AT&Tannounced the launch of 5G Evolution network technologies in the Phoenix area today. Phoenix is one of the 239 markets where this technology is live. AT&T plans to offer 5G Evolution in over 400 markets by the end of the year. In the first half of 2019, the company plans to offer nationwide coverage, making 5G Evolution available to over 200 million people.

5G Evolution markets are locations where AT&T has deployed technologies that enable a peak theoretical speed for capable devices of at least 400 megabits per second.2 With 5G Evolution technologies, AT&T is laying the foundation for mobile 5G. With 5G Evolution, residents and businesses of Phoenix will experience the next generation of mobile connectivity.

“Our community increasingly relies on faster speeds of connectivity to fuel businesses, complete schoolwork and stay connected to friends and family around the globe,” said Toni Morales Broberg, director of external affairs, AT&T Arizona. “Launching 5G Evolution in the Valley is an important step on our journey to 5G.”

And, as mobile data usage continues to rise – an increase of more than 360,000% on AT&T’s network in the past 7 years – the investment in 5G Evolution is crucial to delivering standards-based mobile 5G networks starting in 2018. AT&T plans to introduce standards-based mobile 5G in 12 cities this year, reaching a total of at least 19 cities in early 2019.

AT&T has invested more than $400 million in its Phoenix-area wireless and wired networks during 2015-2017. These investments bring the latest in connectivity to people across the country and boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and businesses. In 2017, AT&T made more than 200 wireless network upgrades in the Phoenix area.

For more information, check out this blog from Kevin Petersen, senior vice president of device and network experiences, to learn where 5G Evolution and LTE-LAA technologies are available, a list of capable devices and more about how these technologies continue to lay the foundation for mobile 5G.