Verizon has inked an agreement with the NBA to build out a fiber-based video distribution network that connects all of the NBA's 29 arenas.
Each arena will be connected with two diversely routed 100G fiber circuits, which will improve network redundancies while boosting bandwidth tenfold. The NBA will use the improved network capabilities to offer 1080p resolution broadcasts and support up to 30 new cameras that are currently being installed in the arenas.
The NBA fiber network will be managed by Verizon's Wavelength Services, and each arena will connected to network hubs in Newark, New Jersey and Atlanta. A dedicated virtual network operation center (NOC) in Dulles, Virginia will be operated by Verizon Media during games to monitor video traffic quality and data across the network in real time. The new video distribution network and fiber connectivity will go live in the second half of next year.
Earlier this year, AT&T became the official wireless sponsor of the NBA instead of Verizon, but Verizon is continuing as an NBA sponsor.
Last month, Verizon announced it was rapidly expanding its multipurpose fiber network in order to generate new revenue opportunities for large enterprises, small businesses, public sector and the wholesale businesses. On that note, Verizon said it had ramped up its fiber installations to a run rate of more than 1,000 route miles per month, which it said put Verizon at the top of all major U.S. fiber miles.
RELATED: AT&T's Donovan says telco will take a more incremental approach to fiber builds
By contrast, AT&T Communications CEO John Donovan said earlier this month at an investor conference that his company's fiber build-outs would take a more incremental approach starting next month.
As part of its 2015 merger with DirecTV, the Federal Communications Commission required that AT&T expand its deployment of its high-speed, fiber-optic broadband internet service to 12.5 million customer locations, as well as to E-rate eligible schools and libraries, by July of this year.