#43 – Verizon: Enabling Human Potential

“To give people the ability to do more.”

This is the purpose statement by Verizon, the global telecommunications company headquartered in New York City.

Founded in 2000 as a merger between Bell Atlantic and GTE, Verizon Communications quickly became a cornerstone of the American telecom landscape.

Today, it stands as the second-largest telecommunications company in the world by revenue after China Mobile, and the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving over 114.8 million subscribers as of March 31, 2024.

But Verizon is not only about coverage, speed, or market size.

Its purpose — to give people the ability to do more — is the guiding principle behind how the company builds infrastructure, deploys technology, and enables progress for individuals, businesses, and institutions.

This philosophy is evident in strategic moves like the rollout of 5G Ultra Wideband, expanding digital inclusion programs like Verizon Innovative Learning, and investing in emergency response and network resilience during crises.

It’s not simply about connecting people — it’s about empowering them to act, create, and move forward.

In 2023 alone, Verizon invested over $23 billion in capital expenditures to expand and modernize its network, while its total operating revenue exceeded $134 billion, reinforcing how purpose and performance can scale together.