We have staked our future on the power of broadband networks, and we’re investing more than $17 billion a year to make Verizon the leader in global connectivity.
We believe these networks will be a powerful engine of growth and innovation, not just for our company, but for the whole economy as broadband becomes embedded ever more deeply in the lives of our customers and the business processes of global enterprises.
We are beginning to see how digital media can transform education and empower those with disabilities, and how the power of broadband can be tapped to save energy and the environment and how interactive technologies can revolutionize health care.
Policies to stimulate the deployment of broadband in underserved areas of the U.S. could have dramatic and far-reaching economic effect. According to a 2008 study by Connected Nation, a 7 percent increase in broadband adoption could result in:
In 2008, Verizon launched its Open Development program to invigorate and benefit from the coming explosion of smart devices and machine-to-machine communications.
The concept is straightforward: the program provides a way for device manufacturers and developers to offer their projects and services on the Verizon Wireless network.
We now have dozens of devices certified for use and lots more in the pipeline.
For LTE, which stands for Long-Term Evolution, our fourth-generation wireless technology, we are building on the Open Development program example by creating the LTE Innovation Center. The center, to be based in Waltham, Mass., will serve as the catalyst for development of devices, products or applications for LTE networks.
The idea is to help Verizon Wireless technology partners quickly develop and bring to market new and innovative LTE-based solutions within the consumer electronics, machine-to-machine, and business products segments.
Launch a "big button" TV remote for easier usage.
In 2008, Verizon purchased nearly $3.5 billion in goods and services from companies owned and managed by minorities, women, people with disabilities and veterans — a 12% increase from 2007.
A recent GeSI study finds that the widespread use of broadband services could cut annual CO2 emissions in the U.S. by 13-22% from business-as-usual projections for 2020. This translates to gross energy and fuel savings of $140-$240 billion. An updated 2008 summary is available.