AT&T Keeps 5G Promise

AT&T’s (T) mobile 5G service went live in the United States on December 21 in time for Christmas. The company had promised that it would launch a mobile 5G service in up to a dozen markets before the end of 2018. The AT&T mobile 5G service went live in 12 cities including Houston and Indianapolis where Verizon (VZ) also offers a fixed 5G service. The Verizon 5G Home service launched on October 1 and is initially available in four cities.

AT&T’s 5G service is initially available free of charge to select businesses and consumers in the covered markets. The select customers are expected to enjoy the free service for at least three months. Charges are expected to rise next spring when a 15G data plan on AT&T’s 5G network will cost $70 a month. Verizon’s 5G service costs $50 a month for existing Verizon customers and $70 a month for new customers.

AT&T’s mobility division generated $18.3 billion in revenue in the third quarter, representing an increase of 5.2% YoY.

Mobile operators like AT&T are betting on 5G connectivity to enlarge their addressable market like being able to sell more services to business customers. T-Mobile (TMUS) and Sprint (S) are also underway with preparations for 5G network rollout. Dish Network (DISH) also has plans to build a 5G network as it seeks to diversify outside its core satellite television market.