New Era in Broadband Competition Begins Today with Verizon Fixed 5G Launch

Verizon fixed 5G service officially launched Oct 1 in Houston (TX), Indianapolis (IN), Los Angeles (CA), and Sacramento (CA). The new residential broadband option could open up a new era in broadband competition. Or not. Built on Verizon’s own TF network standard, the fixed 5G service is gigabit capable and starts with an uncapped 300 Mbps tier for $70 per month to non-Verizon wireless customers and a discounted $50 per month to current Verizon wireless customers with a qualifying smartphone plan. The $50 price point for 300 Mbps is compelling, especially in the face of cable broadband competition. Verizon’s primary competitive target is cable companies, who generally speaking have higher priced broadband-only packages, especially above 100 Mbps. Comcast is currently marketing a 250 Mbps tier service for $80 month in Houston, with a no term contract and a 1 TB monthly data cap. Slower speeds at higher costs. Comcast does match the $50 tier, but with 60 Mbps speed.