Verizon’s first 5G service
rollout is live in select areas of the Des Moines metro, but the company is
keeping plans for future expansion quiet in the meantime. Des Moines is the
20th market to receive Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband service, which would be available
to users of seven Verizon devices that are currently 5G-enabled.
“Obviously our aspirations don’t end on Dec. 31.
The network will be expanding within the cities where we’ve already launched,
as well as to expand into other cities and suburbs,” David Weissman told
the Business Record. Weissman is regional communications manager for Verizon.
Verizon is focusing 5G service in pedestrian-heavy
landmarks in Des Moines, including the East Village, the Iowa Capitol, Hy-Vee
Hall and Wells Fargo Arena, the John Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Principal
Park. In West Des Moines, service will be available around Jordan Creek Town
Center and MercyOne West Des Moines. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband service has
been live in those locations since Dec. 17, Weissman said.
When customers of Verizon’s 5G service leave an Ultra
Wideband coverage area, their 5G-enabled devices will revert to the LTE
network, reports industry publication Fierce Wireless.
“The 5G Ultra Wideband works well [serving]
people who are in areas where there’s gatherings of people, so high-pedestrian.
That’s where we’re focused at least this year,” Weissman said. “We’re
also looking at partnerships and cooperation from local, state and city governments
in terms of investment.”
Weissman would not comment on how much network setup
cost Verizon in Des Moines and West Des Moines. Fierce Wireless reports the
carrier is expected to reach 30 markets with 5G by the end of the year.
