Verizon Comms Stock Price, News & Analysis

Verizon has recently completed significant upgrades to its network in Grand Rapids, MI, enhancing coverage and capacity. Key improvements include the deployment of seven new macro and eight small cell sites, resulting in 74% of the population now covered by 5G Ultra Wideband. The addition of C-band spectrum will increase capacity from 100 MHz to 200 MHz, providing faster speeds and accommodating more users. RootMetrics reports that Verizon is unbeaten in all performance categories within the city, with median download speeds rising by 210% to peak at 410 Mbps.

Verizon Public Sector has secured a significant $2.5 billion task order under the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) program to modernize data and voice technology for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This 12-year contract, initiated in August 2020, is projected to save HHS approximately $700 million over its lifespan. The EIS task order streamlines contracts, enhancing efficiency and serving as a model for future federal contracts. HHS's swift adoption of the EIS demonstrates its strong contracting capabilities and showcases a significant advancement in federal communications infrastructure.

Verizon is waiving call, text, and data charges for postpaid customers in Mississippi affected by the recent tornadoes from March 26 to April 26. This initiative aims to provide relief for those impacted, ensuring that customers can stay connected during this challenging time. Automatic credits will be issued for any overages incurred by customers whose billing cycles have closed. The affected zip codes include 38721, 38754, 38821, and others. Verizon emphasizes the importance of connectivity during recovery efforts.

Verizon Frontline has introduced two new deployable communication assets at the IWCE 2023, expanding its fleet to nearly 600 units. The Verizon Rapid Response Connectivity Unit is designed for quick deployment in under 15 minutes, providing secure voice and internet connections and supporting up to 120 active users. It features 5G and satellite connectivity, making it versatile for emergency services. The second asset, the Mobile Connectivity Agile Vehicle, is an electric motorcycle capable of accessing hard terrains for first responders. With these additions, Verizon aims to enhance communication capabilities for public safety during emergencies.

On March 28, 2023, Verizon Business unveiled significant updates to its BlueJeans collaboration platform during Enterprise Connect. Key enhancements include new features for BlueJeans Events aimed at enhancing presenter engagement and participant interaction, alongside the introduction of a Developer Platform for seamless integration of video capabilities into various applications. Upcoming functionalities such as Direct Guest Join will facilitate smoother meetings across platforms, particularly for Microsoft Teams users. Verizon aims to empower organizations in leveraging video for effective communication, reflecting its commitment to adapting to current digital workplace demands.

The 2023 Connected Restaurant Experience Study, conducted by Incisiv in partnership with Verizon Business and Cisco, highlights the growing complexity in restaurant operations due to increased digital ordering. It reports that 83% of customers plan to utilize mobile order-ahead services in 2023, and 72% of restaurant operators find it challenging to meet these rising customer expectations. Only 52% of quick-service and 41% of full-service restaurants are satisfied with their digital offerings. Key areas for technology investment include fulfilling digital orders, enhancing kitchen efficiency, and speeding up checkouts. Automation is expected to rise, with quick-service restaurants anticipating 51% of tasks will be automated by 2025.

Verizon announced significant upgrades to its network in Colorado Springs, CO, part of a multi-year redesign to enhance customer experience and meet growing data demands. Notable improvements include the deployment of new cell sites and an expanded fiber optic network, significantly increasing capacity.

Currently, 47% of residents have access to 5G Ultra Wideband, with additional services like home internet becoming available at affordable rates. Recent testing by RootMetrics® indicates that Verizon leads in overall network performance in Colorado Springs, with a 67% increase in median download speeds.