Verizon network investment on its way to 22 Upstate communities

Verizon has secured agreements from 22 communities in New York that will allow the company to invest heavily in its 4G LTE network and build out its next-generation wireless networks. The cities of Auburn, Binghamton, Corning, Poughkeepsie, Schenectady, Syracuse, White Plains and Yonkers, the towns of Camillus, Cicero, Gates, Irondequoit, Manlius, Niskayuna, Sweden, the villages of Arcade, Minoa, Naples Phoenix, Port Dickinson, and Webster, and the County of Erie, have all approved agreements with Verizon to allow the company to begin deployment of new infrastructure necessary to support increasing capacity for 4G LTE and building out next-generation wireless technology – all at no cost to taxpayers.

In today’s world, fast and reliable wireless service has become a crucial part of everyday life—for businesses and consumers alike. As mobile technology has become more widely available and affordable, consumers are using their smart devices more than ever before. Email, video-chatting, posting to social networks, streaming music at home or on-the-go, and managing business operations on smart devices from almost anywhere are all part of today’s mobile society. Ongoing development of new technologies that are dependent on mobile broadband such as smart city applications, public safety interoperability, telemedicine and in education are part of the rapid and ever-expanding evolution of services to the public.

Accenture has found that 5G and small cell deployments will provide tremendous economic benefits. Specifically, Accenture estimates that wireless operators will invest as much as $275 billion nationwide over seven years creating up to three million jobs and adding approximately $500 billion to the U.S. GDP through direct and indirect potential benefits. In New York, 5G deployment in a city like New York City may create over 78,000 jobs and increase GDP by over $12.7 billion, and a community like Syracuse may create over 1,300 jobs and increase GDP by over $200 million.

Mayor Ben Walsh has pointed to 5G as a critical piece of the Syracuse Surge -- a strategy for inclusive growth in the New Economy. The 5G network will make Syracuse a more attractive place for businesses and tech start-ups. “We are actively working with Verizon to prepare our City to be competitive in the new economy,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “We’re proud to be considered New York State’s Flagship Smart City. Working within the guidelines established by the FCC, we’ve worked with Verizon to develop a model for successful agreements and installations in Syracuse.”​

Mayor Gary McCarthy’s Smart City initiative has the city of Schenectady positioned as a potential global leader in municipal sustainability and innovation. “New small cells and fiber are key to the continued improvement of 4G networks and represent the groundwork needed for planning 5G deployments” said McCarthy. “We look forward to continuing to work with Verizon as they enhance their wireless network in our city as we build a smarter, safer and more sustainable Schenectady for the 21st century”.

In partnering with Verizon, the Town of Irondequoit has spearheaded investment in telecommunications infrastructure that ensures good jobs and state-of-the-art technology that will allow the Town to be competitive in the new gig economy. “Irondequoit is proud that it will lead the way as one of the first communities in Upstate New York to help drive economic and consumer benefits,” said Irondequoit Supervisor David Seeley.

Another great example of a collaborative partner is the town of Greece, who recognized the need to ready the town for next-generation networks and worked with Verizon to update the town’s existing permitting policies for all carriers to attract new investments for consumers and first responders.

“Verizon has been a strong partner to our town,” said Greece Town Supervisor Bill Reilich. “I’m pleased to see Verizon expanding their wireless network in Greece, and look forward to their continued investment in our town.”

In securing MLAs and cooperation from these communities, Verizon has signaled its intention to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into these localities to bring its next-generation wireless service into the market. The company is continuing to develop its plans and hopes to have discussions with other municipalities in the region, pending available build schedules.

”We’re excited that these New York communities have seen the benefits that a robust wireless network can bring to their residents and first-responders,“ said Anthony Lewis, Verizon vice president for the New York region. ”Our investment in local infrastructure ensures good jobs and state-of-the-art wireless technology. These communities have recognized the economic and consumer benefits of wireless investment and competition”.

Verizon continues to invest in the state’s infrastructure by building, maintaining and enhancing its wireless and wireless networks across New York.

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“How 5G Can Help Municipalities Become Vibrant Smart Cities,” Accenture Strategy, Jan 12, 2017, https://newsroom.accenture.com/content/1101/files/Accenture_5G-Municipalities-Become-Smart-Cities.pdf, last accessed 1/29/2020.