Verizon redefines clear connections on-the-go with the launch of Enhanced Video Calling

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon has launched Enhanced Video Calling, powered by network slicing technology, initially available on iPhone. This feature intelligently manages data from video communication apps like Facetime, WhatsApp, and Zoom to provide improved user experience. Network slicing uses virtualized infrastructure to dynamically match network performance to specific application requirements.

The service is available in select 5G Ultra Wideband coverage areas at no additional cost with the Unlimited Ultimate plan or Business Unlimited Pro 5G Plan, requiring iPhone14 or newer and iOS 18.2. The technology aims to deliver clear video calls during congestion and consistent real-time collaboration with low latency, particularly benefiting business communications and critical scenarios.

Positive

• Introduction of new revenue-generating Enhanced Video Calling feature
• No additional cost for existing Unlimited Ultimate and Business Unlimited Pro 5G Plan customers
• Technology advancement positions Verizon competitively in 5G services

Negative

• availability to select 5G Ultra Wideband coverage areas only
• Service restricted to iPhone 14 or newer devices
• Requires specific premium plan subscription

Insights

Tech Expert

This launch of Enhanced Video Calling represents a significant technical advancement in Verizon's 5G infrastructure. Network slicing technology enables dynamic resource allocation and optimized performance for specific applications, particularly beneficial for data-intensive video calling services. The implementation on iPhone devices with iOS 18.2 showcases a strategic rollout targeting premium users first. The technology's ability to maintain quality in congested areas addresses a critical pain point in mobile video communications.

The integration of AI and ML for automated network configuration, combined with the cloud-native 5G standalone core, positions Verizon to better manage network resources and deliver consistent service quality. However, the availability to specific plans and devices may restrict initial market impact. This technology sets the foundation for future applications beyond video calling, particularly in IoT, gaming and AR/VR sectors.

Market Research Analyst

This product launch strengthens Verizon's competitive position in the premium wireless segment. By offering Enhanced Video Calling exclusively with the Unlimited Ultimate plan and Business Unlimited Pro 5G Plan, Verizon is creating additional value for high-ARPU customers while potentially driving upgrades to premium tiers. The timing aligns with increasing reliance on video communication for remote work and personal connectivity. The focus on iPhone users indicates a strategic targeting of the high-value customer segment.

While the immediate revenue impact may be modest, this technology deployment demonstrates Verizon's commitment to network innovation and service differentiation. The broader implications for enterprise solutions and future 5G monetization strategies could positively influence investor sentiment regarding Verizon's long-term growth prospects.

New intelligent network feature called network slicing provides differentiated service for customers’ mobile video calling needs

NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon, a leader in wireless innovation, today announced the launch of Enhanced Video Calling powered by network slicing, currently available on iPhone. Enhanced Video Calling is a new technology feature allowing Verizon’s gold-standard network to intelligently adapt and manage data from video communication applications like Facetime, WhatsApp and Zoom to provide an even better experience for iPhone users.

Network slicing, the technology on which Enhanced Video Calling is based, addresses the evolving landscape of mobile consumption, where video calls are replacing traditional voice calls, streaming dominates entertainment, gaming has moved to the cloud, and businesses rely on real-time collaboration for a remote, distributed workforce. These data-intensive applications demand a network that can adapt and effectively manage traffic in real-time, maintaining high-quality audio and video connections while on the move, and ensuring seamless communication even in congested areas.

Building on Verizon's legacy of extraordinary network quality and a commitment to connecting people, Enhanced Video Calling marks a significant advancement in mobile connectivity, delivering a host of benefits for Verizon customers when it matters most, including:

• Clear Video Calls: Customers can get clear video calls even in times of congestion, making virtual connections feel more personal and engaging.
• Consistent real-time collaboration: Low latency, high quality video conferencing, allowing minimized disruptions for essential business communications and critical scenarios.

"At Verizon, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of connectivity to empower our customers to thrive in today's digital world," says Srini Kalapala, Senior Vice President of Technology and Product Development. "Using the 5G advanced network features to power Enhanced Video Calling allows us to offer seamless mobile video calling experiences for our customers, even in congested areas.”

Enhanced Video Calling is available in select 5G Ultra Wideband coverage areas at no additional cost with the Unlimited Ultimate plan or Business Unlimited Pro 5G Plan, an iPhone14 or newer device, iOS 18.2 and with participating applications. Exclusions may apply. See Important Plan Information and FAQ for details.

Network slicing technology marks a significant advancement in mobile connectivity. Enhanced Video Calling employs network slicing technology. This unique 5G advanced capability uses a virtualized network infrastructure to dynamically match network performance characteristics to specific application requirements, while optimizing the network performance to support all services.

The advanced capabilities, high speed, increased bandwidth, and low latency of 5G are inspiring the development of a wide variety of new use cases that include everything from massive numbers of IoT devices that use very few network resources, to smartphone applications that use data in countless ways, to more complex solutions such as gaming, AR/VR and mixed reality that will require massive computing capabilities and low latency on the edge of the network. Those solutions would each benefit from different combinations of network capabilities.

The 5G standalone core’s cloud-native applications, in combination with built-in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), enables the dynamic allocation of the appropriate resources, referred to as network slicing. It also allows for automated network configuration changes, including the ability to scale up or scale down network function capacity in real time - to provide the right service levels and network resources needed for each use case and customer.

For example, utility company smart readers use very little bandwidth, are not latency sensitive, and do not need mobility routing functions as they are in a fixed position attached to homes and do not move. This use case would require fewer network resources. Alternatively, massive multi-player online gaming in a mobile environment would benefit from certain upload and download speeds and low latency to work effectively and provide players with an immersive experience on a mobile device. In each case, using network slicing, Verizon would be able to better match network performance to application requirements. In short, dynamic network resource provisioning allows the network to dynamically support the experience customers should get for the applications they are using and efficiently provide that specific service level when resources are available.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Karen Schulz
864.561.1527
Karen.Schulz@VerizonWireless.com

FAQ

What devices are compatible with Verizon's Enhanced Video Calling (VZ)?

Verizon's Enhanced Video Calling is currently only available on iPhone 14 or newer devices with iOS 18.2.

How much does Verizon's Enhanced Video Calling service cost (VZ)?

The service is available at no additional cost with Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan or Business Unlimited Pro 5G Plan.

Which apps support Verizon's Enhanced Video Calling feature (VZ)?

The feature works with video communication applications including Facetime, WhatsApp, and Zoom.

What is network slicing in Verizon's 5G service (VZ)?

Network slicing is a technology that uses virtualized network infrastructure to dynamically match network performance to specific application requirements, optimizing network performance for different services.

Where is Verizon's Enhanced Video Calling service available (VZ)?

The service is available in select 5G Ultra Wideband coverage areas only.