First 5G Users: 4 Countries Lead the Rollout

Yes, the world’s first 5G users appeared in four countries—South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany—though the exact timing and nature of these launches varied by country and carrier. South Korea was the first to offer nationwide 5G services to consumers on April 3, 2019, followed within hours by the United States (via a limited mobile hotspot), then the UK and Germany in May 2019. This article explains the background, how 5G works, the rollout timeline, common misconceptions, costs, and frequently asked questions.

Background: The Race to 5G

5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology, succeeding 4G LTE. It promises significantly faster data speeds, lower latency (the delay before data transfer begins), and the ability to connect many more devices simultaneously. The development of 5G standards began in earnest around 2015, with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) releasing the first official 5G standard (Release 15) in December 2017. This standard allowed manufacturers and carriers to begin building compatible equipment.

The race to be first was driven by national pride, economic competitiveness, and the potential for new services like autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and industrial automation. South Korea, with its advanced telecom infrastructure and tech-savvy population, was widely expected to lead. The country’s three major carriers—SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus—had been testing 5G since 2018 and launched consumer services almost simultaneously on April 3, 2019, beating the United States by a few hours.

How 5G Works: The Technology Behind the Hype

5G uses a combination of new radio frequencies and advanced antenna technologies. It operates in three frequency bands:

• Low-band (sub-1 GHz): Provides broad coverage and good penetration through buildings, but speeds are only slightly faster than 4G (around 100 Mbps).
• Mid-band (1-6 GHz): Offers a balance of speed and coverage, with typical speeds of 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps. This is the most common band for 5G deployments.
• High-band (mmWave, 24-39 GHz): Delivers extremely fast speeds (up to 10 Gbps) but has very short range and poor penetration. It is used for dense urban areas and stadiums.

5G also uses Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antennas, which send and receive multiple data streams simultaneously, and beamforming, which focuses the signal directly at the user’s device rather than broadcasting in all directions. This increases efficiency and reduces interference.

The First Launches: A Detailed Timeline

The first 5G launches were not all equal. Here’s what happened in each of the four countries:

• South Korea (April 3, 2019): SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus launched 5G services for consumers, initially covering major cities and offering 5G smartphones (Samsung Galaxy S10 5G). The launch was smooth, and by the end of 2019, the country had over 4 million 5G subscribers.
• United States (April 3, 2019, but limited): Verizon launched a 5G mobile hotspot (the Motorola Moto Z3 with a 5G Moto Mod) in parts of Chicago and Minneapolis. This was not a smartphone, and coverage was extremely limited. T-Mobile and AT&T launched their 5G networks later in 2019.
• United Kingdom (May 30, 2019): EE (part of BT) launched 5G in six cities: London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Birmingham, and Manchester. The launch used mid-band spectrum (3.4 GHz) and offered speeds around 300 Mbps.
• Germany (May 17, 2019): Deutsche Telekom launched 5G in Berlin, Bonn, Darmstadt, Munich, and other cities, using 2.1 GHz spectrum. Vodafone Germany followed in July 2019.

It’s important to note that these were “non-standalone� 5G networks, meaning they relied on existing 4G infrastructure for control signals. Standalone 5G, which uses a full 5G core, came later (South Korea in 2020, others in 2021).

How to Choose a 5G Plan or Phone

If you’re considering 5G, here’s what to look for:

• Coverage: Check your carrier’s coverage map. 5G is not uniform—you may get 5G in a city but only 4G in rural areas.
• Phone compatibility: Ensure your phone supports the specific 5G bands your carrier uses. For example, a phone that only supports mmWave won’t work on a mid-band network.
• Plan cost: 5G plans are often slightly more expensive than 4G, but many carriers now include 5G at no extra cost. Compare data allowances and speeds.
• Battery life: 5G can drain battery faster, especially on mmWave. Look for phones with efficient modems and large batteries.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Many people believe 5G is dangerous to health, but there is no scientific evidence supporting this. The World Health Organization (WHO) and national health agencies have concluded that 5G radio waves are safe, as they are non-ionizing and well below international safety limits.

Another misconception is that 5G is only about faster smartphones. In reality, 5G’s low latency and high capacity enable applications like remote surgery, autonomous vehicles, and smart factories. However, these use cases are still in early stages.

Common technical problems include:

• Poor indoor coverage: High-band 5G doesn’t penetrate walls well, so you may lose signal indoors.
• Battery drain: Your phone may switch to 5G even when you don’t need it, consuming more power.
• Speed variability: 5G speeds can vary greatly depending on location and network congestion.

Costs and Availability

The cost of 5G devices has dropped significantly since 2019. Initially, 5G smartphones were premium-priced (over $1,000), but now budget models are available for under $300. Data plans vary by country and carrier, but many include 5G at no extra charge. In the US, for example, T-Mobile’s Essentials plan includes 5G, while Verizon charges a $10 premium for some 5G plans. In South Korea, 5G plans start around ₩55,000 (about $40) per month for 10GB of data.

Safety and Health: What We Know

5G uses radio waves, which are a form of non-ionizing radiation. Unlike X-rays or gamma rays, non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to damage DNA. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) sets exposure guidelines, and 5G networks operate well below these limits. The WHO states that “no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to wireless technologies� after decades of research. However, ongoing studies continue to monitor long-term exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country had 5G first?

South Korea was the first country to launch nationwide 5G services for consumers on April 3, 2019. The United States technically launched a 5G mobile hotspot on the same day, but it was not a full smartphone service and had very limited coverage.

Is 5G faster than home Wi-Fi?

In many cases, yes. 5G mid-band can deliver speeds of 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps, which is comparable to or faster than typical home broadband. However, 5G speeds can vary, and home Wi-Fi may be more consistent.

Do I need a new SIM card for 5G?

Most carriers require a 5G SIM card, but many offer them free of charge to existing customers. Some newer phones support eSIM, which can be activated for 5G without a physical SIM.

Will 5G replace home internet?

Fixed wireless access (FWA) using 5G is already replacing home internet in some areas, especially where fiber is unavailable. However, it may not offer the same unlimited data or reliability as wired connections for heavy users.

Is 5G harmful to birds or plants?

There is no conclusive scientific evidence that 5G harms birds or plants. The radio waves are non-ionizing and have very low power. Some studies have suggested effects on insects, but these are not peer-reviewed or widely accepted.

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