Verizon brings innovation to Smith Island, connecting one of America's most secluded communities

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon (NYSE:VZ) has successfully brought high-speed internet and 5G mobile service to Smith Island, Maryland, one of America's most secluded communities. The $2.3M project, funded by the State of Maryland through the Treasury's Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, was completed in June 2025 after being awarded in February 2024.

The network expansion delivers 100 Mbps / 20 Mbps speeds through Fixed Wireless Access, replacing the previous limited DSL service. The project involved creative engineering solutions, including sending high-speed signals from the mainland and installing underground fiber across challenging terrain. Verizon also offers affordable internet solutions through Verizon Forward starting at $20 per month for eligible customers.

The company reported revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024, demonstrating its continued growth and commitment to expanding connectivity.

Positive

• Successfully completed $2.3M network expansion project to connect an underserved community
• Provides 100 Mbps / 20 Mbps high-speed internet access where only limited DSL was available
• Offers affordable internet solutions starting at $20/month for eligible customers
• Generated strong revenue of $134.8B in 2024

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

-0.39%

1 alert

-0.39% News Effect

On the day this news was published, VZ declined 0.39%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

With ingenuity and grit, Verizon's award-winning network and engineers deliver high-speed internet to Chesapeake Bay's Smith Island

SMITH ISLAND, Md., Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon's award-winning network has reached one of America's most secluded communities, bringing high-speed internet and mobile service to Smith Island, Maryland, for the very first time. Through creative engineering, countless cross-water commutes, and a network build unlike any other, Verizon engineers overcame extraordinary challenges to connect the island's residents to the people and moments that matter most.

"From the way we build our network, to the way we connect communities, we always put the customer experience first," said Lynn Cox, SVP and Chief Network Officer at Verizon. “Smith Island offered a unique challenge, but that didn’t stop our engineers from finding a way. Residents can now connect with loved ones, shop, and stream like never before.”

Before Verizon stepped in, Smith Island residents relied on limited DSL and had virtually no mobile wireless coverage. Now, the community has access to Verizon's 5G mobile service, high-speed internet for homes and businesses, and Verizon Voice Connect for reliable home phone service. For this tight-knit Chesapeake Bay community, it's more than an upgrade, it's a whole new world of connection.

Verizon engineers pulled off an amazing feat, sending a high-speed signal from the mainland to the island, then running underground fiber through challenging terrain to reach antennas across the island. The new service will profoundly impact daily life on the island through:

• Improved Quality of Life: Residents can now use telehealth resources, access online learning, and stream entertainment, profoundly impacting daily routines.
• Enhanced Public Safety: The new service ensures a reliable network for emergencies, keeping the community safer.
• Economic Growth: Local businesses can expand their operations and reach more customers with dependable online access.
• The Best Deals on Mobile and Home Internet: Customers can enjoy savings on mobile and home internet plans and access exclusive perks for top streaming services, allowing the community to stream entertainment like never before.

Verizon also offers affordable internet solutions for eligible customers, ensuring reliable internet access for those who need it most through Verizon Forward for as low as $20 a month.

The project was funded by the State of Maryland using appropriations received from the United States Department of the Treasury’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund aimed at providing high-speed broadband service to underserved communities. The Smith Island Network Expansion grant is a $2.3M project to provide Fixed Wireless Access at speeds of 100 Mbps / 20 Mbps to homes on Smith Island, Maryland. This grant award is provided by Maryland’s Office of Statewide Broadband and Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The grant was awarded February 2024, and the project was completed in June 2025.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:
Ilya Hemlin
ilya.hemlin@verizon.com
908.227.0536

Diana Alvear
diana.alvear@verizon.com  
973.647.4176

FAQ

What is Verizon's Smith Island network expansion project cost and funding source?

The Smith Island network expansion is a $2.3M project funded by the State of Maryland through the Treasury's Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, awarded in February 2024 and completed in June 2025.

What internet speeds does Verizon provide to Smith Island residents?

Verizon provides Fixed Wireless Access with speeds of 100 Mbps / 20 Mbps to homes on Smith Island, a significant upgrade from their previous limited DSL service.

How much does Verizon's affordable internet program cost for eligible Smith Island residents?

Eligible customers can access Verizon Forward, an affordable internet solution, for as low as $20 per month.

What was Verizon's (VZ) revenue for 2024?

Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024.

What services does Verizon now offer on Smith Island?

Verizon now offers 5G mobile service, high-speed internet for homes and businesses, and Verizon Voice Connect for reliable home phone service on Smith Island.