As promised AT&T has launched its 5G service in the US, beating out competitor Verizon who launched a 5G service for home in October as a wireless alternative to broadband.
The company’s “5G Evolution” technology is available in 385 markets upon launch and will reach 400 in the coming days, allowing a “peak theoretical wireless speed” of 400Mbps for capable devices, or an average of around 40Mbps.
There aren’t actually any 5G phones on the market yet, but in the Spring of next year consumers will be able to get the $499 AT&T 5G Nighthawk Hotspot (one upfront payment) and 15GB data for $70 per month.
There are, however, some newer Android devices that will connect to the 5G network. A capable device will let you know with a “5G E” connection indicator.
AT&T is giving select businesses and consumers the company’s first mobile 5G device along with 5G data usage for at least 90 days at no charge.
For now, 5G from AT&T is available in limited areas including Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas; Houston; Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Fla.; Louisville, Ky.; Oklahoma City; New Orleans; Raleigh, N.C.; San Antonio; and Waco, Texas.
“This is the first taste of the mobile 5G era,” said AT&T chief technology officer Andre Fuetsch.
AT&T says they plan to expand availability in the first half of 2020 to areas in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville, Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose, CA.
