Verizon Signs $1B-Plus Google Dark-Fiber Deal

Verizon disclosed a contract worth more than $1 billion for Google to use its dark fiber to connect data centers, positioning the deal within its AI Connect initiative. The carrier also plans to convert selected former copper-network central offices into remote data centers intended for lower-latency AI inference. Verizon expects further AI connectivity agreements by the end of 2026, but analysts say the revenue scale, contract duration, margins, and mix of construction versus capacity resale remain unclear.