American telecommunications company Verizon has announced the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to protect its fiber infrastructure and prevent damage. Recognising the significant impact that accidental cuts to fiber can have on network performance, Verizon says it is proactively using AI and ML to analyse over 10 million 811 dig requests annually to identify high-risk excavations.
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Proactive Measures for Network Safety
According to Verizon, this is achieved by "factoring in historical and current activity at the location, as well as the past performance of the excavator on site," allowing it to take preventive measures such as additional communication with the excavator to reduce the likelihood of impacting underground fiber.
Verizon's Proprietary Technology
Verizon claims that its proprietary technology, integrated with its 811 system, has the potential to prevent up to several hundred fiber cuts each year.
"We are using artificial intelligence and machine learning to be proactive, rather than reactive, keeping our customers connected and preventing accidents that result in costly repairs," said Verizon.
"It's also vital that anyone planning 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."
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Calling 811 Before Digging
This announcement comes ahead of the nationwide Call Before You Dig Day in the US on August 11. Verizon also urged anyone to call 811 before any digging project to prevent unintentional damage to utility lines. Across the US, Verizon owns and operates over 1 million miles of fiber, and cutting those cables when digging can result in customers losing service and data connections being disrupted, the company explained.
