Verizon has signed an agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to build long-distance, high-capacity fibre optic pathways to connect AWS data centres.

The new fibre optic pathways aim to support AWS in delivering and scaling cloud services for customers building and deploying advanced AI applications at scale.

Verizon said the network expansion will enable the AI ecosystem to “intelligently manage” the exponential growth in data generated by generative AI.

Scott Lawrence, senior vice president and chief product officer at Verizon, said that AI will be essential to the future of businesses and society, driving innovation that requires an adequate network.

“This deal with Amazon demonstrates our continued commitment to meet the growing demands of AI workloads for the businesses and developers building our future,” he added.

Prasad Kalyanaraman, vice president of AWS Infrastructure Services, emphasised that future innovation will be driven by generative AI, which requires a combination of secure, scalable cloud infrastructure and networking.

"By working with Verizon, AWS will enable high-performance network connections that ensure customers across every industry can build and deliver compelling, secure, and reliable AI applications at scale,” he added.

The agreement strengthens the strategic relationship between the two companies, which have collaborated on several key projects in the past. In May 2018, Verizon selected AWS as its preferred provider of public cloud services, migrating more than 1,000 business-critical applications and backend database systems.

In June, Verizon was awarded a contract to deploy its private 5G networks at several key logistics, manufacturing and innovation sites within Thames Freeport.

Thames Freeport is a major regeneration project along the River Thames, encompassing the Thames Estuary in the UK.

Launched in 2021 by DP World, Forth Ports, and Ford Motor Company, the initiative forms part of the UK’s post-Brexit strategy to boost trade, innovation, and regional development.

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