Mayor Liccardo announces agreement with Verizon to transform San Jose’s technology infrastructure

Improved 4G LTE network, small cells and smart city applications will support the city’s commitment to innovation and the Mayor’s call for digital inclusion for all residents

NEW YORK and SAN JOSE – San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo today announced the city and Verizon have agreed to terms on a deal to improve the city’s information technology (IT) infrastructure, and support a state-of-the-art, digitally connected community for businesses, residents and visitors. As part of this collaboration, Verizon intends to deploy fiber and install small cells, make significant monetary investments in the city’s Digital Inclusion Fund, and provide several smart city applications, focusing on traffic management. These investments by Verizon also lay the groundwork for the eventual introduction of 5G services. The San Jose city council will review the terms of this agreement at its scheduled June 26th meeting.

“Upgrading San Jose’s broadband infrastructure is key to building a smarter city, advancing our long term economic competitiveness, and connecting residents who lack access to affordable, high-quality internet service,” said Mayor Sam Liccardo. “I’d like to thank Verizon for this large investment towards improving service for our residents and businesses, and for their sizable contribution into our Digital Inclusion Fund. We are excited to work with Verizon to lay the foundation for future technology growth in San Jose and achieve our Smart City Vision.”

Verizon and San Jose will work together to improve the city’s IT infrastructure. This includes deploying fiber and attaching small cells to city-owned light poles. Small cells are compact wireless equipment that extend network coverage and increase network capacity to more users where they need it most. Additionally, Verizon plans to provide the city with three smart city solutions, focused on intersection safety, traffic data, and parking space management. These solutions are designed to provide the city with data to both improve motorist and pedestrian safety, and better manage and monitor parking. Verizon will also fund the provision of Verizon Connect services to the city’s vehicle fleet. Finally, Verizon will invest in the city’s Digital Inclusion Fund. This fund provides money and resources to expand internet access throughout the city and help ensure that all citizens benefit from technology improvements.

“We are continuously improving our 4G LTE network, densifying it to better serve San Jose residents, businesses and visitors. With this relationship, we'll provide smart city solutions that support city leaders’ desire to create a digitally inclusive and connected city that benefits all residents and businesses,” said Lauren Love-Wright, Vice President Network Engineering, Verizon. “We're delighted to work closely with Mayor Liccardo and the city council to make San Jose a model for the digitally connected city of the future.”