AT&T Says It Plans to Offer 5G Services in Dozen Markets This Year

AT&T expects to be the first U.S. carrier to launch mobile 5G in a dozen markets by year-end, it said Thursday. “The promise of mobile 5G is seemingly endless and we're moving fast to make that promise a reality.” Verizon and Samsung Electronics America said Wednesday they plan to launch in Sacramento, also in 2018 (see 1801030020). AT&T said the launch will be standards-based. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project “completed key elements of 5G new radio (NR) standards last month,” the carrier said. “Hardware, chipset and device manufacturers can start development. This allows us to provide mobile 5G services sooner. We're confident this latest standards milestone will allow us to bring 5G to market faster without compromising its long-term vision.”