Verizon has confirmed the commercial launch of its first 5G services, targeting the home broadband market. The '5G Ultra Wideband' network will be available initially to parts of Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento from 01 October, and customers can already register from 13 September at FirstOn5G.com.
Those who pre-register will receive the first month of the fixed-wireless service Verizon 5G Home free for three months. After that, Verizon Wireless customers with a qualifying smartphone plan will pay USD 50 per month for the service, while non-Verizon Wireless customers will pay USD 70. The monthly charge includes all taxes and fees, and does not require an annual contract. There are no additional hardware costs.
Verizon said 5G Home customers can expect typical network speeds around 300 Mbps and, depending on location, peak speeds of nearly 1 Gbps, with no data caps. The company said the new service "is ideal for consumers looking to 'cut the cord' or upgrade from their current cable service."
YouTube TV, Apple TV and Chromecast
To replace cable TV, the 5G customers are offered YouTube TV free the first three months and then at USD 40 per month and a free Apple TV 4K or Google Chromecast Ultra device. The devices are provided with the free installation, which includes router and Wi-Fi network set-up. The 5G home customers are also promised access to the first 5G mobile devices when they come on market.
Verizon said it plans to "rapidly expand" coverage of the 5G service as standards-compliant equipment comes available. Customers outside the initial launch areas can already sign up to become 'First On 5G' members and receive the promotional benefits when the service reaches their area.
The new service is built on Verizon's proprietary 5G TF standard, which it has been testing for several years already. It plans to gradually migrate to the 5G New Radio standard used across the industry as equipment becomes available.
