Verizon has become the first carrier in the United States to launch a 5G network, though it was narrowly beaten on the global stage by operators in South Korea.
South Korea’s largest carriers, SK Telecom and KT, began offering 5G services in Seoul just hours before Verizon’s launch. Their initial rollout had been delayed from an earlier planned launch largely because of limited availability of compatible devices rather than problems with network infrastructure.
Consumers in South Korea can now purchase 5G-capable handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy S10, with prices for such devices starting at roughly $1,225. Mobile plans that include 5G access are available from around $36 per month, a price point comparable to many existing 4G plans. Operators hope maintaining similar pricing will encourage rapid consumer adoption.
In the United States, Verizon launched its 5G service in parts of Chicago and Minneapolis, a release that came about a week ahead of its initial schedule. Verizon’s early offering includes a Moto Z3 smartphone paired with a 5G modem ‘mod’ that enables access to the new generation network. Customers on Verizon’s unlimited plans can add 5G access for an additional $10 per month, with the operator waiving that fee for the first three months.
The precise timing of an initial network launch matters less to individual consumers than the overall user experience, but being among the first to deploy a new generation of mobile technology can deliver competitive advantages. Early launchers have an opportunity to attract and retain customers—particularly if their networks perform reliably and deliver clear benefits compared with rivals that roll out services later.
As 5G deployments expand, consumers and businesses will be watching how operators balance coverage, device availability, pricing, and real-world performance. Those factors will determine whether early excitement translates into long-term adoption and whether first movers can convert early interest into lasting customer loyalty.