City of Boston expands partnership with Verizon

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Verizon today announced a new partnership that will accelerate Boston's plan to be one of the most technologically advanced cities in the nation, giving residents more choice. Building on the partnership formed in 2016, Verizon will expand its local wireless network speed and capacity to its local 4G LTE network, expand Fios internet and cable television to all neighborhoods in Boston, and collaborate with Boston on Smart Communities solutions.

"Our partnership with Verizon reflects one goal: to make sure all of Boston's residents have access to the most advanced digital technology both now, and in the future," said Mayor Walsh. "We're making sure Boston is the best digital city in the nation, and through partnerships with companies like Verizon, residents will have better, more affordable options, as we work together to create inclusive growth for our city."

These technology enhancements are in addition to Verizon's original $300 million investment to build a 100 percent fiber-optic network platform across Boston. The expansion of Verizon's wireless small cell network now almost doubles that investment to nearly $600 million total. Verizon will also be contributing $1 million over eight years to the Boston Digital Equity Fund to help support programs that provide affordable access to broadband to underserved residents.

"The City of Boston has been a tremendous partner for us, and a great leader in building the digital city of the future," said Kyle Malady, Chief Technology Officer of Verizon. "Together we're creating a platform of innovation with the latest technology that will benefit Boston residents, businesses, universities, first responders and visitors for decades to come."

Under an a new 10-year wireless agreement, Verizon will significantly expand its wireless small cell network throughout the city to bring more speed and capacity to its existing 4G LTE network.

The City of Boston will provide Verizon with a streamlined permitting process for the installation of new small cells and Verizon plans to provide a host of Verizon Smart Communities products and services that will enable Boston to achieve efficiencies in areas such as traffic management, safety and energy efficiency. 

Verizon and the City of Boston are amending the existing TV license agreement to expand Fios TV services. More than half the homes in Boston now have access to this all-fiber network, and Fios service is available in Dorchester, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury, Seaport, South Boston and West Roxbury. The new amendment will enable Fios TV expansion as the fiber network is built in South Boston, South End, Allston, Brighton, Back Bay, Charlestown, East Boston, Fenway and Downtown.

Verizon today also announced further plans regarding its long-term lease of more than 450,000 square feet for its technology workforce at The Hub on Causeway. Verizon's presence at the Hub on Causeway will include 16 floors of innovatively designed space, of which, five floors will be reserved for incubators, accelerators, and partners.

Mayor Walsh has been committed to bringing more equity and choice to residents throughout Boston, from launching Boston's first-ever Digital Equity Fund, which aims to provide support to community-based organizations that help Boston residents fully connect and participate in today's media and information landscape; to bringing WiFi hotspots to the Boston Public Library's lending program; to Boston's Wicked Free Wi-Fi program; to working to protect Net Neutrality rules that ensure a fair and open internet.

The City of Boston's Broadband and Digital Equity efforts improve access to affordable and reliable high speed Internet for households and businesses, expand the availability of high speed Internet in public places, and facilitate ease of access to up-to-date digital tools. Enabling a more competitive broadband marketplace is at the cornerstone of the City's work to ensure that households and businesses can choose among a range of high quality, affordable high speed Internet options.

Yesterday, Mayor Walsh also announced Boston has appointed its new Chief Information Officer, David J. Elges, who will lead the City's efforts to enhance online service delivery, empower City employees with effective digital tools, use data to focus resources where they are most needed, and improve access to technology and broadband across all Boston neighborhoods. Elges will continue Boston's work with Verizon as the City continues to provide more choices and more access for all of Boston's residents.