Wireless internet speed in Sacramento is about to get a whole lot faster.
Beginning Oct.1, Sacramento residents will be able to tap into what’s being billed as “the world’s first commercial 5G” service through Verizon’s new 5G home broadband internet.
“This is monumental,” said Maria MacGunigal, the City’s Chief Information Officer, who worked on the innovative project, a public-private partnership with Verizon.
“Sacramento is taking a huge leap forward as a visionary for our community, an innovator in government and a heavy lifter in the world of technology,” she said. “We have shown that we can build the infrastructure for companies to come here and deliver new products that will improve the lives of our residents. The arrival of 5G will change the technology landscape in Sacramento forever.”
Furthering its reputation as a hub for developing technologies, Sacramento in 2017 was selected as one of the first cities to host Verizon’s new ultra-fast wireless network. Houston, Indianapolis and Los Angeles also are offering the service.
The effects of high-speed 5G go beyond homes. Eventually available as free Wi-Fi in around 30 parks, the network will expand digital access for underserved communities. In addition, it will increase the City’s appeal as a place to test autonomous vehicles.
“This is a one-of-a-kind partnership to upgrade our City’s infrastructure to support the newest technology and an economy based on that technology,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg.
As part of the partnership, the City has been working with Verizon for the past year to install small cell towers on more than 200 street lights. Using high-frequency waves transmitted from the towers, 5G wireless offers data speeds similar to traditional fiber cable technology.
“Sacramento is taking a huge leap forward as a visionary for our community, an innovator in government and a heavy lifter in the world of technology.”
Verizon’s 5G will be available in various neighborhoods across the City in October, with wider access expected in 2019. Starting Thursday, Sept. 13, residents can learn more about the program – and potentially sign up for the service – at FirstOn5G.com.
For more information on 5G and other emerging technologies in Sacramento, check out the City’s Smart City site.
