Staying prepared: Hurricane Helene

As Hurricane Helene approaches, our V Team is ready to keep communities, businesses and first responders connected during the storm. We prepare year-round for events like this, through ongoing drills, infrastructure strengthening and rapid response mobilization. Here’s what we’re bringing to the table to provide relief and connectivity during and following the storm:

• 550 portable network assets
• 300 satellite-based units
• 1,000 mobile generators

And, our Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team, which includes many former first responders and military personnel, is also on standby to support public safety agencies.

We caught up with Jhonathan Montenegro, Associate Director of Network Engineering in Florida, and Matthew Tuck, Senior Director of Network Operations in Georgia, to hear the latest on our network preparations.

Want to lend a hand?…

Support the VtoV Employee Relief Fund.

Now’s the perfect time to back our VtoV Employee Relief Fund—where every donation directly supports V Teamers impacted by natural disasters. Powered by employee contributions and the Verizon Foundation’s matching program, this fund provides grants for essentials like food, shelter and clothing to those displaced from their homes as a result of floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes or domestic violence. There are several ways for you to donate. Check them out below:

• Payroll deduction: Set up a small, recurring donation from each paycheck.
• Credit card: Make a one-time or recurring donation.
• Matching gifts: Double your impact with Verizon’s matching gift program.
• Verizon gear: Purchase Verizon merchandise, with proceeds going to VtoV.
• Gift card balance: Donate any remaining gift card balances.

Want even more reasons to join? Take a look at how the VtoV Fund has helped V Teamers Jasmine Brown, Barrenthia Journet, and Byron Washington during their times of need.

Resources to be prepared and provide assistance

Spring Health offers support and resources to help V Teamers in the path of the storm prepare and navigate the challenges that may arise. Check out these Disaster Resources: Florida Hurricane Resource Guide, Southeast Regional Resources and Gulf Coast Rapid Response Resources. Taking advantage of these resources and services can be a crucial step in ensuring your safety and peace of mind. Now is a great time to activate your membership with Spring Health, if you haven’t done so already. Visit verizon.springhealth.com or reach out to 1-888-441-8674 (select option 2 for 24/7 crisis support.)

ICYMI:Big news reminders!

FIFA World Cup Partnership

Verizon is now the Official Telecommunications Services Sponsor for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Official Tournament Supporter for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027!

We’re all in to keep fans, players and visitors connected across stadiums, communities and cities. Stay tuned to Up To Speed for more updates, ticket giveaways and exclusive perks.

For more information, check out all of the details here.

The EDISON Alliance crushes its 1 Billion Lives goal.

The EDISON Alliance, co-founded by Verizon and the World Economic Forum in 2021, just smashed its 1 Billion Lives Challenge goal — a year ahead of schedule! That’s right, by delivering digital services in education, healthcare and finance, we’ve improved a billion lives worldwide.

A huge shoutout to Verizon Innovative Learning for playing a major role, bringing technology, connectivity and education programs to nearly 8 million U.S. students since 2012. This milestone is proof of our commitment to building a brighter, more connected future.

Wrapping up Climate Week with action

We’re closing out Climate Week by doubling-down on our commitment to sustainability, with initiatives like tree planting in NYC. Let’s keep up the momentum and push for a greener future.

Tell us what you think of Up To Speed.

V Team, go to Inside Verizon Intranet to join the conversation

Today, on an exciting edition of Up To Speed, your host Raquel Wilson has some BIG announcements to share!

 

Futbol fans, a partnership announcement just for you! [00:15]

In an announcement that has UTS co-host Jen Marin over la luna, she shared that Verizon was named Telecommunication Services Sponsor for FIFA World Cup 26 and Tournament Supporter for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027! This is our first-ever agreement with FIFA and it will power experiences for fans and customers leading up to, during, and after FIFA World Cup 26, while also ensuring our state-of-the-art connectivity across stadiums.

For all the details, check out the press release, and for more FIFA fun, be sure to press play [00:15]!

 

News that would leave our original founders stunned … and proud. [02:22]

Batting a billion: If you haven’t yet seen this morning’s email from Hans, it marked some amazing news. More than a year ahead of schedule, the EDISON Alliance achieved the goal of their 1 Billion Lives Challenge – a commitment to deliver digital services in education, healthcare and finance to help improve a billion lives.

About the EDISON Alliance: The Alliance was co-founded by Verizon and the World Economic Forum in 2021 to unite the public and private sectors in tackling the worldwide challenge of digital inclusion.

An Innovative contributor: Our own Verizon Innovative Learning has helped nearly 8 million students around the U.S. since 2012, and was a major contributor to the 1 Billion Lives Challenge.

Watch the replay: Hans and other EDISON Alliance members announced the news externally via a live webcast this morning. View the replay here

A note to history buffs: Yes, Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell were well-known rivals of their time; however, it was actually technology that Edison invented that helped enhance and improve the telephone. So we can’t help but think Mr. Edison would be proud to lend his name to such an important endeavor.

 

Our product gave this mom a sigh of relief and should have parents everywhere checking their kids’ wrists. [03:12]

There was a time, very recently, when a kindergartner falling asleep on the school bus would have resulted in panic, confusion, resources dispatched and a city-wide search. But when this recently happened to five-year-old Tiffany and her mom Tia Ellis, it was a very different outcome thanks to the Gizmo Watch!

Get more details on the Gizmo Watch.

Be sure to watch Tia tell the story in her own words by pressing play [03:40].

 

Shouting out to folks across Verizon — you rock! [04:08]

Raquel is shouting out to folks who done some great things, be sure to watch the replay and see the details, especially if you are:

These kudos are all for you!

 

Reminder: vote for your favorite by TOMORROW, Wednesday, September 25 at 5 PM ET. [05:09]

There’s only one day left to vote for a new name for our company-wide award. If you didn’t get a chance to vote yet, head over and choose from one of the following options:

• The Power of V Award
• The Verizon Impact Award
• The Verizon Visionary Award

Click here to cast your vote.

 

Click here for a transcript of the webcast.

Tell us what you think of Up To Speed.

V Team, go to Inside Verizon Intranet to join the conversation