Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Verizon has made its first 5G video call … with a phone that’s already out

The long-awaited 5G is finally on its way. A few months ago, Verizon launched what it called the first home 5G internet service — but that doesn’t mean the testing and development is over. In fact, Verizon says it has made its first video call using 5G network service.

The video call was made using a Moto Z3 smartphone along with the 5G Moto Mod that Motorola launched alongside the phone. The phone is already available to consumers, but the Mod won’t make it to customers until 2019. Of course, there’s not much reason to buy it before then — 5G networks aren’t very common, so even with the right device, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to make use of the new fast speeds.

“In the past two years, we have consistently led the world in 5G, including launching the world’s first commercial 5G service last month. This successful test, using an actual smartphone, widens our lead,” said Bill Stone, Verizon’s vice president for technology development and planning.

The fifth generation of cellular technology, in general, has advanced in leaps and bounds over the past few years. It promises to deliver speeds of up to 100 times faster than today’s typical cellular connections, which could make way for more connected devices, connected cars, and other futuristic tech we’ve been pining for.

Verizon isn’t the only company advancing in its 5G tests. Earlier this year, AT&T announced the first three cities to get its 5G service, which will include Dallas and Waco in Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. After that, it will move to North Carolina and Oklahoma, and expand from there. AT&T also recently announced that it had tested a browsing session using a commercial-grade 5G hot spot device. T-Mobile has made plans of its own — the company says that it plans to use 5G service to challenge traditional ISPs, plus it’ll use its merger with Sprint to accelerate its 5G rollout.

While the Moto Z3 technically has support for 5G through its Moto Mod, we can expect more devices to get it soon — and have it built in without the need for a clunky add-on. Apple has reportedly been in talks with Intel to use Intel’s 5G modem for the 2020 iPhone.

Editors' Recommendations

Christian de Looper
Christian’s interest in technology began as a child in Australia, when he stumbled upon a computer at a garage sale that he…
Here’s another big reason why T-Mobile 5G dominates AT&T and Verizon
T-Mobile smartphone.

T-Mobile continues to command a massive lead in offering the best 5G experience among U.S. carriers. A few weeks ago, a report from Ookla revealed that T-Mobile is leaving its rivals in the dust; now Opensignal has confirmed that not only is the Un-carrier’s lead increasing in raw speeds, but it’s leading the way in taking 5G into the mainstream.

According to Opensignal’s latest 5G Experience Report, T-Mobile not only offers the fastest 5G experience in the U.S. by a sizeable margin but on average, customers on T-Mobile spend nearly 50% of their time on the carrier’s 5G network.
Reaching for the best 5G coverage

Read more
T-Mobile is leaving AT&T and Verizon in the 5G dust
The T-Mobile logo on a smartphone.

Ookla has just published its latest market report revealing where U.S. mobile carriers and smartphone manufacturers stand in terms of providing the best 5G and 4G/LTE services.

Not surprisingly, T-Mobile remained in the top spot during the fourth quarter of 2022, eclipsing its rivals when it comes to median download speeds. What may be more surprising is that T-Mobile has increased its lead, clocking in at 151.37Mbps overall and 216.56Mbps for 5G, breaking the 200Mbps barrier for median 5G speeds across all bands for the first time.

Read more
Verizon’s cheapest 5G unlimited plan just got even cheaper
Verizon banner splashed across iPhone screen.

Verizon is one of the top service providers in the world, and now it's sweetening the deal on its cheapest unlimited 5G plan. Currently, Verizon offers a handful of different service options, with the Welcome Unlimited plan being its cheapest.

An end-of-the-year deal, however, is reducing the price of the Welcome Unlimited plan even further by $5 per month per line — making it one of the cheapest unlimited 5G plans on the market.

Read more