Best 5G Home Internet Providers in Chicago, Illinois (February 2026)
Quick Answer: As of February 2026, Chicago, Illinois is served by 3 5G and fixed wireless internet providers. Leading the market, AT&T Internet covers about 85.8% of Chicago. T-Mobile provides additional coverage at about 83.0% of addresses, expanding options for Chicago households. A key advantage of 5G home internet is the simple self-install process: plug in the gateway near a window and start browsing. The leading 5G provider in Chicago is AT&T Internet with approximately 85.8% coverage, and T-Mobile serves about 83.0% of addresses.
Call 1-855-850-5977 to check AT&T Internet 5G availability at your Chicago address.
Top 5G Home Internet Options in Chicago, IL
The 2,746,388-person metro of Chicago, IL now has 3 5G and fixed wireless providers competing for home internet customers. Located in Western Illinois, the community is a major metropolitan center with over 2,746,388 residents and extensive carrier investment in next-generation wireless networks.
| Provider | Max Speed | Starting Price | Coverage in Chicago | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet | up to 100 Mbps (typical 10-25 Mbps) | Starting at $60/mo | 85.8% | 1-855-850-5977 |
| T-Mobile | up to 245 Mbps (typical 33-245 Mbps) | $50/mo | 83.0% | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon 5G Home | up to 300 Mbps (5G Home) or 1 Gbps (5G Home Plus) | $60/mo (5G Home) or $80/mo (5G Home Plus) | 37.0% | 1-855-387-1456 |
AT&T Internet 5G Home Internet in Chicago
AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet is available to approximately 85.8% of Chicago households, offering up to 100 Mbps (typical 10-25 Mbps) through an outdoor antenna and indoor Wi-Fi gateway. Plans start at Starting at $60/mo.
Key details: No annual contract. 350 GB per month. Free professional installation. AT&T ActiveArmor security included.
AT&T Internet in Chicago: Verify coverage and view current plans by calling 1-855-850-5977.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet in Chicago
With about 83.0% coverage in Chicago, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet delivers up to 245 Mbps (typical 33-245 Mbps) for $50/mo per month. Mobile customers save even more at just $40/month with AutoPay.
Key details: No contract required. Truly unlimited — no data caps. Free self-install gateway with Wi-Fi 6 arrives by mail.
Interested in T-Mobile? Call 1-844-275-9311 to verify 5G service at your Chicago address and ask about promotions.
Verizon 5G Home 5G Home Internet in Chicago
Verizon offers two 5G home internet plans in Chicago: the base 5G Home tier at $60/month with speeds up to 300 Mbps, and 5G Home Plus at $80/month for up to 1 Gbps on mmWave. Coverage reaches approximately 37.0% of Chicago addresses.
Key details: No contract. Unlimited on 5G Home Plus; 5G Home may be deprioritized during congestion. Stream TV included with the Plus plan.
Get Verizon 5G Home in Chicago: Call 1-855-387-1456 to confirm availability at your specific address and view plan options.
5G Coverage & Local Insights for Chicago, IL
Chicago features relatively flat terrain with scattered residential neighborhoods, which shapes how 5G signals reach homes throughout the area. Chicago's position in the Illinois market means residents benefit from carrier strategies to build comprehensive statewide 5G networks, with the metro area often receiving priority deployment.
High-density areas near the downtown core and university or hospital campuses typically feature the most robust 5G infrastructure. Quieter suburban streets may have fewer nearby towers but still receive workable service for standard home internet needs.
Weather impact: harsh winters with heavy snow and ice can occasionally affect tower equipment, though modern 5G infrastructure is designed to withstand severe cold
Pro tip: Avoid placing the 5G gateway near microwaves, baby monitors, or other electronics that operate on similar frequencies. A clear spot near a window away from electronic interference works best.
How 5G Home Internet Works in Chicago
5G home internet uses the same tower infrastructure as mobile phones but delivers it through a stationary indoor gateway designed specifically for home broadband use. Two types of 5G spectrum serve Chicago residents:
- Sub-6 GHz (mid-band): The primary band for home internet in Chicago, delivering 100-300 Mbps. It travels well through walls and across relatively flat terrain with scattered residential neighborhoods.
