With the rollout of "5G," they need some way to pay for that ish. Here in Sacramento, we're offering free equipment (worth at least 1k), free installation (another couple hundred in labor, as the equipment requires a pro-install), and "up to a 1Gb throughput, (though it's only guaranteed to around 300Mbps)...all for $50 a month, all in. As far as video content, you get 3 free months of YouTube Live ($40 a month) with a whopping <60 total channels. So, after promo roll-off, $90+ each month, all in.
So, my other option here in Sac is Comcast who's offering 1Gb internet (with a 1TB cap with throughput that averages about 700 to 800 Mbps), 140+ channels, X1 DVR, Starz, all for $125 ($100 + $18 for DVR & Modem and taxes). If I also get a line of their Xfinity Mobile ($45 a line for Unlimited, which runs on the VZW network), they'll knock another $20 off my monthly bill, making it $105, all in.
Bottom line, for $15 more a month, I get double the channels, double the guaranteed inter speeds, and no one has to install/affix a "can-tennae" to my home. I use that co-ax that has been in my home since it was built in the late 70s. Given that for each device that connects in my home, my throughput speeds will drop, that 300Mbps isn't really going to be enough in the long run.
Everyone knows that $50 a month is NOT sustainable and will come nowhere near what it takes to cover the costs. We're giving the store away, per usual.
Lemme bust out my crystal ball and predict another runaway hit, along the lines of go90, Hum, OneTalk, etc.
Did I mention that this is not TRUE 5G? It's "5G Ultra-wideband," which is VZ's own brand of 5G, and it won't work with 5G phones (once released). On top of this, when the official 5G mobile network is launched, all of this equipment distributed for the 5G-UWB network will need to be swapped out for NEW, official 5G equipment.
This...is not a great plan. But, then again, what did we expect? This company has cataract-laden vision, brought to you on the back of employees, all of whom will be doing double-duty once their leadership/management counterparts leave the company (with ca$h in hand from their buy-outs).
My advice is to GET OUT NOW! I know I am. I've got interviews lined up and have been carpet-bombing my resume for months.
Scary time, my brothers and sisters. Best of luck to each of you, VZ fam.