For many Americans, internet service providers (ISPs) consistently rank as a source of frustration and dissatisfaction. They are often rated lower than industries such as social media, the U.S. Postal Service, and airlines. A 2022 CNET survey revealed that 63% of Americans ended up paying more for internet service than they did the previous year. This dissatisfaction stems from hidden fees, yearly price hikes, complicated contracts, service details, and various speed tiers. Rural residents face even greater challenges. Many find themselves limited to few options, raising hopes that the advent of 5G technology could bring a viable broadband solution to these underserved areas. According to Rick Broida, a CNET alum, the imperfections in 5G service feel more manageable when users pay significantly less than traditional services. Indeed, a recent J.D. Power report indicated that 5G home internet is often cheaper and more accessible than traditional cable or fiber options.
5G, or the fifth generation of wireless data networks, represents a significant evolution from previous technologies. While 5G is commonly associated with mobile communications, its home internet variant is less widespread. The technology employs different radio frequencies than earlier generations, aiming to provide faster data speeds with decreased latency compared to 4G. Specifically, millimeter-wave technology can offer high gigabit speeds, though it has limitations regarding distance and obstacles. To enhance coverage, midband technology averages speeds between 300 and 400 megabits per second, while low-band 5G provides a range similar to 4G but at speeds between 100 and 200Mbps. It’s essential to note that 5G home internet is distinct from the 5GHz band found on Wi-Fi routers, as the two serve different purposes.
What makes 5G home internet particularly appealing is its delivery method. Unlike traditional ISPs that rely on physical cables and phone lines, 5G operates on fixed wireless principles. This means your internet connection is established through the air rather than through cables. While a receiver is necessary to capture the 5G signal, it circumvents the need for extensive wiring. Instead of satellites, the data is relayed from nearby wireless hubs. The array of providers offering 5G home internet is still limited but expanding, with options from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Starry.
AT&T’s 5G Internet Air provides a straightforward offering: a single plan priced at $60 monthly, which falls to $47 with an eligible wireless plan. Speeds range from 90 to 300Mbps, and the setup is user-friendly, often requiring only minimal effort. Importantly, it incurs no contracts, overage fees, or data caps. However, it lacks the expansive availability of its competitors. Starry, operating in major metropolitan areas, also offers no contracts or equipment fees, with prices ranging from $30 to $80 monthly and speeds reaching 1,000Mbps. Starry distinguishes itself with symmetrical upload and download speeds and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, enhancing customer confidence.
T-Mobile and Verizon round out the major providers. T-Mobile’s plans range from $50 to $70, with flexible pricing based on eligibility with mobile plans. Speeds can reach up to 415Mbps, along with the absence of data caps and contracts. Verizon offers high-speed options, boasting maximum speeds of up to 1 gigabit and averaging around 300Mbps for $50 to $70 monthly. The unique selling points include a price lock for two to three years and various promotional offers that can significantly reduce costs for qualifying customers.
While 5G home internet is not universally available, its reach is rapidly expanding, particularly in urban markets. Currently, T-Mobile holds the broadest coverage, with 60% of American households served, followed by Verizon and AT&T. Starry focuses on select cities, limiting its availability. For prospective customers, the emerging 5G options can be enticing, especially given their straightforward pricing and commitment to no hidden fees. As the technology matures and expands, it’s vital for consumers to assess the realities of 5G’s capabilities and its sufficiency for their home internet needs.
