Chicago and Minneapolis are Verizon’s first 5G Ultra Wideband mobility cities, launching April 11, with more than 30 markets set to launch in 2019.

Preorders for the Verizon-exclusive 5G moto mod – the first 5G-upgradeable smartphone – begin March 14.

Verizon’s 5G service plan comes with unlimited data, available for just $10 a month (with the first three months free) with any Verizon unlimited plan, including Verizon Go Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited or Above Unlimited plans.

NEW YORK – Verizon will launch its 5G Ultra Wideband Network in Chicago and Minneapolis on April 11. To coincide with this launch, Verizon is offering the new 5G moto mod, which is exclusive to Verizon. Beginning March 14, customers anywhere in the U.S. can pre-order the 5G moto mod. When paired with the moto z3, the 5G moto mod creates the world’s first 5G-enabled smartphone. Select areas of Chicago and Minneapolis will be the first to experience Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband mobile service, and the company has plans to rapidly expand the coverage area. Last month, Verizon announced that it intends to launch its 5G Ultra Wideband network in more than 30 U.S. cities in 2019.

“Continuing our track record of 5G ‘firsts,’ we are thrilled to bring the first 5G-upgradeable smartphone exclusively to Verizon customers,” said Verizon’s chief technology officer, Kyle Malady. “Not all 5G networks are the same. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network is built by the company with the nation’s best and most reliable 4G LTE network. It will change the way we live, work, learn and play, starting in Chicago and Minneapolis and rapidly expanding to more than 30 U.S. markets this year.”

5G Ultra Wideband technology uses new radio technology and new device hardware to deliver advanced capabilities to consumers and businesses. When customers move outside Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband coverage area, the 5G moto mod automatically and seamlessly hands off the signal to Verizon’s 4G LTE network, the nation’s best and most reliable 4G LTE network. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband service will continue to improve as Verizon expands capabilities and coverage areas.

Verizon launched the world’s first commercial 5G Ultra Wideband network in October 2018 with the roll out of 5G Home broadband internet service in Houston, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Indianapolis. Verizon 5G Home service in those markets relies on an early version of the 5G standard developed by the 5G Technology Forum (TF). 5G Mobility service Chicago and Minneapolis, and all Verizon 5G services going forward, use the NR standard developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

Preorder the 5G moto mod starting March 14

The wait is over. Verizon will begin taking preorders for its exclusive 5G moto mod on March 14. With this mod, the moto z3 can upgrade to 5G, giving Verizon customers full access to the benefits of Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband Network*.

“At Motorola we proudly deliver innovations, like the 5G moto mod and moto z3, that change how people connect with each other and use technology in daily life,” said Rudi Kalil, vice president and general manager, North America at Motorola. “We’re very excited that the transformative 5G moto mod developed at our HQ in Chicago will soon be used by our own community, in addition to Minneapolis, to bring our bright 5G future to life.”

Experience ultra-fast wireless speeds, download and stream movies and TV shows in seconds. Plus, 5G’s ultra-low latency will allow business customers to video conference and collaborate remotely in near real time.

For a limited time, preorder the 5G moto mod for just $199.99 ($349.99 retail). Verizon postpaid customers with any Verizon unlimited plan, including Go Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited or Above Unlimited, get unlimited 5G data for $10 per month (with the first three months free). To buy a 5G moto mod, customers must either have an active moto z3 on their account or purchase a moto z3 at the same time as the 5G moto mod.