It appears as though Verizon – the American telecommunications giant – is close to its goal of launching 5G connectivity by 2018. They have successfully tested early 5G connections using 3GPP standards outdoors, the first successful test of its kind. Nokia is also involved in their tests.

“By continuing to push the technological envelope and make advancements like these, we’re driving the ongoing development of 5G technology and bringing it to life for our customers,” says Sanyogita Shamsunder, vice president of 5G Ecosystems & Innovation for Verizon. Shamsunder adds, “Verizon continues to lead the way toward the realization of true 5G technology.”

Nokia’s Mobile Networks president Marc Rouanne meanwhile says, “Nokia is committed to supporting Verizon’s advanced effort to bring 5G to commercial reality. Our successful trial pushes the testing distance and because it has been conducted outside, tests the interference variables in an outdoor environment. This is a major milestone for preparing Verizon for widespread 5G implementation.”

The two companies partnered up to do the tests at Verizon’s campus in New Jersey. Their results though that through multi-carrier aggregation they managed throughput speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps. Both companies managed to transmit multiple VR sessions using their prototype 5G connection, which is an incredible feat. They even managed 4K video streaming on a 28 GHz spectrum with latencies of just 1.5 milliseconds.

Not Verizon’s first rodeo

Earlier this year, the two companies as well as Qualcomm already completed a 3GPP standard-compliant 5G connection. However, the three companies conducted that test under lab conditions. Authorities and officials told them that they would need outdoor testing before they can approve their 5G connectivity. This is because outdoor tests more closely mirror how businesses and consumers will use 5G.

Verizon hopes to be able to bring their new 5G connectivity to four major US cities by the end of the year. So far, we know that Los Angeles and Sacramento are two of the cities.

For Verizon’s full statement on their successful 5G outdoor tests with Nokia, you can click here.