Verizon's recent action may significantly alter the landscape of fiber internet.

According to Sowmyanarayan Sampath, Executive Vice President for Verizon and CEO for Verizon Consumer, in October 2025, their strategy is focused on dominating the premium mobility and broadband convergence market, with fiber being essential to that goal. Sampath stated that this agreement enables them to quickly enter new markets, accelerate deployment, and maintain the flexibility needed to pursue growth opportunities nationwide.

Under the terms, Eaton will handle network funding, construction, maintenance, and installation, while Verizon will manage sales, marketing, and customer support. Verizon will also be the exclusive broadband provider in these new areas during the initial rollout and for a specific period afterward.

This partnership aims to allow Verizon to expand its Fios footprint rapidly and connect more homes to its high-speed broadband service.

This action aligns Verizon with its competitors, as AT&T expands through Gigapower, and T-Mobile collaborates with Tillman and open-access fiber operators such as Intrepid. The Eaton deal may be one of multiple wholesale partnerships Verizon is considering.

As the telecom sector recovers, carriers are expanding beyond mobile services to include home internet, streaming bundles, gaming benefits, and smart home integrations, seeking new growth avenues and customer retention strategies.

Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are evolving into tech ecosystems, not just mobile carriers, and partnerships like this are integral to that transformation.

Earlier in October, Verizon announced plans to acquire Starry, a next-generation fixed wireless broadband technology company, demonstrating a commitment to expanding beyond mobile networks.

Verizon plans to double its fixed wireless subscribers to 8–9 million by 2028 and aims to make its broadband service accessible to 90 million households by that time, signaling continued expansion.