Wedoany.com Report on Feb 6th, During a panel discussion at PTC in Hawaii, Verizon and its industry partners explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping network and data center architecture. The US telecommunications operator detailed its strategic plan to support enterprise AI inference workloads through its dense fiber network and private 5G technology.
Jeffrey Hulse, President of Network and Partner Solutions at Verizon Business Wholesale, stated, "Current AI infrastructure construction is based on actual demand, not blind expansion. We have a clear customer base that requires specific capacity." He specifically mentioned the company's One Fiber project, which aims to build a converged network to support both wireless and wireline services.
The initiative began in Boston in 2016, with the initial goal of updating legacy systems and expanding fiber coverage in cities. It has now evolved into an annual investment plan for fiber densification deployment in 69 major US cities. Hulse noted, "We have laid up to 1,600 fiber strands on key routes, far exceeding the previous 12. Currently, 51% of sites are connected to our self-managed Network Operations Center."
Verizon emphasized that the development of enterprise AI inference relies not only on core data centers but also on edge computing capabilities close to where data is generated. By combining private 5G networks with IoT sensors, enterprises can process AI workloads locally and rapidly. This coordinated deployment of urban fiber and private 5G provides the necessary low-latency and high-bandwidth environment for enterprise AI inference.
Hulse further explained, "By connecting via private wireless networks and utilizing bandwidth for inference computing, we are optimistic about future development. From a network construction perspective, we are satisfied with our current layout." As AI, IoT, and edge computing converge, enterprise applications are gradually moving from concept to practical deployment.
During the PTC discussion, participating companies also included institutions such as Equinix, DataBank, Oracle, and AlixPartners. The parties exchanged views on the impact of AI demands on network architecture and long-term investment strategies. Industry observations indicate that enterprise AI inference is becoming a significant driver for upgrading communication infrastructure, and the deployment of urban fiber and private 5G will provide crucial support for this trend.
