A 5G network is designed to deliver data far faster than today’s 4G network, and Verizon’s version of the technology may be the fastest 5G of all. Verizon features a “millimeter wave” system that uses extremely high radio frequencies capable of carrying vast amounts of data. For instance, a 5G test phone located across the street from Fenway Park Monday downloaded data at 1.7 gigabits per second, much faster than most home broadband services. It uploaded data at a much lower 120 megabits per second — that’s still more than fast enough for transmitting live high-definition video of a Red Sox game.

Verizon is the first to offer 5G in Boston, but it will soon face competition from rival carrier T-Mobile, which plans to launch its own version on Dec. 6.

On Tuesday, 5G cellular service comes to Boston, as Verizon Communication ’s superfast wireless data network makes its debut in the Fenway area.

But Verizon’s millimeter-wave system suffers from limited range and an inability to penetrate the walls of buildings. Download speed fell by half when the phone was moved half a block away. On a street corner about two blocks away, the phone lost the 5G signal altogether and automatically switched to the slower 4G network.


Heidi Hemmer, vice president of technology for Verizon, conceded that Verizon 5G doesn’t work well indoors, but said it’s “perfectly suited for use where people gather.” That’s why it’s being deployed first in the Fenway neighborhood, where there’s lots of foot traffic generated by baseball fans, visitors to the Museum of Fine Arts, and strolling students at Northeastern University and Harvard Medical School.

Verizon plans to offer 5G for $10 a month over the price of its existing 4G data plans. For now the company is waiving the additional fee, but consumers will need to purchase new 5G-compatible phones. Even the cheapest of these sell for around $850, and others cost up to $1,300. The phones will downshift to Verizon’s 4G network when 5G isn’t available.


Hemmer said that Verizon plans to roll out 5G service in other Boston neighborhoods in the coming months. The company also is planning a version of 5G that uses lower radio frequencies that should deliver better range and the ability to get a signal indoors.

The upcoming T-Mobile 5G service will use lower radio frequencies from day one. The network won’t be able to deliver the massive speeds boasted by Verizon. But it’s expected to have much longer range, and its signal should be capable of penetrating walls.

Hemmer said she welcomed the competition. “I can’t wait for it, because we’re going to be able to show the lightning-fast speeds we bring to the market, compared to them,” she said.

Hiawatha Bray can be reached at hiawatha.bray@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeTechLab.