Verizon becomes the first wireless carrier in the United States to flip the switch on speedy, smartphone-ready 5G service in select urban areas. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)Verizon said Wednesday it had turned on its ultrafast 5G wireless network in parts of Chicago and Minneapolis, though it will be available only to certain subscribers who pay a fee and own a compatible smartphone. With Verizon, only customers in select areas in Chicago and Minneapolis can take advantage of the company’s new 5G service. In December, AT&T said it had turned on 5G service in parts of 12 cities for only select customers and businesses that also purchased a special mobile hot spot from the company. In October, Verizon said that customers in four cities could use 5G — but only as a form of home Internet service.

Source: Washington Post April 03, 2019 17:33 UTC