Verizon unexpectedly launches its 5G network - making the Samsung Galaxy S10 the world's second 5G phone

The blog Tom's Guide has recently reported that Verizon has rolled 5G services out in the United States. However, it is reportedly confined to 2 specific locations - Minneaplois and Chicago - as yet. Nevertheless, the carrier's unexpected move means it has beaten a handful of South Korean networks to the title of 'world's first 5G provider'.

As the Moto Z3 is also sold through Verizon, this also means that this phone, and not the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, can be considered the first phone to use the new radio standard. This is due to the Moto Mod that confers the new generation of connectivity on the device. However, owners of both necessary components of this set-up may be out of luck unless they find themselves in very specific areas of the 2 cities.

These 5G-compatible spots are reported to include the Art Institute, Millennium Park and Willis Tower in Chicago, as well as Minneapolis' US Bank Stadium. Nevertheless, South Korea's eventual 5G experience may be less restrictive, as not 1 but 3 carriers are preparing to launch their respective systems. They are SK Telecom, KT and LG U+.

However, their new services are not likely to come cheap: reported examples of their prices include the equivalent of US$49 for 8GB to $110 for 300GB (SK Telecom) or $49-84 for 9 to 250GB (LG U+). Add the price of a 5G S10, and that may become very pricey very fast.