Verizon turns on world’s first 5G network

The very first commercial 5G network on the globe goes live today. Verizon’s 5G Home network, providing 5G broadband internet service, is officially live today for consumers in parts of Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento. Installations of 5G Home began this morning for “First on 5G” customers in those cities, with a resident of Houston, Clayton Harris, becoming the first 5G customer in the world.

Built on the Verizon-led open 5G TF network standard, Verizon 5G Home is the next generation of home broadband internet service that provides super-fast Wi-Fi.

“The world’s first commercial 5G service is here,” said Ronan Dunne, President, Verizon Wireless. “We’ve formed incredible partnerships with many of the world’s leading technology companies, the international technical standards bodies, public officials, developers and our own customers to drive the 5G ecosystem forward, faster than most had predicted. And now, actual customers. It’s been an incredible journey…and we’re just at the starting line.”

Verizon was able to launch 5G in these first four cities because of forward-looking state policy and local leaders who embraced innovation and developed a strategic vision for how 5G could be a platform to attract new investment, businesses and next generation services for residents.

“First on 5G” Members – early adopters of 5G technology – get exclusive perks including 5G Home service free for the first three months (after that introductory period, Verizon Wireless customers with a qualifying smartphone plan will pay $50 per month for the service, while non-Verizon Wireless customers will pay $70 per month), free white glove installation and equipment, and early access to new services, including 5G mobility. 5G Home customers will also get YouTube TV free for the first three months and a free Apple TV 4K or Google Chromecast Ultra device at installation.

Verizon has led the industry with our clear focus on bringing 5G service to consumers as quickly as possible. That’s why our 5G Home service is built on the Verizon-led open 5G TF network standard; we are able to deliver results and a 5G network faster than waiting for the formal 3GPP 5G NR standard to be incorporated into network equipment, devices, chipsets and software. As our 5G technology partners bring that hardware, software, chipsets and devices to market on the 3GPP 5G NR standard, we’ll upgrade First On 5G Members to that equipment at no charge. When new network equipment is available and introduced, we’ll expand our 5G broadband internet coverage area quickly and bring 5G to additional cities.