Australian telecommunications company Telstra has introduced a 5G network slicing service for Microsoft Teams, giving video-call traffic dedicated network capacity aimed at improving call reliability during periods of heavy network use.
The service, called Dynamic 5G for Video Calling, places Teams traffic on a dedicated 5G network slice rather than requiring it to compete directly with other data travelling across the network. Telstra says this should deliver more consistent performance, particularly when networks are congested.
For businesses, the technology is designed to reduce interrupted meetings, unstable video and audio problems that can affect employees working remotely or away from fixed office connections.
Brandspur Brand News reports that Telstra is particularly targeting industries with mobile and field-based workforces, including construction, utilities, transport and logistics, where dependable video communication can be important to day-to-day operations.
Network slicing allows operators to divide parts of a 5G network into virtual sections that can be configured for particular applications or performance requirements. Rather than treating all traffic in the same way, operators can prioritise services that require more predictable connectivity.
Telstra already offers Dynamic 5G to business customers in Australia. The service includes a system that monitors network-slice performance to determine whether customers receive the promised service level. Where the agreed performance is not delivered, customers are not charged.
The latest deployment comes as network slicing moves beyond years of trials towards commercial services in several major telecoms markets.
In the United States, T-Mobile offers network slicing through its SuperMobile business service, alongside cybersecurity and satellite connectivity. Deutsche Telekom has also deployed slicing for applications including gaming and video calling.
UK operators are pursuing similar opportunities. EE has introduced its Fast Lane premium connectivity service for consumers and businesses, while VodafoneThree recently launched SuperMobile as an add-on across different mobile plans.
The commercial push reflects operators’ efforts to generate new revenue from 5G Standalone networks by selling connectivity based on application requirements rather than relying primarily on faster download speeds.
The potential market is substantial. ABI Research projected that the global network slicing market could expand from $6.1 billion in 2025 to $67.5 billion by 2030.
For telecom operators, services such as Telstra’s Teams offering could provide an important test of whether businesses are willing to pay for guaranteed or prioritised mobile performance. As 5G Standalone coverage expands, network slicing is increasingly moving from a technical capability into a service that operators can sell directly to businesses and consumers.
