It was a just a couple of weeks ago that Sprint delivered release dates for its first 5G devices: the LG V50 ThinQ 5G and the HTC 5G Hub. When it announced those release dates, it still didn't have a launch date lined up for its 5G network, but all changed today. Sprint is flipping the switch on its 5G network today, just one day before those first two devices are slated to launch.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has detailed its plan to tackle robocalls, a growing issue that has prompted Americans to send the Commission hundreds of complaints every single day. According to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the agency will vote on 'much-need relief' on June 6 during a monthly meeting. This vote will potentially open the door for a new rule that would allow wireless carriers to block robocalls by default.
On the same day Verizon is launching the Galaxy S10 5G, Sprint has detailed the first 5G devices it'll offer on its own shelves. If you've been following 5G news over the past several months, you probably already know what those devices are. On the smartphone side of things, we've got the LG V50 ThinQ 5G, which will be a Sprint exclusive at the start. The carrier will also be launching the HTC 5G Hub, which is a mobile hotspot that will be able to tap into Sprint's 5G network.
After a bit of a wait, the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G is now available. This is definitely an exciting launch because the Galaxy S10 is one of the first 5G flagships out of the gate, but unfortunately, this release is a fairly limited in scope in more ways than one. The phone is only available on Verizon for the time being, so if you're not already a Verizon customer or don't have plans to switch carriers, you'll be waiting for the Galaxy S10 5G a little longer.
As expected, Google revealed the Pixel 3a at IO 2019 today. Offered as a low-cost alternative to the standard Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, the Pixel 3a could very well find a sizable audience in those who don't want to spend a ton of money on a new phone. It even comes with a headphone jack, so in that way at least, the Pixel 3a is better than its more expensive brother.
Verizon today confirmed another 20 cities that will get its 5G mobility service at some point this year, which is all well and good, but we still don't have very many 5G phones to actually leverage that service. Verizon does sell the Moto Z3 and its 5G Moto Mod in markets where it offers 5G service, but there are a lot of folks out there who likely only have eyes for one 5G phone: the Galaxy S10. In addition to padding out its list of 5G cities for 2019, Verizon also announced that the Galaxy S10 5G is now available to pre-order.
Slowly but surely, carriers have started rolling out their mobile 5G networks. Though Verizon wasn't the first to get its mobile 5G network off the ground - that distinction goes to AT&T - it's looking to get the ball moving rather quickly. Verizon's 5G network launched in parts of Chicago and Minneapolis earlier this month, and now Verizon has announced 20 other cities that will receive 5G service by the end of the year.
AT&T continues to roll out its 5G network, announcing today that it has launched service in seven different cities around the US. AT&T's 5G network got its start in 12 different cities at the tail end of last year, so after this latest expansion, the number of cities with 5G service from the carrier is now up to 19. There's a long way to go before AT&T 5G covers the nation, but this is certainly a good start.
Verizon today launched a new plan aimed directly at families with children. Appropriately dubbed "Just Kids," Verizon is offering this new plan as an alternative to its standard unlimited plans, as it serves up additional parental controls and restrictions. Essentially, Verizon wants this plan to accompany your child's first smartphone.
It definitely isn't controversial to say that robocalls are one of the most annoying things about living in the information age. Slowly but surely, carriers are finally starting to do something about it, with Verizon announcing back in January that it would make its Call Filter service free for all users later on in the year. The company is flipping the switch this week, so if you've been plagued by robocalls like so many of us, maybe this will help curb them a little bit.
AT&T may have been quick to launch "5G E" branding on its subscribers' smartphones, but the network itself is nowhere near as fast. That's the conclusion one wide-reaching network test has come to, after running speed trials on AT&T's so-called 5G Evolution network that it describes as a stepping stone to true 5G.
Last month, Verizon gave us a fairly vague timeline for its 5G plans in 2019, saying that mobile 5G would launch in 30 cities across the US throughout the year but not really getting specific about the "where" or "when." Today, Verizon is starting to pull back the veil on its 5G Mobility plans a little bit, announcing launch dates for two cities. It also revealed when Motorola's 5G Moto Mod will be launching and how much it'll cost.