Verizon scores $1 billion Google deal to connect its data centers to dark fiber - but is this only the beginning?

https://www.techradar.com/author/christian-cawley· Jul 30, 2026 · 12:05 AM UTC ·9 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 1 view

#telecom #ai #infrastructure #fiber #business

Verizon scores $1 billion Google deal to connect its data centers to dark fiber - but is this only the beginning?

TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Verizon has signed a $1 billion agreement with Google to use its dark fiber network for connecting AI data centers across the United States. The deal is presented as the first step in Verizon’s AI Connect initiative, which aims to replace legacy copper infrastructure with fiber to meet growing AI demand. Verizon’s recent acquisition of Frontier Communications expands its fiber footprint, positioning the company for further AI‑related connectivity contracts.

Key facts

▪Verizon and Google entered a $1 billion dark‑fiber connectivity deal to support AI data centers.
▪The agreement is part of Verizon’s AI Connect program that seeks to replace copper lines with fiber for AI workloads.
▪Verizon’s recent $20 billion purchase of Frontier Communications increased its fiber coverage to 31 states.
▪The company expects additional AI‑related connectivity deals to emerge over the next decade.
▪Verizon is also testing AI‑driven services such as autonomous robotaxi fleets, indicating broader interest in AI applications.

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Canonical URL	https://www.techradar.com/pro/verizon-scores-usd1-billion-google-deal-to-connect-its-data-centers-to-dark-fiber-but-is-this-only-the-beginning
Publication time	Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:05:00 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-07-30T00:08:16.814Z
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Pro Verizon scores $1 billion Google deal to connect its data centers to dark fiber - but is this only the beginning? News By Christian Cawley Published 30 July 2026 Verizon wants to connect AI infrastructure When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Getty Images) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Verizon signs $1 billion dark fiber data center connectivity deal with GoogleThe telecoms company plans to use its fiber assets to connect AI data centers across the USFiber network growth is replacing copper lines and activating previously unused dark…

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