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Verizon Advances AI Strategy

Verizon AI Connect is designed to handle AI workloads, from the macro 5G network and high-speed fiber connectivity to edge compute, power and cooling infrastructure.

Verizon has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) strategy aimed at hyperscalers, cloud providers and global enterprises. Known as Verizon AI Connect, the products are designed to handle the massive amounts of data needed for AI. Google Cloud and Meta are among the early adopters, the carrier said.

“We [have] successfully tested next generation technology enabling faster and more energy efficient fiber network data transfers,” Hans Vestberg, Verizon CEO, said in the fourth quarter earnings call. “[In the future] we will leverage our extensive fiber footprint and edge compute assets to open new revenue streams as we continue to connect the AI ecosystem.”

In December, Verizon announced that it had developed a new solution with NVIDIA that enables a wide range of AI applications to run over Verizon’s 5G private network with private Mobile Edge Compute.

“We’re leveraging our network’s unique strengths including private networks and Verizon’s global industry leadership in private MEC, combined with NVIDIA’s AI compute capabilities to enable real-time AI applications that require security, ultra-low latency and high bandwidth,” said Srini Kalapala, senior VP of technology and product development at Verizon.

Verizon AI Connect is designed to handle AI workloads, from the macro 5G network and high-speed fiber connectivity to edge compute, power and cooling infrastructure. The carrier is already seeing significant demand for network infrastructure that can support existing AI workloads,” said Kyle Malady, CEO, Verizon Business.

Ronnie Vasishta, Senior Vice President of Telecom, NVIDIA, said that telecom networks are “uniquely positioned” to provide a distributed AI infrastructure for enterprises.

In May of last year, Verizon Business added Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) to its list of private networks that can use its licensed spectrum. Customers of Verizon Business’ Private 5G Network offering will use the Nokia DAC platform to enhance indoor coverage for Verizon consumers and enterprise customers.

Private AI Networks See Progress Overseas

Verizon is not alone. Telefónica Tech, the business arm of Telefonic SA, is adapting AI to the specific needs of its customers in multiple sectors, including public administration, health, manufacturing and sport, using a platform provided by Nearby Computing.

Telefónica had deployed more than 80 4G/5G private network sites globally by the spring of last year. The networks are monitored and managed from a proprietary Network Operation Center that Telefónica Tech has in several locations in Spain and Brazil. Telefónica has been recognized as a Leader in the first Gartner Magic Quadrant for 4G and 5G Private Mobile Network Services report because of its multi-vendor approach and “strong presence” in Europe and Latin America.

In the healthcare sector, a joint product was developed by Telefónica Tech and Solventum (formerly 3M Healthcare) to optimize hospital emergency services. In sport, Telefónica Tech and the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation are using AI together with IoT sensors to improve athletes’ training. In industry, Telefónica Tech is applying artificial intelligence to exploit the data generated in the factory to help it become more productive, efficient, resilient and sustainable.

Nearby Computing’s Edge AI integrates artificial intelligence into devices that are located at the edge of a network, such as sensors, drones and smartphones, allowing real-time data processing which is crucial for many use cases that rely on fast decision making.

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Picture of J. Sharpe Smith

J. Sharpe Smith

J. Sharpe Smith has devoted the majority of his career, more than 30 years, to covering the telecommunications industry. Segments he has covered span industrial two-way radio, satellite, DAS, three generations of cellular, fiber optics and network technology. He has written for a number of organizations, including Phillips Publishing, CTIA, the Enterprise Wireless Alliance, AGL Media Group and Inside Towers. Today, he freelances for several telecom publications.

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