NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the ever-evolving landscape of telecommunications, Verizon has consistently been at the forefront, pioneering the deployment and operation of its award-winning network on a fully virtualized platform. Verizon has been aggressively deploying Virtualized Radio Access Network (V-RAN) technology across its network to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and performance. As of early 2025, Verizon has over 170,000 O-RAN radios and over 22,900 V-RAN site locations in serv ...

Core Insights - Verizon has launched a converged offer for Mobile and Home Internet customers, providing significant savings and enhanced customer experience [1][2] Group 1: Offer Details - Customers combining mobile and home services with Verizon can receive a $15 monthly discount on home internet [2][10] - Verizon Home Internet plans start as low as $35 per month when combined with a postpaid mobile plan [10][11] - Customers can save up to $215 annually through perk credits for entertainment subscriptions like Netflix and Max [10][9] Group 2: Customer Experience - The offer includes priority customer support, ensuring faster access to expert representatives for Mobile + Home customers [10][9] - Verizon aims to provide a superior network experience and value in entertainment that competitors do not offer [2][12] Group 3: Promotions and Events - Verizon stores will host an immersive experience related to HBO's "The White Lotus" from March 1st to April 4th, enhancing customer engagement [5] - Verizon Value customers with eligible plans will also receive a $15 monthly discount on their Fios bill [7][10]

Core Insights - Verizon has launched a converged offer for Mobile and Home Internet customers, allowing them to save $15 per month and access entertainment perks like Netflix and the Disney Bundle when bundling services [1][2]. Summary by Sections Offer Details - Customers combining Verizon's mobile and home services can receive a $15 monthly discount on home internet, along with entertainment savings and priority customer support [2][9]. - Verizon Home Internet plans start as low as $35 per month when combined with a postpaid mobile plan [9][11]. Entertainment Perks - Customers are eligible for a perk credit of up to $10 per month towards entertainment subscriptions such as Netflix, Max, and the Disney Bundle, potentially saving up to $215 annually [9][8]. - Exclusive entertainment experiences will be available at select Verizon stores, including a pop-up inspired by HBO's "The White Lotus" [5]. Customer Support - Mobile and Home customers will receive premium customer care, including expedited support and personalized greetings when contacting Verizon [9]. Target Audience - The offer is also available to Verizon Value customers who have both an eligible Fios Home Internet plan and a mobile service plan from various Verizon Value brands, providing a $15 monthly discount [7]. Company Background - Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024 and continues to innovate to meet customer demands for mobility and reliable network connectivity [12].

Core Insights - Verizon is enhancing its 5G network capabilities through advanced technology, high-speed fiber, edge computing, and intelligent management to meet the increasing data demands of real-time applications and AI workloads [1] - A collaboration between Verizon, Ericsson, and Qualcomm has resulted in a record-breaking uplink speed of 480 Mbps using sub-6 GHz spectrum, achieved through TDD carrier aggregation and uplink MIMO technology [2][4] Group 1: Technological Advancements - The combination of faster uplink speeds and network advancements allows for efficient processing of real-time data, crucial for applications like smart surveillance, industrial automation, and generative AI [3] - The trial utilized 200 MHz of C-band spectrum and 2x2 MIMO technology, showcasing the capabilities of Ericsson's Generation 4 RAN Processor and Massive MIMO TDD antenna [5] - MIMO technology enhances data throughput and reliability by using multiple antennas to send and receive data streams simultaneously [6] Group 2: Application Impact - High uplink speeds are essential for time-sensitive applications such as healthcare diagnostics and live broadcasting, where delays can significantly affect outcomes [3] - Enhanced uplink capabilities support real-time applications like video conferencing, cloud gaming, and IoT communications, ensuring seamless performance [3] - As user-generated high-resolution content increases, strong uplink capabilities are vital for maintaining smooth performance on social media and streaming platforms [3] Group 3: Industry Commitment - The achievement of 480 Mbps uplink speeds demonstrates the commitment of Verizon, Ericsson, and Qualcomm to advancing the 5G ecosystem, enabling businesses to leverage AI for smarter automation and improved user experiences [8] - Verizon's revenue reached $134.8 billion in 2024, reflecting its position as a leader in providing reliable network connectivity and innovative solutions [9]

Group 1: Core Developments - Verizon Communications, Inc. has made significant advancements in satellite-to-cellular connectivity through a partnership with AST SpaceMobile, which is developing a space-based cellular broadband network for standard mobile devices [1] - In mid-2024, Verizon formed a strategic partnership with ASTS, committing $100 million to deliver direct-to-cellular service across the U.S., aiming for 100% coverage by leveraging its terrestrial network and ASTS' satellite capabilities [2] - ASTS received Special Temporary Authority from the FCC in January 2025 to test smartphones connected to its BlueBird satellites, successfully completing a video call between devices connected to terrestrial and satellite networks [3] Group 2: Market Position and Competition - Despite rapid 5G expansion, many areas in the U.S. remain outside network coverage, prompting Verizon to combine its terrestrial infrastructure with ASTS' capabilities to enhance connectivity and address dead zones [4] - Verizon's competitor, T-Mobile, is also developing direct-to-cell technology in collaboration with Starlink, indicating a competitive landscape in satellite connectivity [5] Group 3: Stock Performance - Verizon's stock has increased by 3.3% over the past year, while the industry has seen a growth of 41.8%, highlighting a lag in performance relative to peers [6] Group 4: Earnings and Rankings - Verizon has delivered an earnings surprise of 158.41% over the trailing four quarters, showcasing its strong performance in advanced mobile technologies [9] - Currently, Verizon holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), while other companies in the industry, such as InterDigital and Akamai Technologies, have higher rankings, indicating potential investment alternatives [8][10]

