A modern fiber-optic communications platform will make us a next-level city.
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh
“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 Walsh said. “I thank Verizon for their investment in Boston and for partnering with the city to provide the foundation for future technology growth.”
Boston has long been a leader in innovative communications technology, dating back to 1877 with the first old-time telephone line from Boston to Somerville. In 2010, Verizon built one of the world’s first 4G LTE networks in Boston and, shortly after, opened its Waltham Innovation Center, which hosts Verizon’s development and testing of cutting-edge 5G wireless.
“The transformation for Boston will enable businesses to innovate today and in the future,” said Martin Burvill, senior vice president, Global Operations, Verizon Enterprise Solutions. “Together with the City of Boston, we are delivering the promise of the digital world to schools, medical facilities, businesses and entrepreneurs while helping to usher in the next generation of Internet-enabled capabilities.”
This partnership will also improve wireless services in Boston by enabling Verizon to attach wireless equipment to city street lights and utility poles, helping businesses get fast, reliable mobile service when away from their offices or on the go. In addition, Verizon’s high-speed Fios internet service will help expand connectivity for schools and other community institutions.
In addition to its other benefits, this partnership includes an innovative “Smart Cities” trial that will address traffic safety and congestion along the Massachusetts Avenue Vision Zero Priority Corridor. The city and Verizon will experiment with sensors and advanced traffic signal control technology to increase safety, measure bicycle traffic, improve public transit vehicle flow, and decrease congestion.
Future “Smart Cities” applications will address other key services Bostonians care about, including environmental sensors, energy efficiency, and city lighting management.
At Verizon, we don’t wait for the future, we build it. See how we’re partnering with visionaries to use technology and data to turn innovative ideas into realities.
