It will change the way we live, work, learn and play, starting in Chicago and Minneapolis and rapidly expanding to more than 30 U.S. markets this year.”
How Verizon Plans to Compete with AT&T
Of course, innovation doesn’t come without competition. Though T-Mobile and Sprint haven’t merged yet, AT&T remains the distinct rival for Verizon.
They also plan to establish their own service in Chicago and Minneapolis, as well as:
- Los Angeles
- San Jose
- Las Vegas
- San Francisco
- Orlando
- Nashville
Rumor has it that these sites will go live in the first half of 2019.
Sprint will launch its own 5G service across many downtown markets including Atlanta, Houston, NYC, and Washington, D.C. at some point this year. Consumers will have choices when it comes to getting an upgraded mobile service. But that will still only be between the same four major companies.
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