Verizon announced that, starting Thursday, customers in its four 5G launch markets will be able to sign up for Internet service. The service will launch Oct. 1 in parts of Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento .

Be smart: Unlike 5G mobile service, which isn't due until next year, Verizon is using the wireless technology to deliver home Internet service.

The details:

Starting Thursday, people can check whether their homes are covered at FirstOn5G.com

Customers will get three months free. After that Verizon Wireless subscribers will pay $50 per month, while non-wireless subscribers will pay $70 per month.

5G Home customers will also get YouTube TV free the first three months (it will cost $40 per month after that) and also receive a free Apple TV 4K or Google Chromecast Ultra device when service is installed.

Verizon, like other major cell phone providers, plans to launch 5G mobile phone service next year. But it saw an opportunity to use an early version of the technology as a way to compete with cable and other providers in what's known as fixed wireless service.