5G Service Paves the Way for New Gadgets

5G service is clearing the way for the next generation of electronics. We’re seeing that it is so much more than having the Internet on your smartphone. It gives us everything from enhanced virtual-reality video games, to remote surgery. While it has been a slower rollout, we’re continuing to see waves of 5G-enabled gadgets.

Samsung Electronics Co. has teamed up with Verizon Communications Inc. to offer wireless 5G routers – ones that have the ability to match performance of wired broadband. There’s also 5G-compatible laptops from several makers. Among the latest: Lenovo Group Ltd. in August teamed up with AT&T Inc. to release a 5G laptop, the ThinkPad X13 5G. Samsung in June also introduced a new laptop offering a 5G chip – the Galaxy Book Go 5G.

If you want a 5G connection on your yacht, miles offshore? Check out the Meridian 5G, a Monaco-based provider of internet services for superyachts advertises what it calls a 5G Dome Router (much like Pepwave’s HD Dome routers). It provides a combination of antennas and modems that allows yachts sailing within about 60 miles of the coast to access 5G connectivity. 

New drone technology unveiled in August by Qualcomm Inc. with 5G and artificial-intelligence capabilities. The technology, called the Qualcomm Flight RB5 5G Platform, enables higher-quality photo and video collection, the company says. Drones equipped with the 5G technology can be used across a range of industries, among them movie making, mapping and emergency services like firefighting, Qualcomm notes.

Additional hardware will include Internet of Things type devices like our smart speakers and doorbell cameras. This can of course apply not only to home and office appliances, but industrial equipment, hospital equipment, vehicles, etc. So as the coverage of 5G service slowly expands, so does the market of new technology to harness its power.

The Big 3 Achieve 5G Coverage for 230 Million Americans

As the two-year rollout of 5G cellular service continues, separate announcements from the big three phone carriers show that each is reaching at least 230 million Americans.

According to an AT&T and Frontier Communications announcement Wednesday (Oct. 6), the two have struck a network deal that will support deployment of AT&T’s 5G mobility network.

For its part, Verizon reported expansion of 5G to parts of five new cities, while T-Mobile said it now covers over 90% of Americans with 5G.

AT&T = 250 Million

AT&T’s coverage map reports its 5G service reaches more than 14,000 cities and towns in the U.S. 

Verizon = 230 Million

Verizon reports that its 5G Nationwide low-band 5G network is now available in more than 2,700 cities across the U.S., and its coverage area includes more than 230 million people. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network is available in parts of 70 cities. 5G Ultra Wideband mobility will be available later in the month, increasing that number to 87 cities.

T-Mobile = 305 Million

T-Mobile reports its 5G network now covers over 90% of Americans, and in just a few years, it will provide 5G to 99% of Americans. It also covers 92% of interstate miles. Its Extended Range 5G network covers 305 million people, and its Ultra Capacity 5G network covers 165 million.