T-Mobile Will Launch 5G in Six Cities This Week – But It Won’t Be Perfect
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You will officially be able to use T-Mobile’s new 5G network in six U.S. cities this Friday when the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G launches. Of course, there are a few big caveats with both the Uncarrier’s first 5G rollout and the new 5G-compatible Samsung device. Here’s what you should know.
T-Mobile 5G Launch
The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G launch is concurrent with T-Mobile’s initial 5G deployment. The S10 5G is launching in the six U.S. cities where T-Mobile has already set up its
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Dallas, Texas
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Los Angeles, California
- New York City, New York
If you live in one of these cities, you’ll be able to buy a Galaxy S10 5G from the Uncarrier and use T-Mobile’s mmWave spectrum starting this Friday, June 28.
In theory, you’ll be living in the future. But in practice, the initial 5G rollout may be a bit less ideal than you might imagine.
Should I Buy an S10 5G on T-Mobile Now?
The Galaxy S10 5G will cost $1,299 if you pay full price. Alternatively, you can get one on a payment plan for about $31.25 a month — although only after you put down a $549.99 deposit.
Of course, while the Galaxy S10 5G is a great phone, you may want to hold off if you’re expecting it to be 5G future-proof.
T-Mobile has confirmed to The Verge that the S10 5G will only be compatible with the carrier’s current mmWave spectrum. It will not support any new 5G-type technologies that the company launches in the future.
It’s also worth revisiting how limited 5G networks are currently. Just take a look at T-Mobile’s 5G coverage maps. If you’re expecting full 5G coverage across an entire city, think again. Also, take into account that the mmWave spectrum will probably only work reliably when you’re outdoors.
These may not be dealbreakers for everyone, but they’re all factors to keep in mind before you fork over quite a bit of cash for a new Android device.
In other words, if you’re a hardcore early adopter, the limitations probably won’t dissuade you. But if you’re like most of us, you may want to hold off until 5G becomes more robust and accessible to everyone else.
