NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors at Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) today declared a quarterly dividend of 67.75 cents per outstanding share, unchanged from the previous quarter. The quarterly dividend is payable on May 1, 2025, to Verizon shareholders of record at the close of business on April 10, 2025. Verizon demonstrated strong performance in 2024, as it more than doubled wireless postpaid phone net additions compared to 2023, and continued to take broad ...

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tony Skiadas, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Verizon (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), is scheduled to speak at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference on Tuesday, March 4, at 11:30 a.m. ET. His remarks will be webcast, with access instructions available on Verizon’s Investor Relations website, www.verizon.com/about/investors. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work ...

Core Insights - Verizon is focusing on developing its own virtual cloud platform to enhance its cloud computing capabilities, with 40% of its network already virtualized [2][3] - The company is expanding broadband coverage through fiber deployment and millimeter wave technology for fixed wireless access, aiming to build approximately 650,000 premises this year [4][5] - Verizon's AI Connect strategy emphasizes three key infrastructure elements: fiber and wave services, improved facilities for equipment, and programmable networks [6] Network Strategy - The virtualization of 40% of the network involves replacing old hardware with software on general-purpose computers, facilitating easier upgrades and management [3] - The use of millimeter wave technology allows Verizon to deliver ultra-fast internet speeds wirelessly to multi-dwelling units, achieving reliable 1 gigabit speeds [5] AI Infrastructure Development - Verizon's AI Connect strategy aims to reimagine its assets for the AI ecosystem, focusing on faster internet connections, better facilities for equipment, and smarter, adaptable networks [6] - Key focus areas for the company include Ultra Wideband Network deployment, development of 5G-Advanced services, and enhancing AI infrastructure capabilities [7]

Core Insights - Verizon is leading the telecommunications industry with its deployment of Virtualized Radio Access Network (V-RAN) technology, enhancing network flexibility, efficiency, and performance [1][2] - The company has over 170,000 O-RAN radios and 22,900 V-RAN site locations operational across the United States, serving both rural and urban areas [1] - Verizon's virtualized network architecture has proven essential in supporting emerging technologies, including 5G and fixed wireless access solutions [2] Deployment and Performance - Verizon's network has been successfully deployed in high-demand environments, such as NFL stadiums and major events, showcasing its capability to handle significant data traffic [1][5] - During Super Bowl LIX, Verizon's network managed 38.1 terabytes (TB) of data usage from approximately 53% of attendees, with peak download speeds of 4,161 Mbps and upload speeds of 1,067 Mbps [6] - The network did not experience any congestion during the event, demonstrating its robustness and efficiency under high data demand [6][8] Advantages of Virtualization - Network virtualization allows for dynamic resource allocation, rapid deployment of new services, cost efficiency, and enhanced reliability compared to traditional hardware [5][7] - Verizon's use of orchestration and automation platforms enabled real-time adjustments to network parameters, ensuring optimal performance during peak usage [7] - The flexibility of the virtualized network architecture is crucial for meeting the growing demand for real-time connectivity and faster upload speeds in high-density scenarios [8]

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].