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Verizon just made its first 5G video call on a Moto Z3

5G is on its way.

Erin Carson Former Senior Writer
Erin Carson covered internet culture, online dating and the weird ways tech and science are changing your life.
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Erin Carson
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A Moto Z3 made Verizon's first 5G video call Tuesday.

Sarah Tew/CNET

On the march to 5G, Verizon has made its first call using the next-generation network technology.

The company used a Moto Z3 smartphone paired with a 5G Moto Mod to make video calls and do some internet browsing.

"This test is also one step closer to getting upgraded speed and connectivity that will affect all aspects of our daily lives," said Shakil Barkat, vice president of global product development for Motorola, in a statement.

The term 5G refers to the fifth generation of cellular technology, which promises to greatly enhance the speed, coverage and responsiveness of wireless networks. It could be as much as 10 to 100 times speedier than your typical cellular connection, and even faster than anything you can get with a physical fiber-optic cable going into your house.

Verizon last month got things rolling with a limited 5G home broadband service that played a little fast and loose with the definition of 5G. It plans to start offering 5G mobile service in 2019.

Also last month, AT&T said it tested a 5G browsing session using a commercial-grade hotspot device.