ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
5G networks

Verizon kicks off world's first 5G, beating South Korea to the punch

Launch a week ahead of schedule as three Korean carriers turn on network Friday

Verizon on Wednesday turned on its 5G service in select areas in Chicago and Minneapolis a week ahead of schedule.

NEW YORK -- Verizon on Wednesday started its fifth-generation wireless network in areas of Minneapolis and Chicago ahead of schedule, snatching the "world's first commercial 5G mobile service" status from South Korea, where three leading carriers will begin service Friday.

The U.S. telecom provider's launch, originally set for April 11, also offered customers a 5G-compatible device -- the Moto Z3 with 5G Moto Mod, a handset combination manufactured by Motorola. This also stripped Samsung Electronics the right to call its Galaxy S10 5G smartphone the first commercial 5G-enabled phone on the market.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more