Verizon, one of the largest mobile carriers in the US launched its much-anticipated 5G network yesterday in select areas of Chicago and Minneapolis, about a week earlier than expected. According to Verizon, their 5G Ultra Wideband network is available in Chicago in the following areas:
Some reports have called the service "spotty", and "sparse", and "frustratingly random", though even critics were quick to admit that the service is much faster than the readily available 4G network speeds, with some users achieving 5G network speeds of up to 600 Mbps. There has been some speculation that Verizon's test date was moved forward to beat competition from other countries. Wireless carriers in South Korea reportedly launched their own 5G network in the Seoul metropolitan area on the same day. Verizon says it plans to roll out 5G service in about 30 cities this year.