Are you struggling with limited broadband options? Or are you just not satisfied with your current internet provider?

Here’s what 5G home internet can offer.

Why Do People Dislike Internet Providers?

Internet service providers (ISPs) often receive poor ratings from customers.

They rank lower than industries like airlines, social media, and even postal services.

The frustration comes from hidden charges, contract commitments, annual price increases, speed variations, and unclear service details.

Finding a reliable ISP can be even more difficult for people in rural areas. Some locations have very few, if any, suitable options.

If 5G can prove to be a solid broadband solution for underserved regions, it could be a game-changer.

As one user noted after switching to T-Mobile, “Even with some imperfections, paying less than half the previous price makes it worth it.”

A 2024 J.D. Power Survey highlights that 5G home internet is often more affordable and widely accessible than fiber or cable.

While it may not offer the highest speeds, many users will accept that trade-off.

Below, we explore its performance, pricing, availability, and whether it’s right for you.

Internet Plans Available in Los Angeles, CA

*Some providers offer discounts for autopay and paperless billing.

Understanding 5G Home Internet

5G stands for the fifth generation of wireless networks. You may already be familiar with 5G for mobile phones, which offers better connectivity and speed.

Unlike traditional broadband, 5G home internet is a wireless service that does not require cables or phone lines.

How Fast Is 5G Home Internet?

5G technology offers different levels of speed:

• Millimeter-wave 5G: Delivers the highest speeds but has a shorter range and struggles with obstacles.

• Mid-band 5G: Provides 300–400 Mbps speeds with a broader coverage area.

• Low-band 5G: Offers speeds between 100–200 Mbps and ranges similar to 4G LTE.

5G Home Internet vs. 5GHz Wi-Fi

People often confuse 5G with 5GHz Wi-Fi. However, they are different.

A Wi-Fi router uses 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to distribute internet inside your home, while 5G is a cellular network technology operating on much higher frequencies.

What Makes 5G Home Internet Unique?

Most internet connections, including fiber, DSL, and cable, require a physical connection between your home and the provider’s network.

5G home internet, however, is a fixed wireless service. Instead of cables, it uses a receiver to pick up signals from a nearby 5G hub, similar to satellite internet, but with closer transmission points.

Which Providers Offer 5G Home Internet?

Currently, 5G home internet is not available everywhere. However, some providers offer it in select locations. The main options include:

• AT&T Internet Air

• T-Mobile

• Verizon

• Starry

Most providers offer discounts for autopay and paperless billing. Opting out of these features may result in a higher monthly price.

If 5G home internet is available in your area, it might be a cost-effective alternative to traditional broadband.

Consider your location, required speeds, and budget before making the switch.

AT&T Internet Air

• Price: $60 per month ($47 with an eligible AT&T wireless plan)

• Speed: 90-300Mbps download, 8-30Mbps upload

• Connection Type: Fixed Wireless

• Key Features: Equipment included, no contracts, no overage fees

AT&T Internet Air runs on AT&T’s 5G network, providing speeds between 90 and 300Mbps.

The setup is easy—just plug in the router, configure the Wi-Fi, and find the best spot in your home.

A broadband expert from CNET set it up in only 11 minutes.

Latency ranges between 30 to 65ms, similar to T-Mobile, Starry, and Verizon.

The simple pricing model—$60 per month or $47 with an AT&T wireless plan—makes it an appealing choice.

The monthly fee includes the router and no additional installation or equipment costs.

Mesh Wi-Fi extenders are available for $10 per month. AT&T does not enforce contracts, data caps, or overage fees.

Availability is the biggest drawback. Though AT&T Internet Air is in 48 states, many areas also offer AT&T Fiber, which provides better speeds and cost efficiency.

Starry Internet

• Price: $30 – $80 per month

• Speed: 50 – 1,000Mbps

• Connection Type: Fixed Wireless

• Key Features: Unlimited data, no contracts, free equipment, easy setup

Starry Internet does not use 5G NR radio technology but relies on millimeter-wave technology.

It operates within the 24GHz and 37GHz spectrum bands, providing consistent service across different locations.

Monthly fees include unlimited data, free installation, and no contracts.

Starry is unique among fixed wireless providers because it offers symmetrical or near-symmetrical speeds, similar to fiber internet. New customers get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Availability is limited to Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, DC.

T-Mobile Home Internet

• Price: $60 per month

• Speed: 87 – 415Mbps download, 12 – 56Mbps upload

• Connection Type: Fixed Wireless

• Key Features: Unlimited data, equipment included, no contracts

T-Mobile Home Internet now offers two-speed tiers. One plan delivers 87-318Mbps, while the other reaches 133-415Mbps.

Speeds can vary based on network congestion. A CNET reviewer noted some inconsistency in speeds.

T-Mobile offers three plans with identical speeds but different benefits. The higher-tier plans include an upgraded Wi-Fi Gateway and advanced security features.

All plans cover equipment costs, setup fees, and taxes. There are no contracts or data caps.

Verizon 5G Home Internet

• Price: $50 – $70 per month ($35 – $45 with an eligible Verizon 5G mobile plan)

• Speed: 85 – 1,000Mbps download, up to 75Mbps upload

• Connection Type: Fixed Wireless

• Key Features: Unlimited data, no contracts, free equipment, mobile customer discounts

Verizon 5G Home Internet uses Ultra Wideband 5G technology. Download speeds range from 50 to 1,000Mbps, with average speeds around 300Mbps.

Upload speeds max out at 50Mbps due to Verizon’s low-band, mid-band, and millimeter-wave technology mix.

The $50 plan offers 50-300Mbps, while the $70 plan delivers up to 1,000Mbps.

Both plans include equipment and setup. Verizon offers a price lock for up to five years and up to $500 in termination fee credits for those switching from another provider.

Additional perks include a year of free Netflix and Max for 5G Home Plus customers.

Who Can Get 5G Home Internet?

5G home internet is expanding but remains unavailable in some areas. T-Mobile leads in coverage, reaching 60% of U.S. households.

Verizon serves around 40 million homes, covering about 19% of the country. AT&T Internet Air, available in 100 locations across 48 states, covers about 14% of the population.

Starry Internet is limited to five cities and serves only 1% of the country.

Availability depends on network infrastructure, so it’s best to check provider websites for service at your address.

Is 5G Home Internet a Good Choice?

Choosing 5G home internet depends on location and needs. The service is expanding rapidly, and providers offer transparent, competitive pricing.

While speeds may fluctuate, 5G home internet is often more affordable than other options and provides decent speeds for most households.

5G Home Internet FAQs

Is 5G home internet cheaper than other options? 

5G home internet is cost-effective, considering its speed. T-Mobile averages 100Mbps, Starry 200Mbps, and Verizon 300Mbps.

With no contracts, plans range from $15 to $70 per month, including fees, taxes, and equipment.

Is 5G fast enough for home internet? 

5G can deliver speeds comparable to cable or fiber, depending on the provider’s technology mix.

While it may not reach the full potential of 5G, it is still faster than DSL and satellite options.

What does the ‘G’ in 5G stand for? 

It means “generation.” 5G represents the fifth generation of cellular technology.

How does 5G home internet compare to cable? 

Cable relies on wired connections, while 5G home internet is wireless, using radio frequencies.

If unsure about the best option, compare connection types and speeds in your area.