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Verizon Communications has undergone major transformations since it was formed as Bell Atlantic in the 1984 AT&T breakup.
This detailed timeline outlines key events in Verizon's history, split into three eras: Early History before 2000, a period of Growth & Expansion from 2000-2010, and Recent History from 2011 to today.
Bell Atlantic formed as one of seven "Baby Bell" regional phone companies after the breakup of AT&T's monopoly per a 1982 DOJ settlement.
Consisted of assets in NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, WV previously under AT&T's Bell System.
Became an independent public company trading on NYSE.
Bell Atlantic begins operations focusing on local and regional phone service, business networks.
Replaces AT&T as the main telecom provider in its eastern US footprint.
Bell Atlantic decides to expand into new major markets.
Agrees to merge with NYNEX, another Baby Bell with service in NYC, New England.
$25 billion deal closed in mid-1996.
Merger integration completed between Bell Atlantic and NYNEX assets.
Combined company officially renamed Verizon Communications.
Positions Verizon for future growth beyond its original Baby Bell region.
Bell Atlantic merged with GTE in one of the largest telecom deals ever at the time, valued at $52 billion.
The combined company was rebranded as Verizon Communications.
This gave Verizon enhanced national reach beyond just the eastern US.
Verizon formed a wireless joint venture with Vodafone called Verizon Wireless.
The deal combined assets to create a national cellular network.
Verizon launched a 3G wireless data network, increasing speeds and capabilities.
They also started bundling phone, internet, and TV services.
Verizon acquired MCI, a long-distance and business services provider.
Expanded their enterprise offerings.
Verizon began rolling out its FiOS fiber-to-the-home internet and TV service, offering enhanced speeds and video quality.
Acquisitions expanded Verizon's wireless coverage into many rural areas.
Verizon acquired Terremark, a cloud and managed IT services provider.
This expanded their capabilities in cloud computing and technology services.
Verizon acquired Vodafone's 45% stake in Verizon Wireless, giving them full ownership of their wireless business.
Acquisition of AOL focused on bolstering their digital media and advertising capabilities.
Yahoo acquisition accelerated their content and digital media strategy.
Combined AOL and Yahoo properties into a new Oath division.
Hans Vestberg took over as Verizon CEO.
He refocused efforts around building their next-gen 5G network.
Verizon sold off the Oath/Verizon Media Group to Apollo Global Management.
They spun off the division to sharpen focus on connectivity.
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