AT&T Mobility has revealed that its 5G network has supported downlink transmission speeds of 2Gbps in Atlanta. Described as a ‘standards-based mobile 5G network’, the network utilises millimetre wave (mmWave) frequencies, and went live in twelve cities in December 2018 – but only for ‘select businesses and consumers’ with access to a NETGEAR Nighthawk 5G mobile hotspot. The latest demonstration utilised the aforementioned NETGEAR equipment.
In other US 5G news, AT&T’s chief rival Verizon Wireless has scrapped its controversial USD10 5G surcharge. While the reason for the change of heart has not been disclosed, the cellco confirmed: ‘For a limited time, the Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband USD10 access fee is waived — a saving of USD10 a month.’ As previously reported by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, Verizon switched on its ‘5G Ultra Wideband’ network in select areas of Minneapolis and Chicago on 3 April – a week ahead of schedule – as it sought to secure global bragging rights over South Korea’s mobile operators.