Verizon Communications Inc. is rolling out faster internet and pay-TV service across the U.S. and will start offering a fifth-generation package on Oct. 1 in four cities.

The initial 5G markets for the company are Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, California. Customers will be able to check availability and order the service online starting Thursday at FirstOn5G.com. Verizon's wireless subscribers will pay $50 a month for the 5G internet and TV service after a three-month free trial. Others will pay $70 a month after the first three months.

Verizon is in a race with AT&T Inc. to introduce the first 5G wireless service -- a standard that promises connection speeds between 10 and 100 times faster than today's cable. Verizon plans to beam services to home receivers and compete against cable and satellite TV providers like Comcast Corp. and Dish Network Corp.

TV customers will get free Apple TV devices and Google's YouTube TV on Roku boxes for streaming video services. Subscribers to the 5G service also will be offered live NFL and NBA games, as well as news programs through Verizon's own Oath media division.

The new 5G networks offer very high speeds but the high-frequency 5G radio signals used are easily disrupted by rain and foliage.