5G home internet

What is 5G?

Ari Howard Last updated: March 2, 2021

5G is the next generation wireless network technology (after 4G) and is the newest standard regarding data communication for a network. Compared to past generations, 5G will allow data to transfer from a source to its destination quicker and with fewer delays. This network will be able to be applied to both cellphones, which is what most people think of when they hear 5G, and home internet. 

5G networks are made up of three bands. The highest bandwidth provides the fastest speeds but the worst coverage and penetration abilities (can’t go through a brick wall, for instance). The lowest bandwidth, on the other hand, provides the slowest speeds but the greatest coverage.  

Low-band spectrum (<1GHz): Widespread coverage with speeds up to 100 Mbps and excellent penetration capabilities.

Mid-band spectrum (<6GHz): Limited coverage with speeds up to 1 Gbps and moderate penetration capabilities.

High-band spectrum (>6GHz): Low coverage with speeds up to 10 Gbps and poor penetration capabilities.

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What is Fixed Wireless 5G?

Fixed wireless is the equipment that converts radio waves into internet service. Fixed wireless internet is created from a fixed antenna connecting to a nearby (and in line of sight) wireless tower. The wireless tower is the base station. Once the fixed antenna receives radio signals from the base station, it then sends that connection down a short cable installed in your house and links up to your router so that you have access to Wi-Fi. 

Currently, fixed wireless internet primarily exists through a 4G network and is mostly used in rural areas. However, once the infrastructure for 5G is more built-out, fixed wireless service can use the 5G network instead. This fixed wireless 5G internet service is most commonly referred to as 5G home internet and will have several key benefits.

5G home internet benefits

What’s the difference between 5G mobile and 5G home internet?

There are two ways of connecting to the 5G network: through cellular service (mobile 5G) and through fixed wireless (5G home internet). With 5G cellular service, customers must purchase a mobile device that is capable of receiving 5G radio waves. Through this device, customers can use 5G cellular service to access the internet when they are not on Wi-Fi. 

Conversely, 5G home internet requires an antenna to be installed on top of each customer’s home so that any device in that person’s home can connect to the 5G network, generally through Wi-Fi. The antenna on top of one’s home must be in line of sight to a base station with another antenna. Therefore, 5G cellular service and 5G home internet are two different plans even though you can receive both services through the same wireless carrier. 

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5G home internet providers

Verizon and Starry are currently the only providers actually selling 5G home internet. However, T-Mobile and AT&T are also working to provide 5G home internet soon. In the meantime, T-Mobile and AT&T are offering 4G home internet in select rural areas. Verizon, Starry, T-Mobile and AT&T are the four main providers expanding 5G home internet throughout the country.

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Verizon 

Verizon currently offers fixed wireless 5G internet, referred to as Verizon 5G Home Internet, in select areas. Verizon keeps pricing simple with all taxes and additional fees included in the advertised price. 

*For existing customers with a Verizon mobile plan of $30/mo. or greater.

Current promotions and special offers 

• Free professional installation – While installing a fixed wireless connection can be done without professional assistance, Verizon is currently offering free professional installation for all customers. For those living in a larger home, a Wi-Fi extender mini may also be installed in your home free of charge to ensure adequate Wi-Fi coverage. 

• Streaming accessory: You get a free Stream TV device if you opt for self-installation or a free Verizon Stream TV device when you opt for professional setup.

• Amazon smart home bundle: For a limited time, you will receive an Amazon Smart Home Bundle when you sign up for Verizon 5G Home Internet.

• YouTube TV: Verizon will provide YouTube TV for one month for free. After that, the cost is $64.99/mo. to continue your subscription. 

Verizon 5G home internet availability 

Verizon 5G Home Internet is currently available in select areas of:

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Starry 

Starry is a brand new fixed wireless internet provider. It is the only fixed wireless 5G provider that is not a wireless carrier. However, just like Verizon, it includes taxes and additional fees in its advertised price, and there is no promotional pricing. Through Starry, you can connect up to 60 devices at a time. 

Current promotions and special offers 

• Free installation: With Starry, you have the option for self-installation; however, Starry is also currently offering professional installation to all customers for free. 

Starry internet availability 

Starry is currently only available in apartment or condo buildings in five major U.S. cities: 

• Boston, MA
• Denver, CO
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Washington, D.C. 

However, Starry Internet is set to expand into 47 additional U.S. markets in the coming years. 

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T-Mobile 

T-Mobile has fixed wireless 5G internet, known as T-Mobile Home Internet, on the way. However, its 5G internet service is not yet ready for the public and its 4G home internet service is extremely limited. 

T-Mobile promises no price increases and the advertised price includes all additional fees and taxes. An additional perk is that T-Mobile includes built-in security features to protect your internet service. However, unlike other providers that are currently offering free professional installation, T-Mobile only offers free self-installation. 

T-Mobile home internet availability 

T-Mobile Home Internet is in its most beta phase. It is currently only offering an invite-only pilot program for individuals living in rural and underserved areas across the U.S. However, T-Mobile expects to have fixed wireless 5G in almost two million homes by 2021 and in 9.5 million homes by 2024. 

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AT&T

Similar to T-Mobile, AT&T is still in its earliest phases of bringing 5G home internet to the U.S. It has been more focused this year in providing 5G for wireless phones. Currently, AT&T only offers 4G home internet. AT&T is one of the few fixed wireless providers that does not offer unlimited data or free installation.

AT&T home internet availability 

As of now, AT&T offers fixed wireless 4G for select rural households and small businesses. AT&T’s home internet service is primarily targeted towards people who live in areas where other internet services are unavailable. AT&T is currently only offering home internet to existing customers with a plan of at least $29.99/mo. 

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5G home internet equipment

Another perk of fixed wireless internet is that installation will be fairly simple. This means that, in most cases, self-installation will be an option; however, for now, most carriers are offering free installation. Here’s the equipment you will need: 

• Outdoor antenna –  Must be installed on top of your home and in line of sight to a nearby 5G base station.
• 5G router  – converts 5G radio waves into Wi-Fi.
• Antenna power supply – a cable that connects the antenna and router.
• Wi-Fi extender – If you have a larger home, you will likely need at least one Wi-Fi extender in order to provide internet access to your whole home.

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5G home internet FAQs

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