Imagine sitting down to watch a movie and downloading the file not in minutes, but mere seconds.

5G, short for "new fifth generation cellular networks" promises lightning-fast wireless service. That kind of connectivity is expected to open the floodgates for innovations beyond the home and possibly lead to a new technological and economic boom. For instance, it could make self-driving cars an everyday reality in cities around the country. 

The network has already been launched in several places, but a nationwide roll out hasn't gone entirely smoothly. Cities and the federal government have been fighting over how the expansion should happen, while others are raising national security concerns.

This week on Money Talking, Charlie Herman talks to CNET reporter Maggie Reardon about what it will take to make 5G a reality, and what that could mean for your city and your smartphone.