Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg announced the launch of Verizon 5G Home, another broadband internet service plan with more speed, on October 1.
US consumers can visit FirstOn5G.com to sign up to become a member of “First On 5G” beginning Thursday at 8am ET.
Verizon said its 5G Home customers will receive broadband speeds around 300 Mbps and peak speeds of nearly 1 Gig, with no data caps. Verizon is targeting cable customers to use 5G Home and announced several content packages.
5G Home is an exciting Internet plan for home users because it offers more speed and there is free content. It does not support 5G use cases — illustrated by telecom network makers — for enterprises at the moment.
In fact, Verizon 5G is not yet ready for mobile phone users in US. Verizon did not reveal the timeframe to launch 5G mobile service. Verizon said it is expected to be the first to offer 5G mobile service.
Analysts do not know the reason why Verizon is calling 5G for another broadband plan. Is this offer connected to 5G technology?
Kyle Malady, Verizon’s chief technology officer, said: “Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network is the only 5G network that combines: fiber network, a large deployment of small cells and spectrum holdings, particularly in the millimeter wave bands, to realize the 5G potential for capacity, throughput and latency.”
Verizon offers 5G Home in four cities in the initial phase of the launch: parts of Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento. The leading telecom operator has built Verizon 5G Home on Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network.
T-Mobile earlier announced two 5G equipment deals – worth $3.5 billion each – with Nokia and Ericsson. T-Mobile earlier said its 5G will be available in 30 cities across the US.
“We appreciate the partnership of network equipment makers, device manufacturers, software developers and chip makers in reaching this critical milestone,” said Hans Vestberg, who joined Verizon after serving Ericsson as CEO.
Members of FirstOn5G.com, will get Verizon 5G Home free for three months in Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento.
After the introductory offer, Verizon Wireless customers with a qualifying smartphone plan will need to pay $50 per month for the service, while non-Verizon Wireless customers will need to pay $70 per month. This monthly charge includes all taxes and fees, and does not require an annual contract. There are no additional hardware costs.
Content deals to boost uptake
5G Home customers will get YouTube TV free the first three months ($40/month thereafter) and free Apple TV 4K or Google Chromecast Ultra device at installation.
First On 5G membership offers
There will be free white glove installation and equipment. Verizon offers installation and set-up of all Wi-Fi devices, as well as a free router and router upgrades as they become available in 2019.
Samsung has supplied FCC-certified 5G solutions, including 5G home and outdoor router, 5G Radio (Access Unit, Digital Unit-integrated type), and virtualized radio solutions to Verizon, said Magnus Ojert, vice president, Networks Division, Samsung Electronics America.
“First On 5G’ Members get early access to Verizon 5G Home and are first in line for new services, including 5G mobility,” said Tami Erwin, Verizon’s wireless operations leader.
Verizon said it will expand its coverage area for Verizon 5G Home once it can install the new standards-compliant equipment from vendors.
Baburajan K
