Dish’s 5G network is finally live in Vegas — and it has NFTs

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

It should have taken many months for Dish Network to become the country's fourth wireless carrier. Project Genesis, its 5G network, has finally launched to paying customers in Las Vegas, graduating from the alpha program that began late last year. For $30 per month, you get unlimited 5G data, talk, text, and an exclusive access to the Project Genesis app where you can earn rewards. NFTs.

As part of T-Mobile's deal to buy Sprint, the FCC has tasked the Dish Network to take over as our fourth carrier. It is building its 5G network using open-sourced O-RAN technology, which is more off-the-shelf hardware, rather than a lot of proprietary components. Software and radios are supplied by the same company as well.

This unconventional network has a few unconventional terms. You can bring your own device right now. You will need a Project Genesis-issued. The Edge Plus is from Motorola. The only supported phone is delivered to you by a Project Genesis ambassador in a van.

The Project Genesis app is a gamified way to help fine tune the network. You will get points for participation and NFTs. There is a whole section in the terms and conditions page about theEngagement App that offers exclusive offers and loyalty rewards.

The more points you earn, the more you get - from rewards like exclusive NFTs to special gear and more.

Project Genesis does not make any representations or warranties about the quality or value of NFTs. It's just so you know.

You can't hold Dish Network responsible for anything bad that happens to you if you can't see your phone number or location. It's in all caps, so you know they mean business.

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT ANY INJURY ARISING OUT OF MISROUTED 911 CALLS, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THE CALL WAS ROUTED BY A PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINT OR AN OFFICIAL EMERGENCY OPERATOR, IS NOT THE FAULT NOR LIABILITY OF PROJECT GENESIS AND YOU HOLD PROJECT GENESIS HARMLESS FROM ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITIES.

The company has a lot of trademarks to help you understand how innovative it thinks its network will be. We can see that Dish has applied for a patent.

Smart 5G

Smart 5G Network

Smart 5G Wireless Network

Smart Wireless Network

The American Smart Network

The First American Smart Network

America’s First Smart Network

The FCC has set a deadline of June for Dish to cover 20 percent of the population with its service, and the company has released a list of over 100 cities that it plans to expand to next. If your area is on the list, you can sign up to become a test mule for the service. Who knows? You will have more device options than the Edge Plus.