Playing To Win: Pennsylvania's Broadband, AI and Emerging Technology Future

Pennsylvania is increasingly seen as a potential hub for AI-driven data infrastructure. What makes the Commonwealth well-positioned for AI data centers, and how does Verizon support that growth?

The ability to promote Pennsylvania as a state that is open to business and especially advanced technologies like AI, begins with robust infrastructure assets and a roadmap for expanding infrastructure across the state. Verizon is already investing and deploying considerable resources to expand broadband access throughout the Commonwealth by providing new fiber-based or wireless connections to areas that currently lack broadband, communities limited by outdated technology, or cities that require enhancements due to the rapid evolution of broadband technology. Consider the positive outcomes that advancements and efficiencies brought about as residents and businesses moved from old copper-based DSL technology to newer fiber-based Fios technology. Or even how consumers use mobile devices with the transition from 3G and 4G to 5G in the wireless space. Broadband access and deployment are increasingly important to our everyday lives throughout the state.

Today's technology-charged economy that fuels AI, data centers and emerging technology of the future is supported by broadband infrastructure, and it is critical for Pennsylvania-based companies and supply chains to collaborate, invest and expand broadband connections throughout the state. Telecommunications networks are undergoing a rapid transformation - they are no longer conduits for data - these are dynamic networks actively supporting the rise of generative, agentic and physical AI. At Verizon, we are leading a multi-year network transformation to meet tomorrow's work demands and stay a step ahead of our residential and commercial customers' needs. From a competitiveness perspective, other states are also in the race to expand their broadband coverage statewide, so the time is now to expand broadband access as quickly as possible so that the Commonwealth can attract businesses to relocate to Pennsylvania and remain a leader in the data-technology economy.

As AI becomes embedded in healthcare, education, and workforce development, how critical is broadband access to ensuring these tools reach all Pennsylvanians—and what is Verizon doing to close remaining connectivity gaps?

Broadband access and connectivity are essential for any thriving industry, community or economy. Broadband serves as the connective tissue for all aspects of our daily lives, from healthcare (remote monitoring and virtual consultations) to education (immersive learning, digital classrooms, and collaborative engagements between teachers and students) to workforce development (reskilling and upskilling of the workforce).

We recently acquired the assets of Frontier Communications and by integrating those assets, we are creating a new set of gold standards for the industry. The foundation of today's digital world is built on fiber broadband connections, the essential backbone for everything we do, supporting the future of work and education to real-time applications like AI and industrial IoT. So with these new assets, Verizon is strategically expanding broadband, driving operational excellence and delighting our customers.

With respect to enhancing and promoting broadband connections, Verizon in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, are establishing broadband connections to all 183 city-owned recreation centers throughout the city. Think about the scale of connecting that many centers within a two-year timeframe to drive broadband access. With active collaboration from the Mayor's office, city council, city agencies and community partners, we can now bring broadband connections closer to all city residents who may lack a broadband connection at home. These broadband-connected centers can now support digital learning for seniors, physician consultations for patients who do not have reliable means for transportation, for an entrepreneur to start up their online small business or even students to utilize online STEM programs after school. Consider the possibilities for online music instruction or collaboration between musicians and young aspiring artists or even watch parties for the World Cup. This initiative will be completed in 2026, the Year of Broadband Expansion, so we are excited about the community benefits throughout Philadelphia once all connections are established.

As we lean into AI, while acknowledging changes in the economic, technology and workforce environments, there should be an emphasis on digital training (reskilling and upskilling) to transition toward opportunities and instilling new skill sets to embrace the AI world. It is essential for the private and public sectors to have access to the right tools to prepare Pennsylvania's workforce for future technology jobs that will impact communities throughout the Commonwealth.

Understanding the numerous benefits that broadband expansion can bring to Pennsylvanians in 2026, are there any legislative or policy initiatives under consideration to modernize existing broadband infrastructure? How is Verizon addressing these challenges as broadband infrastructure expands in Pennsylvania, and what role can policymakers play in supporting broadband growth throughout the state?

Verizon received the highest level of Capital Project Funds among all broadband providers statewide in 2024 and was then awarded a significant amount of BEAD funding last year. These resources can be leveraged to support robust, timely broadband expansion initiatives statewide, with the passage of SB 491, a broadband modernization bill under consideration. The proposed bill encourages broadband service providers to accelerate investments in new and emerging broadband technologies like fiber, 5G UWB and AI while shifting resources away from costly, capital-intensive and slower-speed broadband technology like copper wire.

In addition, broadband modernization promotes job creation and will require sustained investments in Pennsylvania-based skilled labor forces and supply chains. So this pro-investment, pro-job-creation bill should be embraced by both parties seeking to enhance the digital lives of their local constituents who want connections to global economies and better personal outcomes. There are a number of communities and commercial businesses from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, from Scranton to York and everywhere in between throughout the Commonwealth that would embrace the opportunity to support Pennsylvania’s broadband, emerging technology and AI future.