Verizon plans to launch its 5G mobile service in Chicago and Minneapolis on April 11, the first locations to have Verizon’s mobile 5G. So consumers can actually use the service, Verizon is offering Mototola’s 5G phone, the moto 5G mod with the moto z3 handset. The basic moto z3 is a 4G phone and must be paired with the moto mod to access the millimeter wave 5G network. The mod will be available to order tomorrow (March 14).

According to PC Magazine, the moto mod contains Qualcomm’s 855 Snapdragon chipset, including the X50 modem, millimeter wave antenna module and Power Save feature, with a 2000 mAh battery to power it.

Verizon’s 5G mobile service, which is New Radio (NR) compliant, will initially be available in limited locations in Chicago and Minneapolis, the first of 30 cities planned for the mobile service this year.

In Chicago, Verizon says 5G will be available in areas of the west and south Loop, around Union Station, Willis Tower, The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and The Chicago Theatre. Outside of the the city core, Verizon said service will be available throughout the Gold Coast, Old Town and River North, as well as Verizon’s store on the Magnificent Mile.

In Minneapolis, 5G will cover the downtown area, including Downtown West and Downtown East, around the convention center, the central library, the Mill City Museum, Target Center, First Avenue venues, The Commons, inside and around U.S. Bank Stadium, in areas of Elliot Park and at Verizon’s store at Mall of America.

Consumers with Motorola’s 5G phone will not be able to access Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) network in Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles or Sacramento. That service is based on Verizon’s 5G Technology Forum standard, which is not compliant with 5G NR. Verizon plans to upgrade the FWA network to 5G NR this year.

5G Promotions

To kick off the mobile 5G service, Verizon is offering preorders of the 5G moto mod for $50, discounted from the $350 retail price. Consumers will need to have or purchase the moto z3. On March 14, Verizon is offering a free moto z3 for consumers who activate a new line.

Postpaid customers with Verizon unlimited plans can get unlimited 5G data for an additional $10 per month, with the first three months free.