Verizon says it has signed agreements with City of Boston officials that will expand its work to upgrade its access network infrastructure in the city. The agreement, which builds upon a program initiated in 2016 (see “Verizon to bring FiOS FTTP network to Boston”), paves the way for Verizon to finish rolling its Fios Internet and TV services to all Boston neighborhoods as well as expand its wireless infrastructure in the city. The wireless infrastructure expansion will see Verizon’s investment in its Boston facilities upgrade double to $600 million, the company says.
The new agreement calls for Boston to amend Verizon’s TV license agreement to clear the way for the Fios TV services expansion into South Boston, South End, Allston, Brighton, Back Bay, Charlestown, East Boston, Fenway, and Downtown. Verizon says it currently reaches more than half the homes in Boston via its fiber to the home (FTTH) network. The services are available in Dorchester, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury, Seaport, South Boston, and West Roxbury (see "Verizon adds more neighborhoods to its Boston FTTP deployments").
On the wireless end, Verizon says a new 10-year agreement with the city will enable it to upgrade its present 4G LTE network and set the stage for eventual migration to 5G via the deployment of more small cell infrastructure. Boston leaders have promised to streamline the permitting process to enable this expansion. Verizon will use the infrastructure to supply Smart Communities products and services targeted to improve traffic management, safety, and energy efficiency.
Verizon also announced that it will lease more than 450,000 square feet for its technology workforce at The Hub on Causeway. Construction of the new facility is scheduled for completion by 2021.
“Our partnership with Verizon reflects one goal: to make sure all of Boston’s residents have access to the most advanced digital technology both now, and in the future,” said Mayor Marty Walsh. “We’re making sure Boston is the best digital city in the nation, and through partnerships with companies like Verizon, residents will have better, more affordable options, as we work together to create inclusive growth for our city.”
“The City of Boston has been a tremendous partner for us, and a great leader in building the digital city of the future,” said Kyle Malady, CTO of Verizon. “Together we’re creating a platform of innovation with the latest technology that will benefit Boston residents, businesses, universities, first responders and visitors for decades to come.”
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