Verizon has taken a significant step in realizing the potential of 5G technology by launching Enhanced Video Calling, a feature that utilizes network slicing to provide optimized video and sound quality on calling apps. This development marks a notable milestone in the company's efforts to deliver on the promises of 5G, which has been criticized for its slow adoption and limited practical applications.

The Enhanced Video Calling feature is made possible by network slicing, a technology that allows network operators to allocate specific resources for demanding activities that require a strong connection. In this case, Verizon is using network slicing to boost video call performance, ensuring that users experience high-quality video and sound even in times of congestion. This technology has far-reaching implications, as it could be used in the future to prioritize data for critical applications such as autonomous vehicles.

However, there are significant caveats to accessing this feature. Users must be on Verizon's most expensive plan, Unlimited Ultimate, which costs $90 per month for one line with autopay. Additionally, they need to have a compatible device, such as an iPhone 14 or newer running iOS 18.2, with Samsung Galaxy S23 and newer and Pixel 9 phones to be added to the compatible list in 2025. The feature is currently available in over 150 metro areas, with more areas to be added in 2025.

Verizon's move is significant, as it is one of the first consumer-facing features to utilize network slicing on a standalone 5G network. While T-Mobile has also made progress in this area, Verizon's rollout marks a major step forward in the adoption of this technology. The company has been testing network slicing for over a year, and this is its first commercial deployment of the technology.

The implications of this development are far-reaching. As 5G networks continue to mature, we can expect to see more features and applications that take advantage of network slicing. This could lead to significant improvements in areas such as remote healthcare, online education, and autonomous transportation. While the current limitations of Enhanced Video Calling may be restrictive, it marks an important step towards realizing the full potential of 5G technology.

In conclusion, Verizon's Enhanced Video Calling feature is a significant development in the 5G landscape, showcasing the potential of network slicing to improve critical applications. While the current limitations may be restrictive, this marks an important step towards realizing the full potential of 5G technology, and we can expect to see more innovative features and applications in the future.