AT&T announced Thursday that its 5G network is now available to 205 million consumers in 395 markets across the United States. (CNN’s parent company WarnerMedia is owned by AT&T (T))
The announcement comes despite some minor interruptions. tThe Covid-19 pandemic caused for the 5G launch of the telecommunications industry. Many expect 5G to improve automation, remote work tools, and other technologies that have become even more important in light of the crisis.
“Just as our lives have changed in the past few months, so has our expectation of wireless technology,” said Jeff McElfresh, CEO of AT&T Communications, in a statement. “Businesses, developers and consumers are already harnessing the potential of 5G.”
But even though 5G network is now Across the country, swaths of the country are not yet covered by it (similar to T-Mobile’s (TMUS) national network 5G). This is because the Federal Communications Commission defines the term by population (a network is considered “national” if it covers 200 million or more people) rather than by coverage area.
AT&T National Network Actually It consists of two different types of 5G networks.
Covering most of the country is the low-band network, which AT&T calls simply “5G”: signals moving over the lower frequency bands travel farther but are only slightly faster than existing 4G networks.
To augment that network, AT&T is building superfast highband networks, calling it “5G +,” in cities across the country that will provide the dramatic benefits that many expect from 5G. The company’s high-band 5G networks are currently available in 35 cities.
To make all of this important to consumers, they will probably have to buy a new 5G-capable phone and make sure 5G service is part of their phone plan. AT&T currently offers 10 5G-enabled phones, including LG’s Samsung Galaxy S20 and V60 ThinkQ and Velvet 5G. (Apple (AAPL) It still doesn’t make a 5G-enabled iPhone.)
The 5G tag can be confusing. So when choosing a phone, consumers need to consider what kind 5G network (low band or high band) that you can connect to, in addition to what is available in your area. Currently, only the Samsung Galaxy S20 + and Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra can connect to AT&T low band and high band networks. Other phones will connect to one type of network or another, which means that they will return to 4G service in areas where the 5G network to which they are intended to connect is not available.
AT&T to add 5G access at no additional cost beginning August 7 for customers on their Unlimited Starter, Extra and Elite plans, and for businesses on their Unlimited Web-Only, Starter, Performance and Elite plans.
For consumers, 5G is expected to provide benefits like fast download speeds and enhanced experiences with data-intensive processes like virtual reality and live gaming. It is also hailed as a game changer for businesses, which will depend on 5G to enhance innovations such as automation and Internet of Things technologies.
“As the United States looks to the future, technologies like 5G will play an important role in building the future of all industries, with a strong emphasis on healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and live entertainment. “AT&T said.
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