Core Insights - Verizon, in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm, has successfully deployed multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) functionality in its commercial network, marking a significant advancement in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology [1][2] - The deployment integrates Samsung's AI-powered Energy Saving Manager with Qualcomm's Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite, enhancing energy efficiency and operational performance [1][5] Industry Collaboration - Verizon emphasizes the importance of open and standardized networks to drive competition, innovation, and supplier diversity [2] - The introduction of RIC allows for greater flexibility and control over network operations, expanding on Verizon's success with O-RAN compliant radios [2][4] RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) - RIC is a software-based component that optimizes network performance using AI and automation, enabling integration of third-party applications [3][4] - It manages applications called rApps that improve mobile communication aspects such as coverage, capacity, efficiency, and service quality [4] Energy Efficiency and Sustainability - The integration of Samsung's AI-ESM allows Verizon to achieve an average energy savings of 15%, with a maximum of 35% per sector during low traffic periods [5] - The AI-ESM identifies site environments and traffic patterns to optimize energy usage without compromising network performance [5] Technological Advancements - Qualcomm's Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite enables a vendor-neutral rApp marketplace, fostering a diverse ecosystem [6] - The virtualization of networks is seen as key to realizing the benefits of AI, with Samsung's software-based vRAN providing an optimal foundation [6] Company Performance - Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024, serving millions of customers and nearly all Fortune 500 companies [7]

Core Insights - Verizon Communications Inc. is focusing on enhancing its network performance and reliability as part of its ongoing strategy to provide high-quality services to customers [5][6]. Group 1: Network Priorities - The company emphasizes its mission to deliver the best, most reliable, highest-performing, and secure networks for customers to use in various aspects of their lives [5]. - Verizon's mobility network is highlighted as a key area of focus, with recent achievements in 5G performance recognized through awards from RootMetrics [6].

Core Insights - Verizon Business has launched Verizon Sensor Insights in partnership with the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, aimed at managing and scaling IoT infrastructure for enhanced operational efficiency [2][9] - The solution is designed to be user-friendly for businesses of all sizes and includes pre-approved sensors, certified gateways, and a central management portal [3][9] Company Initiatives - The Atlanta Hawks are utilizing Sensor Insights to monitor technical equipment health and improve maintenance predictions, contributing to a smarter arena environment [5][9] - The partnership includes additional technology implementations such as Delta Fly-Through Lanes and a cashierless checkout store, enhancing the fan experience through advanced technology [6][7][8] Industry Trends - Organizations across various sectors are increasingly adopting IoT solutions to improve energy efficiency, streamline operations, and enhance sustainability efforts [4] - The deployment of IoT technologies like Sensor Insights reflects a broader trend of leveraging connected technology to optimize business operations [6]

Core Insights - Verizon and AST have successfully conducted a live video call between a satellite-connected device and a terrestrial network-connected device, showcasing advancements in mobile connectivity [1][2] - This innovation allows for seamless data transmission, including voice and video calls, even in areas lacking terrestrial cellular coverage, enhancing customer communication reliability [2][3] - The demonstration follows FCC approval for AST SpaceMobile to test satellite connections using Verizon's spectrum, enabling the use of low Earth orbit satellites for mobile communications [3] Company Overview - Verizon Communications Inc. generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024, serving millions of customers and nearly all Fortune 500 companies [4] - The company is focused on delivering mobility, reliable network connectivity, and security, continuously innovating to meet current and future customer needs [4]

Core Points - Verizon is launching the iPhone 16e, which features advanced battery life, the A18 chip, and a 48MP camera system, available for pre-order starting February 21, 2025, with availability from February 28, 2025 [1][6][10] Group 1: Product Features - The iPhone 16e offers fast performance and the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, utilizing the A18 chip and Apple's first cellular modem, the Apple C1 [6][10] - It includes a 48MP Fusion camera with an integrated 2x Telephoto lens, allowing for high-quality zoom capabilities [6][7] - The device supports Apple's satellite features for emergency services and messaging when outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage [6][15] Group 2: Pricing and Offers - The iPhone 16e is priced at $599.99 for the 128GB model, with promotional credits available for new lines and trade-ins [10][12] - Customers can get the iPhone 16e for $5 a month for 36 months with eligible plans, and business customers can also receive promotional offers [10][13] Group 3: Service Plans - Verizon's myPlan offers flexibility and perks, including access to Apple One for $10/month for individuals or $20/month for families [2][4] - The plan allows users to customize their experience with various entertainment and shopping deals [4][3] Group 4: Company Overview - Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024 and continues to innovate to meet customer demands for mobility and connectivity [16]