Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) Advances in O-RAN Technology with Samsung and Qualcomm

• Verizon collaborates with Samsung and Qualcomm to deploy a multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller, enhancing network efficiency with AI.
• The deployment achieves an average energy savings gain of 15%, with a maximum of 35% during low traffic periods.
• Verizon's commitment to innovation and O-RAN technology is emphasized, alongside a notable stock transaction by an executive.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is a leading telecommunications company headquartered in New York City. It operates globally, serving nearly all of the Fortune 500 companies. Verizon is known for its commitment to innovation, particularly in network technology. Recently, Verizon collaborated with Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm Technologies to deploy a multi-vendor RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) in its commercial network, marking a significant advancement in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology.

The deployment of the RAN Intelligent Controller showcases how Verizon is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and ensure optimal network experiences for its customers. This integration includes Samsung's AI-powered Energy Saving Manager and Qualcomm's Dragonwing RAN Automation Suite, focusing on energy efficiency. The Energy Saving Manager has achieved an average energy savings gain of 15%, with a maximum of 35% per sector during low traffic periods.

Adam Koeppe, Verizon's Senior Vice President of Network Technology, Strategy, and Planning, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation and the adoption of O-RAN. The RAN Intelligent Controller, a software-based component, uses AI and automation to optimize network performance. It allows Verizon to manage intelligent solutions and applications like rApps using open interfaces and standardized protocols, facilitating more flexible and scalable network deployment and management.

In a separate development, Venkatesh Vandana, Executive Vice President of Public Policy and Chief Legal Officer at Verizon, executed a sale transaction involving 2,800 shares of Common Stock on February 25, 2025. The shares were sold at approximately $43.79 each, and Vandana retains ownership of 21,659 shares. The stock for VZ reached a high of $43.42 today, as highlighted by the SEC filing.

Magnus Ojert from Samsung Electronics America and Ofir Zemer from Qualcomm Israel both expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Verizon. This partnership underscores the importance of virtualization in realizing AI benefits and extends the relationship between these industry leaders. Verizon's ongoing innovations and strategic partnerships continue to position the company as a leader in the telecommunications industry.