If you’re considering Verizon 5G home internet as your primary source of connectivity, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the performance, pricing changes, and reliability of Verizon’s 5G home internet service after nine months of use. Let’s explore whether it’s the right choice for you.
Pricing Changes: Is It Worth the Cost?
Verizon has recently made significant changes to the pricing of its 5G home internet plans. For new users, the entry-level plan’s price has been increased by $20 per month. This means that new users will now pay $70 per month for 300 megabits per second (Mbps), while existing customers, including the author, are grandfathered into the old pricing for at least two years.
Table: Verizon 5G Home Internet Pricing Changes
| Plan | Old Price | New Price | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Plan | $50/month | $70/month | 300 Mbps |
| Existing Customers | $50/month | $50/month | 300 Mbps (Grandfathered) |
These pricing changes have sparked discussions among users. Some view it as a cost increase, while others see it as a trade-off between price and speed. For those who prioritize affordability, this shift may affect their decision to opt for Verizon’s 5G home internet.
The New Gateway: A Promising Development
While the pricing changes have raised concerns, there’s also exciting news from Verizon—the introduction of a new Gateway. This device is now shipping to customers and offers several improvements over its predecessor.
List: Key Features of the New Verizon Gateway
- Higher speeds.
- Improved Wi-Fi standards.
- Built-in signal meter for optimizing signal strength.
- Enhanced overall performance.
Early feedback from users who have received the new Gateway has been positive. They report higher speeds and better connectivity, making it an attractive option for those signing up for Verizon’s 5G home internet service.
Speed and Performance: Meeting Expectations
One of the primary concerns when Verizon launched its 5G home internet service was the fear that network congestion would lead to degraded speeds over time. However, after nine months of use, the author reports that the service’s speed remains consistent.
Table: Speed Test Results Over Nine Months
| Month | Download Speed (Mbps) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 330 | Highest speed observed so far. |
| Month 3 | 280 | Consistently within the expected range. |
| Month 6 | 240 | Minimal fluctuations in speed. |
| Month 9 | 330 | Speed has remained consistent. |
The speed tests indicate that Verizon’s 5G home internet service has maintained its advertised performance. Users continue to enjoy high-speed internet with only minor fluctuations, which is a promising sign for the service’s reliability.
Reliability and Uptime: A Mixed Experience
While speed has been relatively consistent, the author’s experience with reliability and uptime has been mixed. For the first five months, there was zero downtime, indicating a solid and stable connection. However, in the middle of month five, the author encountered their first instances of downtime, with the service going offline three times.
List: Summary of Reliability and Uptime
- The first five months had zero downtime.
- In month five, three instances of downtime occurred.
- Downtime instances were typically short.
- Downtime can be disruptive during Zoom calls.
It’s important to note that the downtime experienced was relatively short, and the issue could be resolved by rebooting the Gateway. However, the interruptions, especially during Zoom calls, can be disruptive and potentially embarrassing for those relying on the internet for work or communication.
Addressing Reliability Issues
It’s worth mentioning that the reliability and uptime experiences may vary from one user to another. Some users have reported frequent downtime, while others have not encountered any issues at all. In cases where downtime is a persistent problem, Verizon has offered solutions.
List: Ways to Address Downtime Issues
- Contact Verizon customer support for assistance.
- Request a replacement Gateway unit if the problem persists.
- Check for cell tower issues that may affect connectivity.
For users experiencing frequent downtime, reaching out to Verizon’s customer support is recommended. They can help diagnose and resolve issues, whether it’s a problem with the Gateway unit or a larger network concern.
Conclusion: Is Verizon 5G Home Internet Right for You?
In conclusion, Verizon’s 5G home internet service offers a mix of advantages and challenges. The recent pricing changes may affect new users’ decisions, as they must now weigh the increased cost against the provided speed. The introduction of the new Gateway is a positive development, promising improved performance and reliability for those who receive it.
After nine months of use, the author’s experience with speed and performance has been generally positive. The service consistently delivers high-speed internet as advertised, with only minor fluctuations in download speeds. However, the reliability and uptime have been a bit more inconsistent, with occasional short periods of downtime.
List: Key Considerations for Choosing Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Evaluate your budget and compare pricing options.
- Assess your need for high-speed internet and how it aligns with the offered plans.
- Understand that reliability and uptime may vary based on location and network conditions.
- Contact Verizon for support if you encounter persistent downtime issues.
Ultimately, whether Verizon’s 5G home internet is right for you depends on your specific needs and location. If consistent high-speed internet is a top priority and you can tolerate occasional downtime, it may be a suitable choice. However, if uninterrupted connectivity is crucial, you should consider the potential downtime challenges before making a decision.
As with any internet service, it’s advisable to research thoroughly, consult user reviews, and consider your individual requirements before committing to a long-term contract. Verizon’s 5G home internet has the potential to be a reliable and speedy option, but its suitability can vary from one user to another and may depend on your location and the specific Gateway unit you receive.