Verizon, Corning Reach Multi-Billion Dollar Agreement for Broadband Expansion

By Connor Hart

Verizon and Corning reached a multi-billion dollar agreement to deploy more than 80 million miles of high-density optical fiber across the nation over the coming five years.

The companies on Tuesday said the deal will help meet surging demand for consumer broadband and converged services, accelerating Verizon's push to bring internet access to more homes and businesses across the nation.

The deal will also help build out the national long-haul backbone required by AI hyperscalers, supporting emerging artificial intelligence needs, the companies added.

High-density fiber is essential to support the ever-growing scale of large language models, because heavy AI workloads demand near-zero latency and massive throughput, according to Verizon.

By expanding this critical interconnectivity, Verizon said it is cementing its position as a premier infrastructure partner for the world's leading AI hyperscalers.

"Securing this volume of fiber allows us to continue building the network of the future at an unprecedented scale," said Kyle Malady, chief executive of Verizon Business.

The agreement between Verizon and Corning is designed to enable Corning to continue to scale its U.S. manufacturing footprint, while also ensuring Verizon has the physical materials needed to execute its convergence strategy and expand its long-haul AI corridors.

Exact terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

Write to Connor Hart at connor.hart@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 08, 2026 09:42 ET (13:42 GMT)