- mmWave (millimeter wave): Ultra-fast at up to 1+ Gbps but short range. Available in select dense areas of Chicago. Requires near line-of-sight to the tower.
Setup is simple: the carrier mails you a 5G gateway with Wi-Fi 6 built in. Place it near a window, power it on, activate through the carrier's app, and your home network is ready in about 15 minutes. No cables, no technician, no drilling required.
Check if 5G home internet is available at your Chicago address. Call AT&T Internet at 1-855-850-5977 today.
5G vs Cable vs Fiber in Chicago
How does 5G home internet compare to wired options available in Chicago?
| Feature | 5G Home Internet | Cable Internet | Fiber Internet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical speeds | 100-300 Mbps | 200-1,000 Mbps | 300-5,000 Mbps |
| Latency | 25-50 ms | 10-30 ms | 5-15 ms |
| Installation | Self-install, no wires | Technician required | Technician required |
| Contract | None (most providers) | Often 1-2 years | Varies |
| Data caps | None (T-Mobile) | Often 1.2 TB | Usually unlimited |
| Best for | Flexibility, no hassle | Heavy streaming | Gaming, uploads |
5G home internet from AT&T Internet provides a solid broadband experience for Chicago households that value flexibility, no contracts, and simple setup. Cable from Xfinity offers faster peak speeds but typically requires contracts and equipment fees. Fiber from AT&T Internet, Xfinity delivers the fastest speeds but is only available at select Chicago addresses. The trade-off is slightly higher latency compared to wired options, which matters mainly for real-time gaming.
Not sure which provider to choose? Call 1-855-850-5977 (AT&T Internet) or 1-844-275-9311 (T-Mobile) to compare 5G plans for your Chicago address.
Common Questions About 5G Internet in Chicago
Can I get 5G home internet in Chicago, IL?
Yes, Chicago is served by 3 5G and fixed wireless providers including AT&T Internet, T-Mobile, Verizon 5G Home. AT&T Internet offers the broadest coverage at approximately 85.8%. Enter your 60601-area address on the provider's website or call to confirm availability.
What is the fastest 5G home internet in Chicago?
Verizon 5G Home Plus offers up to 1 Gbps on mmWave in Chicago. T-Mobile 5G delivers 33-245 Mbps on mid-band, covering more of the city. Speeds depend on tower distance and neighborhood congestion.
What does 5G home internet cost in Chicago, IL?
5G home internet in Chicago starts at $35/month (Rise Broadband) and goes up to $80/month (Verizon 5G Home Plus). T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is $50/month, or $40 with an existing T-Mobile wireless plan. None of the providers require annual contracts.
Is 5G home internet easy to install in Chicago?
Very easy for most providers. T-Mobile and Verizon send a self-install gateway that you plug in near a window and activate via their app in about 15 minutes. No drilling or wiring is needed. AT&T Fixed Wireless requires a professional visit to install an outdoor antenna, but the appointment is included free.
Does 5G home internet work for video calls and remote work in Chicago?
Absolutely. 5G speeds of 100-245 Mbps in Chicago support HD and even 4K video calls, VPN tunnels, and cloud applications without buffering. The 25-50 ms latency is acceptable for video conferencing. If you want to test before committing, T-Mobile offers a 15-day risk-free trial.
How can I improve my 5G signal in Chicago?
The three biggest factors are tower proximity, building materials, and gateway placement. Place the gateway near a window on the side of your home closest to a cell tower. Brick and concrete walls reduce signal more than wood or drywall. In Chicago, harsh winters with heavy snow and ice can occasionally affect tower equipment, though modern 5g infrastructure is designed to withstand severe cold
Find the best 5G deal in Chicago: Call 1-855-850-5977 for AT&T Internet 5G plans and availability at your address.
Related Internet Pages for Chicago
- All Internet Providers in Chicago, IL
- Cheapest Internet in Chicago
- Fiber Internet in Chicago
- AT&T Internet Plans & Pricing
- T-Mobile Plans & Pricing
- Verizon 5G Home Plans & Pricing
- Internet Providers in Illinois
Advertising Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links and sponsored phone numbers. We may earn a commission when you call or sign up, but our editorial recommendations are independent. Prices and availability shown are current as of February 2026 for Chicago, IL.