Verizon is one of the major carriers in the United States who will be switching on their commercial 5G networks next year. They’re now conducting tests to get everything prepared ahead of the commercial launch in 2019. Verizon has announced that it has now conducted the “world’s first” 5G data transmission to a smartphone on a “commercial 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) network.”
Verizon conducted the test in partnership with Motorola, Samsung, and Qualcomm. The test was performed on a Moto Z3 smartphone that had a 5G moto mod. The module adds 5G compatibility to the Moto Z3 and it will be available for purchase next year once the network goes live for the public.
The carrier and its partners performed several tests over the 5G connection. They placed a video call and browsed the internet. The transmissions were completed over Big Red’s 28GHz spectrum and Samsung 5G New Radio solutions. The 5G capability offered by the mod is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X50 5G modem with QTM052 mmWave antenna modules.
Verizon’s 5G home service is currently available in a few cities across the United States. The company is aiming to launch its 5G mobile network commercially next year. Many manufacturers, including Samsung, will be launching 5G smartphones in 2019 which will be compatible with these networks.
It’s happening! This is the first time a 5G-upgradeable smartphone, the Moto Z3, is connecting to our 5G Ultra Wideband network. #FirstOn5G #Verizon #5G
— Verizon (@verizon) November 14, 2018