While the technology behind 5G is ready, the availability of 5G home internet services is limited. While AT&T has a 5G mobile service, they don't offer a fixed wireless solution, making these plans a long shot. Verizon, T-Mobile, and Starry Internet are currently the main 5G home internet providers in the U.S. Each of these companies has limited coverage areas, so the exact coverage and speeds vary by location.
Verizon's 5G service
After announcing a new 5G home internet service last November, Verizon has finally rolled it out in select cities. The new service can boost speeds up to 1 Gbps and is available at $98 per month. The service will be available in select cities beginning Thursday. It will come with a new wireless router called the Verizon Internet Gateway, which supports both 4G and Verizon's 5G C-band spectrum. However, before you sign up for the service, read our review of the device.
Besides being available in select cities, you will be able to sign up for Verizon's 5G home internet service. You will need to live near a 5G cell tower and have a stable signal to use the service. If you live in one of these cities, you can request a service from a technician. Once the technician arrives, they will install the router, modem, and 5G internet receiver in your home. You can then use the app to find the best place to mount it.
If you want to take advantage of this new service, you'll want to consider how many cities are served by it. While Verizon's 5G home internet service is available nationwide, it is most widely available in America's largest metro regions. Because it is cheaper to install cell towers in such dense populations, expanding the service to new areas is quicker and more cost-effective. Ultimately, it will be faster than using other internet modes.
T-Mobile's 5G service
T-Mobile has announced plans to offer a 5G home internet service in 62 new cities. The new service is geared toward rural and small towns, where other providers aren't yet available. T-Mobile made a big deal about the need for rural coverage for 5G, and the company and Sprint have committed to cover 97% of the U.S. population with 5G within three years. Now, the question is: Will it is available in my area?
Upload speeds are also an important factor to consider. The T-Mobile 5G home internet service boasts upload speeds up to 40 Mbps, which are considerably faster than most cable providers. In addition, the service can handle multiple devices uploading data simultaneously. Although external factors may limit it, overall speed is better than average cable providers' speeds. The biggest drawback, however, is the price. Although T-Mobile is launching the 5G home internet service in select cities, some restrictions are still in place.
T-Mobile's 5G home internet services are not available nationwide, but they are promising. For about $50 per month, subscribers can enjoy up to 100 Mbps download speeds. The service is not yet available in all areas, but it looks great compared to its rivals' 5G services. If the company continues to roll out the service in new cities, this could start a new era in home internet for rural areas.
Starry Internet's 5G service
Look no further than Starry Internet if you want to try symmetrical 5G home internet speeds. While many other providers are offering the same speeds, the company's service is unique in that it offers a one-size-fits-all pricing model. For instance, you can get 200Mbps for $50. What's more, it also offers free equipment and installation. And, unlike other providers, you won't be charged an extra fee after a year or two.
In addition to delivering high-speed internet through fixed-wireless connections, Starry Internet uses 5G signals to reach areas without high-speed cabling. The company uses an antenna on the rooftop of your building to pick up the signal and dispatch it to your location. Its speed is comparable to cable and fiber internet, with download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. In addition, Starry Internet's service is affordable, offering high-speed plans for $50 per month without contracts.
Starry's broadband is unlimited, with no contracts or extra hardware needed. The company also provides free smart Wi-Fi hubs and customer service available 24/7. Customers should also know that it is expanding its services in other areas to provide home internet service to 30 percent of underserved areas. However, these new technologies have many drawbacks, so Starry broadband is not for everyone.