Verizon Comms Stock Price, News & Analysis

Verizon has expanded its 5G Ultra Wideband service to Akron, OH, and Nashville, TN, now available in 57 cities. This service promises speeds up to 4Gbps, enhancing remote collaboration and streaming experiences. By the end of 2020, Verizon aims to cover 60 cities. The 5G Ultra Wideband, built on mmWave spectrum, offers significantly higher data throughput than 4G, with expectations to handle 100 times current data volumes. Additionally, customers can access 5G Nationwide, utilizing Dynamic Spectrum Sharing for consistent 5G connectivity.

BuzzFeed has acquired HuffPost, expanding its media network alongside brands like BuzzFeed News and Tasty. The deal includes a strategic partnership with Verizon Media, which will provide new revenue opportunities through content syndication and innovative advertising products. Verizon Media has taken a minority stake in BuzzFeed, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing HuffPost's brand and traffic through effective monetization strategies. This acquisition is expected to significantly increase user engagement and create a powerful media ecosystem.

Verizon Business has launched the Global Enterprise 5G Fleet Swap program, allowing companies to trade in their smartphones for the new iPhone 12 lineup. Major clients, including General Motors and Honeywell, will implement 5G Ultra Wideband in their facilities to enhance digital transformation. GM is deploying this network at its Factory ZERO EV plant, while Honeywell's new headquarters will showcase products utilizing 5G. The deployment is expected to advance operations and improve efficiency across various sectors.

Verizon is launching early Black Friday promotions, offering significant discounts on 5G smartphones and entertainment services. Customers can receive up to $1,350 off select 5G phones with trade-ins and specific Unlimited plans. New Fios customers can also benefit from 12 months of complimentary PlayStation Plus and Now subscriptions. Additionally, Verizon Prepaid users can earn up to $110 in credits. These initiatives aim to enhance customer experience during the holiday season by showcasing Verizon's 5G capabilities and appealing entertainment value.

Verizon has launched the #ACallForKindness campaign in partnership with Capital One and other retailers to recognize and support retail workers during this challenging year. The campaign aims to remind customers and employees that kindness is essential, even behind masks. Verizon emphasizes treating customers like family, encouraging frontline workers to share their stories using the campaign hashtag. The initiative marks Verizon's commitment to its community and the human connections that define its service, coinciding with the debut of the documentary 'The Antidote' on Amazon Prime.

Verizon is amplifying its support for remote learning amid rising Covid-19 cases by expanding the Verizon Innovative Learning initiative. This program targets Title I schools, providing both student connectivity and free professional development for educators nationwide. New offerings include the Teacher Training Pathways platform, offering courses on remote and hybrid learning. Since 2012, Verizon has invested over $535M in digital inclusion, reaching 450,000 students. The goal is to empower 10 million youths with essential digital skills by 2030.

Verizon and Newlab have announced outcomes from the inaugural cohort of the 5G Studio, launched to explore innovative applications of 5G technology. The studio, based in Newlab's Brooklyn headquarters, leverages 5G Ultra Wideband and mobile edge compute (MEC) to empower startups in addressing industry challenges. Each participating company showcased unique solutions. Prominent startups included Exyn Technologies, Ghost Robotics, and Phantom Auto, highlighting advancements in robotics, teleoperation, and healthcare services, underlining the 5G Studio's role in fostering innovation.

Verizon Business has released its seventh annual Retail Trends Report, highlighting significant shifts in consumer behavior during the holiday shopping season. The report indicates a 82% increase in online data traffic for top retailers compared to last year. Despite a 20% decrease in foot traffic at U.S. malls, movement is up 59% from pandemic lows. Additionally, usage on payment sites has surged by 28%. Verizon emphasizes the importance of adopting innovative technologies, like AR and VR, to enhance customer experiences in retail.

Verizon Public Sector has updated its Verizon Intelligent Video, enhancing its video surveillance capabilities for public safety and security. This system is used by cities and organizations for real-time data analysis to improve situational awareness. The update includes integration with BriefCam for enhanced analytics, allowing quick filtering of objects and behaviors. With $131.9 billion in revenues for 2019, Verizon continues to lead in technology and communication.