BASKING RIDGE, N.J., March 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As more and more customers move to working and studying from home, data usage habits are changing, according to the latest Verizon network report.

The latest week-over-week numbers during peak hour usage showed many people are turning to gaming as a way to pass the time, with the technology leader seeing a 75% increase over its networks. Video streaming increased by more than 12% and overall web traffic by just under 20%.

Surprisingly, social media remained flat.

Verizon’s fiber optic and wireless networks have been able to meet the shifting demands of customers and continue to perform well.  In small pockets where there has been a significant increase in usage, our engineers have quickly added capacity to meet customers’ demand.

Here’s a snapshot of usage, week over week:

• Gaming, up 75%
• VPN, up 34%
• Web traffic up close to 20%
• Video, up more than 12%
• Social media usage: 0%, flat

*Based on peak data hour usage week over week.
*Usage is expected to fluctuate over time; we could see new applications emerge based on customer usage patterns as more people telecommute and more students are at home.

“As we see more and more individuals work from home and students engage in online learning, it is a natural byproduct that we would see an increase in web traffic and access to VPN.  And as more entertainment options are cancelled in communities across the US, an increase in video traffic and online gaming is not surprising,” said Kyle Malady, Chief Technology Officer for Verizon.  “We expect these peak hour percentages to fluctuate, so our engineers are continuing to closely monitor network usage patterns 24x7 and stand ready to adjust resources as changing demands arise.”

“We’re in an unprecedented situation,” said Malady. “We continually evaluate peak data usage times and build our networks to stay ahead of that demand.  “While it is not clear yet how having millions of additional people working from home will impact usage patterns, we remain ready to address changes in demand, if needed.”

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $131.9 billion in 2019.  The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

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Media contact: 
Howard Waterman
917-359-5505
howard.waterman@verizon.com

Karen Schulz
864-561-1527
karen.schulz@verizonwireless.com