Verizon connects a smartphone to its 5G network

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Verizon is currently the world's only commercial 5G operator.

(Image credit: Verizon)

Verizon has completed the world’s first data transmission to a smartphone on a commercial, standards-based 5G network.

The US operator launched the world’s first 5G network last month, offering Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband services in several US cites. However mobile broadband services are expected to arrive alongside the first compatible handsets in 2019.

The company says this latest trial is a significant milestone on that journey as it was able to conduct web browsing and make a video call using Motorola moto Ze devices paired with a 5G moto mod – a 5G upgradable smartphone.

Verizon 5G smartphone

“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, vice president, Technology Development and Planning for Verizon. “We will be the first to offer a 5G upgradeable smartphone on our network in 2019.”

The device used Verizon’s 28GHz mmWave spectrum and was powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X50 5G modem and QTM052 mmWave antenna modules. Samsung’s 5G New Radio (5GNR) equipment was also used in the trial.

“Samsung’s early and extensive innovation in 5G is helping to lay the foundation for the next-generation of wireless communications,” added Magnus Ojert, head of Samsung America’s Networks Division.

“Beginning with our contributions to Verizon’s 5G Home service, commercialized on October 1, and now with 5G New Radio, we’re excited to continue our work with Verizon while advancing our lead in delivering 5G mobile technology that will benefit consumers, businesses and cities.”

EE plans to launch 5G in 16 UK cities in 2019, while Vodafone, O2 and Three also have plans in the works. Juniper Research anticipates that global operator 5G revenues will be around $984 million next year before increasing at an annual rate of 160 per cent to $300 billion figure six years later.

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Steve McCaskill

Steve McCaskill is TechRadar Pro's resident mobile industry expert, covering all aspects of the UK and global news, from operators to service providers and everything in between. He is a former editor of Silicon UK and journalist with over a decade's experience in the technology industry, writing about technology, in particular, telecoms, mobile and sports tech, sports, video games and media.