Three More Cities Getting 5G: AT&T

5G network connectivity is seen as foundational technology for the future of high-tech solutions. Self-driving cars, streaming virtual reality and more hinges upon 5G networks. In much the way that 4G LTE was a huge step up from 3G, 5G is slated to revolutionize network speeds. As such, each city slated for the early rollout of the technology is excited to see what it brings. T-Mobile recently remarked that it felt as though New York was more important than Waco in the rollout of the new network. AT&T begs to differ, though.

AT&T and 5G

A recent statement by AT&T, regarding the T-Mobile comments, had this to say. “We politely disagree — all Americans should have access to next-gen connectivity to avoid a new digital divide.” Putting their money where their mouths are, AT&T also promised three more cities receiving the 5G rollout. Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, as well as Oklahoma City will be receiving the trials of the new tech. That’s a big deal: those are interesting markets to target. North Carolina is hardly “backwoods” area and focusing on it will allow AT&T to gather important network data.

Timetable

Major cell service providers are rushing to have 5G live by early 2019. That’s about the time we expect to see the first 5G-compatible handsets. Handsets made before then won’t be able to make use of the new network standard, sadly. However, the earliest we’ll see nationwide 5G coverage is likely early 2020. That’s even assuming that the networks work that quickly. LTE took a number of years to go from small-scale tests to nationwide-rollout.

Even then, each network is different. Sprint users are all-too-familiar with being in LTE deadzones and relying on 3G, or worse, 1x services. The more stable providers like AT&T and Verizon will likely have wider network coverage faster, if history repeats itself. That said, this technology is foundational, and will likely change the nature of wireless technology in the years to come.