Accessibility
Verizon has a longstanding commitment to equal access to our products and services, including for customers in rural areas and customers with disabilities, so that everyone can access the benefits of technology and can fully participate in the digital world.
Universal design principles
For 30 years we have adopted Universal Design Principles that commit our company to providing products and services that can be used and enjoyed by the broadest range of customers, including youth, individuals with disabilities and seniors.
Fios TV offers accessibility features for our visually impaired customers, including:
- Text-to-Speech functionality for the Fios TV on-screen guide.
- Descriptive Video Services, which, when available from the video programming provider, provide a narrative description of key visual elements within a broadcast.
Verizon’s Center for Customers with Disabilities serves wireline customers and offers direct American Sign Language services. The Verizon Wireless National Accessibility Customer Service Center supports customers who need additional assistance to meet their wireless needs.
Rural access
Our LTE in Rural America (LRA) program is a collaborative partnership with rural carriers to accelerate the deployment of rural wireless broadband services.
At the end of 2017, our 22 LRA partners continue to provide LTE service in their rural areas via a growing network of over 1,350 active sites. The leases for the 22 participants cover nearly 2.9 million people in 17 states and more than 226,000 square miles. The LRA program continues to be an important part of providing high-speed data to rural communities.
In addition to the LRA program, starting in 2018, Verizon will deploy high-speed broadband to more than 15,500 rural locations in upstate New York.