In a move that could send shockwaves through the Southeast’s telecommunications workforce, Verizon Communications Inc., the nation’s largest wireless provider, is poised to slash approximately 15,000 jobs nationwide as early as next week.

The sweeping cuts, representing about 15% of the company’s U.S. workforce, mark the biggest layoffs in Verizon’s history and come amid intensifying competition in the wireless and home internet markets.

Massive Layoffs Ahead for Verizon

The announcement, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, underscores the pressures facing legacy telecom giants as they grapple with subscriber losses and rising operational costs.

Verizon, which employed around 100,000 people as of February, has already trimmed nearly 20,000 positions over the past three years through voluntary programs and restructuring efforts.

This latest round targets non-union management roles primarily, with additional plans to convert about 200 retail stores into franchised operations—effectively shifting those employees off the company’s payroll.

For Atlanta, a burgeoning hub for tech and telecom innovation, the news hits particularly close to home.

Verizon maintains a significant presence in the Peach State, including its Southeast regional headquarters in Midtown Atlanta and numerous retail locations across the metro area, from Alpharetta to Buckhead to Decatur.

The company employs hundreds—if not thousands—in Georgia, supporting roles in network engineering, customer service, and sales. Local labor experts warn that even a fraction of these cuts could exacerbate unemployment in the city’s competitive job market.

Layoff Cause? Verizon’s Financial Troubles

Verizon’s challenges stem from a brutal industry landscape. The company has hemorrhaged postpaid phone subscribers for three straight quarters, losing 289,000 monthly wireless customers in the first quarter alone—more than double the prior year’s figure.

A bold price-hike strategy earlier this year backfired, alienating price-sensitive consumers who flocked to rivals like T-Mobile and AT&T offering aggressive discounts.

Meanwhile, in the home internet arena, Verizon’s fixed wireless and Fios offerings face stiff competition from cable providers and emerging 5G alternatives.

The layoffs coincide with the recent appointment of Daniel Schulman, former PayPal CEO, as Verizon’s new chief executive.

Schulman, named last month as the company’s lead independent director, has signaled an aggressive overhaul to “fundamentally restructure our expense base.

Despite the turbulence, Verizon reported mixed third-quarter results last month, with revenue up 1.5% to $33.8 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $1.21—beating Wall Street expectations. The firm added 306,000 broadband subscribers, reaffirming its 2025 guidance for 2% to 2.8% wireless service revenue growth.

In Atlanta, reactions are pouring in from affected workers and advocates.

“I’ve given 12 years to Verizon, climbing from retail to operations,” said Marcus Hale, a 38-year-old father of two from Smyrna, who fears for his job at a local store slated for potential franchising. “We’re not just numbers; we’re the ones keeping families connected. This feels like betrayal after all the 5G promises.”

As the cuts loom, investors appear unfazed: Verizon shares rose modestly in afternoon trading. Yet for everyday Atlantans, the human cost is stark.

Final Word

With Georgia’s unemployment rate hovering at 3.8% and inflation pinching household budgets, the telecom titan’s belt-tightening serves as a stark reminder of corporate priorities in an era of digital disruption.

This story is developing. AtlantaFi.com will provide updates on local impacts, including affected store locations and support resources for workers.

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