Verizon Flips 5G Switch in Chicago, Minneapolis
Verizon has turned on its 5G Ultra Wideband wireless network in Chicago and Minneapolis for customers to access who have a 5G-capable device such as the moto Z3 with 5G Moto Mod.

Verizon has launched its 5G Ultra Wideband public wireless network in Chicago and Minneapolis.
Photo courtesy of Verizon.
Verizon has turned on its 5G Ultra Wideband wireless network in Chicago and Minneapolis for customers to access who have a 5G-capable device such as the moto Z3 with 5G Moto Mod.
The commercial rollout of the network will continue in more than 30 cities throughout 2019. Users "could see speeds of up to 1 Gbps" and latency less than 30 milliseconds, according to a Verizon release. Most users should expect speeds of 450 Mbps.
While the initial 5G rollout may not impact commercial fleets, the wireless technology has the power to eventually transform freight movement and enable smart cities, streaming emergency reponse dashcams, and other applications.
"Verizon customers will be the first in the world to have the power of 5G in their hands," said Hans Vestberg, Verizon's chairman and chief executive officer. "This is the latest in our string of 5G firsts. Verizon launched the first commercial broadband 5G service last October, Verizon 5G Home, and now we're lighting up our 5G Ultra Wideband network in Chicago and Minneapolis, providing the world's first commercial 5G mobile service with a 5G-enabled smartphone."
In Chicago, coverage is concentrated around the West Loop and South Loop, including landmarks such as Union Station, Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Theatre. The service also exists in the Verizon store on the Magnificent Mile and throughout the Gold Coast, Old Town, and River North.
In Minneapolis, service is concentrated in the downtown area, including Downtown West and Downtown East, as well as around Bank Stadium, which is hosting this year's Final Four.
Verizon launched residential 5G service in October. T-Mobile has also announced plans to build out a 5G network, once it gains regulatory approval for its merger with Sprint.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Technology

GM Brings New Truck Focused Interface to 2027 Silverado and Sierra
GM's new pickup interface puts trailering data, camera views, vehicle controls, and smartphone integration closer to the driver in the 2027 Silverado and Sierra.
Read More →
Samsara Driver Perks Expands Rewards Beyond the Long Haul Driver
Samsara’s new driver rewards program was built with a broader professional driver in mind, including employees who split their day between driving, job sites, service calls, and other work.
Read More →
AI Service Advisor Aims to Cut Fleet Repair Downtime
Fleetio said its AI Service Advisor can help fleets cut repair downtime by an average of 2.5 hours per repair while reducing manual maintenance work.
Read More →
Verra Mobility Launches AI-Driven Title & Registration Solution
Verra Mobility has launched a new AI-driven Title & Registration platform to help fleets move vehicles from acquisition to the road the same day while reducing compliance risk.
Read More →
Wialon Unlocks OEM Data to Give Fleet Owners Data Ownership & Operational Clarity
Wialon has introduced hardware-free OEM integration as the EU Data Act accelerates the shift in vehicle data access across the fleet industry in many countries.
Read More →
Teletrac Navman Promotes New CEO from Within
Teletrac Navman’s next CEO, Ricardo Buranello, has served as the company’s chief financial and operating officer. He brings deep financial and operational expertise, a strong strategic orientation, and an intimate knowledge of the business to his new role.
Read More →
Smith System Wants Work Truck Fleets to Look Beyond the Driver Alert
Smith System’s new Driver Risk Management program is built to help mixed work truck fleets turn telematics alerts and observations into specific behaviors, coaching actions, and measurable follow-up.
Read More →
Ford Pro Software Updates: August 26
Check out the latest Ford Pro software updates, including Google Maps integration, Remote Vehicle Alarm integration, Motor Pool for easier management of shared pool vehicles, and more.
Read More →
Where AI Is Actually Saving Fleet Managers Time
AI is moving past the buzzword stage and into the daily fleet workflow. Fleetio’s Brianna Perry Lang breaks down where fleets are seeing real time savings, from maintenance and data entry to repair decisions, safety, and compliance
Read More →
Are Work Truck Drivers Warming Up to Dash Cams and GPS Tracking?
A new survey finds field-service drivers may be more comfortable with dash cams and GPS tracking than fleet managers think, especially when the technology helps protect them after a crash.
Read More →
