Now AT&T is gearing up for its first big test of 5G by launching 5G Internet for testing in Austin, Texas. This will be the second test of 5G Internet and will connect residential and small businesses. During this trial participants can stream premium live TV via DIRECTV NOW over their 5G signal.
“The technology behind 5G is important. But it’s also about advancing social trends like mobile video streaming,” said Marachel Knight, senior vice president, Wireless Network Architecture and Design, AT&T. “In Austin, we’re testing DIRECTV NOW over ultra-fast internet speeds at a variety of locations. The network of the future will help redefine what connectivity means to both consumers and businesses. This trial helps show that the new reality is coming fast.”
AT&T says that it hopes to have 5G rolling out to the public as early as 2018.
AT&T is not the only service working on 5G. Google, Charter, Verizon, T-Mobile, Dish, and others are all working on a 5G offering. Most of them are currently aiming for a 2020 launch with over half the United States having 5G Internet by the end of 2020.
This is huge news for cord cutters. 5G is able to handle higher usage than 4G without the slow down in speed. This will allow cord cutters to seriously look at 5G as a real Internet option for them.
5G will also be a game changer for rural America. With 5G Internet you will be able to get the same Internet you would in a busy city. Even for busy city cord cutters, 5G will bring new competition helping to push prices down.
While we are likely a year away before 5G starts to roll out, it will likely be a defining moment for cord cutting. Internet is always a major hold back and new Internet competition will help make cord cutting even easier.
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