Verizon and Corning reached a multi-year supply agreement for more than 80 million miles of high-density optical fiber to meet surging AI demand.
While a specific figure was not given, the partnership was described as a multibillion-dollar deal that runs through 2032. Verizon expects the multi-use fiber deployment to reach up to 50 million broadband passings in the US, expanding fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and local business connectivity with cell towers, data centers, and residential neighborhoods tethered to the same high-capacity backbone.
Verizon’s announcement touted its 30-year partnership with Corning, while detailing how the expansion is underpinned by Corning's Contour Flow ribbon cable offering, helping the operator to roll out "significantly" more optical fiber within conduit pathways.
Verizon also talked up its AI Connect strategy, with high-density fiber deemed essential to the AI buildout led by hyperscalers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), with whom the firm holds an AI-focused networking deal.
The overall vision, Verizon argued, is for AI’s benefits to reach American consumers, businesses, schools, and communities.
