AT&T plans to introduce mobile 5G service in a dozen markets by late 2018. In addition, the company expects to trial 5G technology with businesses of all sizes across industries to help them to transform business operations and create more engaging experiences for their customers.

AT&T 5G services will be based on industry standards for 5G. 3GPP, the international wireless standards body, completed key elements of 5G new radio (NR) standards last month. With these specifications now available, hardware, chipset, and device manufacturers can start development. This allows the operator to provide mobile 5G services sooner. 

Last year AT&T laid the foundation for it's mobile 5G with the launch of 5G Evolution in 23 major metros; Atlanta; Austin; Boston; Bridgeport, Connecticut; Buffalo, New York; Chicago; Fresno; Greenville, South Carolina; Hartford, Connecticut; Houston; Indianapolis; Los Angeles; Louisville; Memphis; Nashville; New Orleans; Oklahoma City; Pittsburgh; San Antonio; San Diego; San Francisco; Tulsa, Oklahoma and Sacramento, California.

While operator plans to roll out mobile 5G in 2018, it will also continue to enhance its network with 5G Evolution technology in hundreds of additional metro areas.

The operator has already launched pre-standards 5G fixed wireless trials in Austin, Texas; Waco, Texas; Kalamazoo, Michigan and South Bend, Indiana with residential, small business, and education customers.