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Verizon‑Google dark fiber partnership
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2026-07-27 20:53 UTC → 2026-07-28 11:36 UTC ·
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In late July 2026 Verizon disclosed a dark‑fiber contract with Google (Alphabet) worth more than $1 billion to supply high‑capacity, low‑latency links for the tech giant’s AI‑focused data centers across the United States. The agreement, presented by CEO Dan Schulman during the Q2 earnings call, is part of Verizon’s AI Connect programme and will combine existing fiber routes with new builds, converting retired copper lines and central‑office sites into small edge data centres that can support inference‑heavy applications such as autonomous vehicles, robotics and remote surgery. Schulman said the deal is the first of several AI‑related contracts expected to generate multiple billions in revenue before year‑end. Equity research firms quickly lifted their price‑target forecasts for Verizon. forecasts. Royal Bank of Canada raised its target to $47, Morgan Stanley to $50, and JPMorgan to $52, leaving the consensus rating at hold with an average target of about $50.50. Following the upgrades, Verizon shares climbed roughly $0.80 to trade near $47. Executives highlighted $47, with analysts highlighting the dark‑fiber lease as a catalyst for higher margins, stronger cash‑flow growth, and a solid dividend yield of around 6 %, reinforcing %. A week later, additional upgrades amplified the stock’s appeal as both a dividend play upside. TD Cowen lifted its target to $56, Morgan Stanley to $52, and a strategic AI enabler. The partnership reflects Verizon’s broader shift toward an independent connectivity business after exiting Scotiabank to $52.50, pushing the data‑center market in 2017, leveraging its extensive fiber‑optic network consensus 12‑month target to capture $51.56. Verizon’s stock was up about 22 % year‑to‑date, and Morningstar reaffirmed a fair‑value estimate of $54. Analysts now cite not only the Google partnership but also stronger post‑paid phone growth and a new AI infrastructure demand. go‑to‑market strategy as supporting factors for the rally.
Versions
- 2026-07-28 11:36 UTC Verizon‑Google dark fiber partnership
- 2026-07-27 20:53 UTC Verizon‑Google dark fiber partnership
- 2026-07-27 18:41 UTC Verizon‑Google dark fiber partnership
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