Verizon Announces 5G Wireless In Phoenix Later This Year

PHOENIX — Verizon says it will roll out the next generation in wireless technology, also known as 5G, to Phoenix customers later this year. It's part of a 20-city launch that coincides with a pre-order option of one of its latest phones, the Galaxy S10.

The news was shared by the company Thursday. Only select cities have the service now. Verizon says Phoenix as well as Atlanta; Boston; Charlotte, North Carolina; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Columbus; Dallas; Des Moines, Iowa; Denver; Detroit; Houston; Indianapolis; Kansas City, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis, Tennessee; Providence, Rhode Island; San Diego; Salt Lake City and Washington D.C. were selected to be the first to get the upgrade.

"Fifth Generation" wireless technology, or 5G, promises to elevate our connected world by increasing the bandwidth of data our daily life uses. While specific applications haven't materialized, experts are pointing to its use with automated vehicles or internet-connected appliances once it matures.

Verizon is marketing different tiers of this service. In a release, the company says this initial roll out of what they call "5G Ultra Wideband" sometime in 2019. This is in addition to their 5G Home broadband internet.

Verizon has paired this 5G launch with a promotion on a discounted Galaxy S10. Customers can get up to $650 off the device, which has an upward price point of $1,300.