Verizon Deploys AI to Safeguard Fiber Cables From Accidental Damage

Verizon is turning to AI and machine learning to prevent accidental damage to its fiber infrastructure.

The telco’s proprietary AI system is designed to identify potentially high-risk requests to dig near where it has cabling placed to prevent damage.

Verizon owns and operates more than 1 million miles of fiber but every year thousands of its lines are damaged by construction teams or homeowners digging into the ground and accidentally cutting the lines.

Damage to cabling can cause connectivity issues and blackouts for customers that can last for days.

Last month, Baltimore residents couldn’t use their landline phones after damage to third-party cables impacted local services.

Verizon’s AI system was trained to sift through tens of millions of dig requests. By correlating historical data such as past excavator performances with current local information, the AI can anticipate potential issues at dig sites.

The telco can then use that information to communicate with the diggers to ensure they plan to avoid damage to underground fiber cables.

The technology has been integrated with Verizon’s 811 system to provide information on the location of buried utilities and cabling. This enables diggers to mark sites, preventing unintentional damage.

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Verizon says it has been working on the AI solution for several years as part of its wider AI strategy to use the technology to optimize operations and enhance products and customer experiences.

“We are using AI and machine learning to be proactive, rather than reactive, keeping our customers connected and preventing accidents that result in costly repairs,” said Julie Slattery, Verizon’s senior vice president of core engineering and operations. 

“It’s also vital that anyone who plans to dig call 811, the national call-before-you-dig phone number before any project, large or small. It’s the easiest step toward reducing the chance of damaging underground fiber and helping to keep our customers and first responders connected.”