What benefits do Verizon’s partners gain from leveraging the company’s AI Connect infrastructure in the US?
Verizon AI Connect is a strategy and suite of services designed to manage AI resource-intensive workloads at scale. With the Verizon network’s low latency, high bandwidth and robust intelligent edge capabilities, customers taking the service are uniquely positioned to enable real-time AI workloads.
For clients with complex operations, AI Connect provides a consistent high-speed network foundation, leveraging assets in the US for everything from data-centre interconnectivity to powering advanced AI and machine-learning models.
Within Verizon Partner Solutions [VPS], we have made huge strides with our AI Connect strategy. In particular, these relate to how we align early in the process with our partners to evaluate and form design and technology strategies, whilst building flexible and competitive commercial models. We also ensure a fully engaged pre- and postsales operational experience when it comes to delivery and assurance.
How would you articulate the value of VPS’s Intelligent Edge Network [iEN] to a potential international partner looking to expand into the US?
The enablement of the iEN is a solution for the ‘last mile’ for international partners. When players enter the US, they need a partner with a deep, extensive network.
The VPS team has launched Switched E-Line services in four markets in the country – Denver, Dallas, Houston and Miami – and expects the number to expand in the coming months. In addition, we offer fixed-wireless access to many locations across the US. By bringing the network closer to the edge, we reduce latency – a crucial factor for real-time applications.
How do you see the future of IoT for the industry and VPS’s customers?
I believe the future of IoT is in horizontal, cross-industry applications. It’s no longer just about smart homes or connected cars, but creating robust, secure and scalable solutions that can be adapted for multiple sectors.
From a sales perspective, this means having a laser focus on our global partner ecosystem to enable infrastructure and managed solutions for the multinational clients they serve. We can’t just provide connectivity; we have to deliver holistic solutions that include hardware, software and data orchestration.
In what ways does feedback from partners influence VPS’s strategy?
Customers remain at the centre of all that we do, while we host multiple events throughout the year to hear their insights. As they provide feedback on interoperability, product requirements, network availability and coverage, we work internally with cross-functional teams to prioritise and build the capabilities they need.
At VPS, our commitment therefore extends beyond technology, with a dedication to building lasting partnerships and mutual success. In line with this, we constantly strive to improve our offerings and deliver exceptional experiences.
What are the biggest opportunities you foresee for wholesale providers in the next five years?
I’d say it is an exciting time to be in the industry. The biggest opportunity for wholesale telecoms providers currently lies in delivering the connectivity ecosystem for AI-driven traffic, as well as leveraging the rapid integration of 5G along with the ability to connect a vast number of devices.
Such trends open up new markets for services like IoT, edge computing and high-speed mobile broadband, especially in emerging markets – with rapid digitisation offering significant growth opportunities.
How do you think VPS’s focus on building the ‘workforce of the future’ will impact its relationships?
A company that invests in upskilling its employees is more agile and innovative. For partners, this builds trust that they’re working with a knowledgeable, adaptable, forward-thinking team that can support evolving needs, especially in fast-paced tech sectors like IoT and AI.
A strong internal culture is therefore a key part of our value proposition at VPS, where we champion activities that benefit skills development and incorporate customer feedback. Customers tell us that they like the positive interactions they have with our team members, creating a win-win and improving their experience – which is, of course, what we ultimately want to do.
