Verizon launches first 5G mobile service in Chicago, Minneapolis

Verizon has confirmed the start of its 5G mobile service, in parts of Minneapolis and Chicago. The launch came a week ahead of schedule. Customers can access the service with the new 5G mod for the Moto Z3 smartphone and receive speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

Verizon claims it is the first in the world to offer the 5G mobile service with a smartphone. Earlier launches, such as AT&T last year, used hotspot devices. Last year Verizon launched a fixed-wireless over its own 5G standard, for customers to use at home. The mobile service uses global 5G standards and Verizon expects to expand the service to more than 30 US cities in 2019.

Customers in Chicago and Minneapolis should expect typical download speeds of 450 Mbps, with peak speeds of nearly 1 Gbps, and latency less than 30 milliseconds, Verizon said. The company is offering the Moto mod, which snaps on the Z3 like a case, at USD 199.99 at launch, compared to a standard retail price of USD 349.99, and customers pay an extra USD 10 per month to experience unlimited 5G data. The operator plans to launch more 5G devices by June.