Verizon customers will be able to take the power of 5G global

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon has successfully completed its first 5G global roaming trials, becoming the first US operator to offer a commercially ready 5G global roaming service. Customers traveling to South Korea can use 5G services with compatible devices, achieving average speeds of 252 Mbps downlink and 119 Mbps uplink during trials. This marks a significant step towards global 5G interoperability, with plans for further partnerships in other countries. Verizon aims to leverage its leadership in 5G technology for various industries, enhancing connectivity for consumers and enterprises worldwide.

Positive

• First US operator to offer 5G global roaming service.
• Average trial speeds of 252 Mbps (downlink) and 119 Mbps (uplink).
• Plans for additional global roaming partnerships to enhance customer service.

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• None.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Aug. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Continuing its global 5G leadership, Verizon has become the first US operator to successfully complete 5G global roaming trials and have a commercially ready 5G global roaming service. Customers traveling from the US to South Korea with a compatible device can enjoy the benefits of 5G service internationally.

The successful trials for voice, data and text messaging were conducted on the live production 5G network in South Korea with a prototype device using dual frequencies. The 5G device, which can access 5G services in the US using mmWave spectrum, accessed 5G on 3.5 GHz spectrum in Korea.  Average speeds recorded during the trial were 252 Mbps downlink and 119 Mbps uplink.

This is the first step in global 5G interoperability.

“As 5G matures, the global implications are enormous,” said Kyle Malady, Chief Technology Officer for Verizon. “From global manufacturing and supply chain, to international AR/VR experiences, the globalization of 5G has huge implications across countless industries for consumers and enterprises. Imagine being able to get the best medical treatment from anywhere in the world through telemedicine, shop in the finest boutiques in Italy through augmented reality, play against the champions in online gaming anywhere in the world, or manage manufacturing operations across continents in real time remotely. Our team is leading the way to make those possibilities a reality and this is an important first step.”

More countries to come

South Korea is just the first of many countries with whom Verizon is forging global 5G roaming partnerships. Preparations for trials with other countries are underway.     

“We are in the early phases of global roaming partnerships with other countries and will continue to look for strategic partnerships with international providers who, like Verizon, are leading the 5G evolution.  This roaming service with South Korea will serve as a model as we engage with 5G providers in other countries to provide our customers who travel globally with more options,” said Malady.

Verizon’s global vision
The power of 5G does not stop at national borders, and Verizon has been leading global efforts around 5G. Verizon is a founding member of the 5G Future Forum, a group of global 5G leaders accelerating the delivery of mobile edge compute (MEC) -enabled solutions around the world.

The mission of the 5G Future Forum (5GFF) is to develop 5G interoperability specifications to accelerate the delivery of 5G and MEC solutions around the world. The Forum’s founding members have been working to create the governance structure for the 5GFF, as well as develop both technical and commercial workstreams.

The Forum will release its first technical specifications to its members in the third quarter of 2020 – a major step forward in enabling global interoperability for 5G and mobile edge compute  deployment to deliver efficient and innovative services to customers.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $131.9 billion in 2019.  The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

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Media Contact:
Karen Schulz
864-561-1527
Karen.Schulz@Verizonwireless.com

FAQ

What is Verizon's new 5G global roaming service?

Verizon's new 5G global roaming service allows US customers to access 5G networks in South Korea using compatible devices.

When did Verizon complete its 5G global roaming trials?

Verizon completed its 5G global roaming trials before August 3, 2020.

What were the average speeds achieved during Verizon's 5G trials in South Korea?

During the trials, average speeds were recorded at 252 Mbps downlink and 119 Mbps uplink.

Which country is first in Verizon's global 5G roaming partnerships?

South Korea is the first country in Verizon's global 5G roaming partnerships.

What does Verizon aim to achieve with its 5G global roaming service?

Verizon aims to enhance international connectivity for consumers and enterprises, facilitating global services like telemedicine and remote operations.