In a somewhat surprising move, Verizon announced this week it would invest $300 million to deploy a fiber-based network in Boston, Massachusetts, meant to set the stage for future smart city initiatives as well as 5G mobile services.
Why’s that surprising in a period when existing service providers like Verizon and AT&T, alongside startup network operators like Google Fiber, are bringing fiber networks to metropolitan areas around the country? Well, it’s surprising because the announcement comes as 36,000 wireless and wireline employees in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic went on strike based on, among other issues, the allegation that Verizon is shifting emphasis from wired network services over to more lucrative mobile.
Verizon Wireline Network President Bob Mudge, who has also commented on the labor issues playing out, said, ““This transformation isn’t just about advanced new fiber-optic technology – it’s about the innovative services this platform will allow people to create and use, today and in the future. We are delivering the promise of the digital world to families, schools and medical facilities, businesses and entrepreneurs, while strengthening our neighborhoods and communities. We are a proud partner in building toward a brighter, shared future.”
The network rollout will follow a neighborhood-by-neighborhood approach and is expected to begin this year in Dorchester, West Roxbury and Dudley Square followed by Hyde Park, Mattapan and parts of Roxbury and Jamaica Plain.
Verizon said it will also leverage the new fiber network to bring its FiOS TV service to Boston, and that the construction project and partnership with the city will allow for new pole attachment agreements for light and utility infrastructure.
“Boston is moving faster than our current infrastructure can support, and a modern fiber-optic communications platform will make us a next-level city,” Mayor Marty Walsh said. “Additionally, it is a priority to ensure that every resident has expanded access to broadband and increasing competition is critical to reaching that goal. I thank Verizon for their investment in Boston and for partnering with the city to provide the foundation for future technology growth.”
