Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. is a big American company that helps people talk, watch shows, and get online. It is based in New York City and has the most people using its mobile network in the United States — 146.8 million as of March 31, 2026. It is also the world's second-largest company for selling these kinds of services.

The company started in 1983 after a big change in the way phone companies worked. It was called Bell Atlantic and was one of seven new companies that came from splitting up a very old phone company called the Bell System. At first, Bell Atlantic worked in several states along the East Coast.

In 1997, Bell Atlantic grew bigger by joining with another company called NYNEX, moving its main office to New York City. In 2000, it bought another company named GTE and changed its name to Verizon, mixing the words "truth" (veritas) and "horizon." In later years, Verizon bought other companies like AOL and Yahoo, and in 2026, it bought Frontier Communications for $20 billion. Today, Verizon is one of only three companies left that came from those original seven new phone companies.

History

Bell Atlantic and mergers with NYNEX, GTE and Vodafone (1984–2002)

In 1983, the US Department of Justice settled with the original AT&T to break up the Bell System. Bell Atlantic Corporation was created as one of the original "Baby Bell" companies in 1984.

Bell Atlantic merged with NYNEX in 1996, moving its headquarters to New York City. In 2000, Bell Atlantic formed Verizon Wireless with Vodafone, creating a mobile carrier with 23 million customers. Bell Atlantic changed its name to Verizon Communications in 2000 after merging with GTE.

Verizon became the largest local telephone company in the United States, operating many telephone lines and offering mobile, internet, and long-distance services.

Early expansion (2003–2010)

Verizon joined the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 2004. It launched Fios Internet service in 2004 and Fios TV in 2005, offering high-definition channels and video on demand.

Verizon sold some of its wireline businesses and international assets, focusing on mobile, internet, and TV services. It acquired MCI in 2005, expanding its global presence.

Verizon opened its networks to third-party apps and devices in 2007 and participated in the FCC's 2008 spectrum auction. It acquired several companies, including Rural Cellular Corp and Alltel, expanding its customer base.

Expansion of services (2011–present)

Verizon acquired Terremark in 2011 and Hughes Telematics in 2012, expanding into new areas. It faced issues with its E-911 service during a storm in 2012.

Verizon purchased Vodafone's stake in Verizon Wireless in 2013, gaining full ownership. It faced legal challenges over net neutrality rules and settled investigations over billing practices.

Verizon launched Hum in 2015, a service for vehicle diagnostics, and acquired several companies to build its IoT and mapping capabilities. It was accused of not maintaining its copper telephone service in 2016.

Verizon added to its fiber-optic network and 5G capabilities through acquisitions. It reorganized into three divisions—Consumer, Business, and Media—in 2019. Verizon began rolling out its 5G network in 2019.

Verizon announced plans to open a new global center in Ireland in 2024 and partnered to improve cellular access in remote areas. It completed the acquisition of Frontier in January 2026.

Acquisition of AOL and Yahoo

Verizon acquired AOL in 2015 and Yahoo! in 2016, creating the Oath division. Verizon sold its media group, including AOL and Yahoo, to Apollo Global Management in 2021, retaining a 10% stake.

Finances

For the year 2024, Verizon made about US$17.95 billion in profit and had a total income of US$134.788 billion. This was a small increase from the year before. In January 2025, the company's shares were worth more than $45 each, and the total value of the company was over US$163.96 billion. Verizon was ranked 31st in the Fortune 500 list for 2023 and 68th in the Fortune Global 500.

States

Verizon offers many services like internet, phone, and TV in nine states in the eastern part of the United States. Some important places where Verizon works include cities like Baltimore in Maryland, Boston in Massachusetts, New York City in New York, Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Providence in Rhode Island, Richmond in Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Marketing campaigns

Verizon has run many marketing campaigns over the years. One famous campaign was "Can you hear me now?" which started in 2001. In these ads, an actor played a network tester asking people, "Can you hear me now?" This campaign helped Verizon gain many new customers and keep existing ones.

Another campaign was "There's a map for that," launched in 2009. This campaign compared Verizon's network coverage with another company's coverage.

Corporate governance

Executives

As of 2025:

• Dan Schulman, chief executive
• Sowmyanarayan Sampath, head of Verizon consumer
• Kyle Malady, head of Verizon Business

Corporate responsibility

Verizon supports many important causes through its foundation, The Verizon Foundation. The company has helped people in need, like giving mobile phones to victims of domestic violence through its HopeLine program. It also works to help children learn about science, technology, engineering, and math through the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program.

Verizon has also taken steps to help the environment. Between 2019 and 2023, it issued five green bonds for a total of $5 billion to support projects that make electrical grids more friendly to the planet. In 2020, Verizon launched its "Citizen Verizon" plan with goals to improve society and the environment, including a pledge to be completely carbon neutral by 2035. The plan also includes training to help young people learn important digital skills.

Criticism

Some people have raised concerns about how Verizon handles security, net neutrality, advertising, and privacy.

For security, experts have said Verizon’s methods for testing information safety were too simple and missed important details.

Regarding net neutrality, Verizon has supported changes that would let internet companies treat different types of content differently. In 2014, Verizon tried to change these rules but was not successful. In 2017, there were reports that Verizon slowed down some video services, saying it was testing ways to improve video performance.

In 2020, some groups criticized Verizon for saying it had the best 5G network in America before the technology was widely available.

For privacy, Verizon received a low rating and was fined for sharing customers’ location data without permission in 2024.

Sponsorships and venues

Verizon sponsors many big sports teams and events. In 2007, they became the main sponsor for the National Hockey League, helping fans watch games through their app. They have also supported racing events, like the Verizon 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2021.

Verizon works with the National Football League, giving fans the chance to stream every game. They also help the USA Team Handball and plan to start a new professional handball league in the United States. In 2024, Verizon became a sponsor for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, helping fans stay connected during the event.

Some famous venues are named after Verizon, like Verizon Hall in Philadelphia. They have also sponsored many other arenas and amphitheaters across the country.