- Verizon is using AI and machine learning to prevent accidental damage to its fiber network.
- By calling 811 to report in advance, people can significantly reduce optical fiber damage events.
OUR TAKE
This is a great initiative by Verizon to use technology to prevent accidents and damage to their fibre infrastructure. It will not only reduce the number of fibre cuts but also save time and money in repairs. This program can have a significant impact on reducing connectivity problems caused by accidental digging and excavations. It’s essential for everyone to call 811 before any digging project to avoid damaging underground utilities.
–Lily Yang, BTW reporter
What happened
Verizon has introduced a new program to protect its fiber network from unintentional damage during construction and digging activities by homeowners and third parties.
The telecom giant is the first in the industry to use exclusive technology to spot high-risk mining requests and take steps to prevent and curtail fiber damage before it occurs. Every year, people digging near web sites accidentally cut fiber lines, causing connectivity problems that last for days.
Currently, an underground pipeline is breached every 6 minutes, and individuals must call 811 and submit a formal excavation request.However, the company is now using AI and machine learning to better manage those 811 requests. By analyzing more than 10 million requests per year, the system can identify high-risk excavation sites based on historical data, current activity locations, and past performance of the excavators involved.
As a result, the company claims this move has the potential to reduce fiber-cutting by hundreds of times a year.
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Why it’s important
The importance of this news lies in Verizon’s proactive approach towards protecting its fiber network from unintentional damage. By using artificial intelligence and machine learning, the company is able to identify and prevent potential risks before they become actual problems.
This not only curtails disruption to customers but also reduces repair costs and downtime for the network. The initiative is a significant step forward for the industry and sets a precedent for other telecommunications companies to follow. Additionally, it highlights the importance of calling 811 before any digging project to avoid damaging underground utilities.
Overall, Verizon’s new program demonstrates the power of technology in improving infrastructure protection and enhancing customer experience.
