RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – AT&T is preparing to launch another round of next-generation wireless broadband service known as 5G in several cities across the US. But Triangle customers will have to wait.
While AT&T is now taking advance orders for a new 5G phone from Samsung and incorporating 5G into some of its service offerings, the latest spin on 5G skips North Carolina – for now.
However, Trials and limited access to an earlier variant of 5G that required equipment other than phones continue in the Triangle and Charlotte.
- More information: AT&T lays out plans, phone details, coverage in this announcement.
The 5G service nearing launch is the first AT&T is making available to consumers. An earlier touted 5G offering was anctually an ehnancement to its current 4G technology known as LTE.
The first 5G phone is the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G. Preorders will being on Nov. 25, the company said.
Phone plans that will include 5G are AT&T Unlimited Extra and AT&T Unlimited Elite.
Verizon as well as T-Mobile and Sprint (which are planning to merge) also are rolling out 5G networks.
“When we introduced the U.S. to 5G last year, we started with a business-first and experience-based strategy to lay the foundation for innovation to come,” said Thaddeus Arroyo, CEO of AT&T Consumer in a statement. “We’re now introducing consumers to the future of wireless with broad 5G service included in our best unlimited plans for 5G devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G.”
Initial cities selected for 5G are: Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Providence, R.I., Rochester, N.Y., and San Diego.
Next on the list are: Boston, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, New York City, San Francisco, Birmingham, Ala., Bridgeport, Conn., Buffalo, N.Y., Louisville, Ky., San Jose, Calif. and unspecified “others.”
AT&T plans a broad 5G rollout in 2020.
