Verizon just took a big step forward for 5G: the company announced that it has successfully tested the Moto Z3 on a proper, commercial 3GPP 5G NR (New Radio) network — i.e., a real-world 5G test using a functional smartphone with the “real” 5G standard.
According to Verizon, the test was conducted using a Moto Z3 with the promised 5G Moto Mod attachment (which, in turn, is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X50 5G modem and the company’s QTM052 mmWave antennas). The cell carrier successfully tested browsing the internet and placing a video call on Verizon’s 28 GHz spectrum band, making this one of the first actual 5G tests in the mmWave area to be done on actual consumer hardware.
Verizon showed off the achievement with a frustratingly terrible picture, which seems carefully shot to prevent any glimpse of the 5G Moto Mod (or whatever prototype of the final product the company is using). But there is a 5G logo right there in the status bar, for anyone who wants a first look at the future of networking.