AT&T plans to offer mobile 5G wireless phone service this year

New York: AT&T Inc aims to be the first US carrier to provide fifth-generation, or 5G mobile service to phone customers this year, pitting the wireless giant against Verizon Communications Inc and T-Mobile US Inc in a costly network upgrade race to spur revenue growth. Unlike current trials using 5G technology to beam signals between stationary antennas, AT&T said in a statement it will introduce a commercial mobile service in more than a dozen US cities later this year. The company didn’t offer specifics. The faster connections will help carriers sell advanced services like virtual reality, 4K video and enable self-driving cars. Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint Corp are also planning to offer mobile 5G services but haven’t elaborated on their plans.