AT&T is all set to become the first and only company in the US to offer a mobile 5G device over a commercial, standards-based mobile 5G network. The device launch is scheduled for today, December 21, 2018. The company has worked closely with its technology suppliers to reach this mobile 5G milestone. While the initial launch starts will be small, customers will see enhancements in coverage, speeds and devices as the 5G ecosystem evolves.
It's still early on the 5G journey and ATT plans to learn fast and continually iterate in the months ahead. AT&T’s standards-based mobile 5G network will be live in parts of 12 cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Fla., Louisville, Ky., Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Raleigh, N.C., San Antonio and Waco, Texas. In the first half of 2019 they plan to deploy mobile 5G in parts of 7 additional cities: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville, Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose.
Early adopters will be the first to experience the NETGEAR Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspot on AT&T's mobile 5G+ network. 5G+ is built to provide a mobile 5G experience over mm-Wave spectrum, offering users a faster mobile experience than standard LTE. It will start out in dense urban areas, but if outside of 5G+ network coverage, consumers will be able to access the nation's best network and 5G Evolution in 385 markets on the NETGEAR Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspot.
Through an initial offer, AT&T will deliver select businesses and consumers their first mobile 5G device plus 5G data usage at no cost for at least 90 days. Next spring, customers will be able to get the Nighthawk for $499 upfront and 15GB of data for $70 a month on a compatible plan and no annual commitment (this device will require a 5G compatible AT&T data plan. Device availability and 5G+ coverage areas are limited).
