How is Verizon Supporting Healthcare Connectivity?

Connectivity and digital health records in the US date back to more than 60 years, with health systems adopting digital records in the early 1960s. As computer hardware became more affordable in the 1970s and 80s, digital records began to appear more frequently and it wasn’t until the 1990s that Electronic Health Records (EHRs) emerged.

However for many years the adoption of EHRs was slow and required adequate funding. In 2009, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Obama Administration advocated the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, fundamentally changing the economic challenges of EHR use for providers. 

Fast forward to 2021 and, according to Simbo.ai research, nearly 96% of hospitals and 86% of office-based physicians had taken on a certified EHR. 

Now in 2025, the economic model of EHRs has changed, from the initial purchase price to the significant ongoing operational costs of maintenance, cyber security and achieving interoperability.

A new view of digital healthcare

The increase of EHRs, specialised connect equipment and telehealth has resulted in an explosion of healthcare data and the lack of networking capability is slowing down physicians and administrators.

In the modern world, the need to connect is vast, from staff conducting increasingly digitalised operational work with EHRs, technical staff using specialised equipment and individuals needing to connect whilst at healthcare facilities. As a result, facilities are having to evolve to accommodate the mass network demand.

To meet these challenges, a multitude of healthcare organisations are utilising Verizon Business’ combination of Neutral Host and Private 5G Networks to help support the intense data needs.

Jennifer Artley, Senior Vice President of 5G Acceleration at Verizon said: “As digital adoption continues to increase in the healthcare sector, providers require scalable network solutions with access across multiple sites and use cases. Verizon’s network helps patients, guests and hospital staff to maintain connectivity, operations and most importantly, top-notch care, without any headaches or extra steps.”

Using two different networks, Neutral Host supports patients, visitors and other public network visitors and Private 5G assists mission critical operations like EHRs. 

So far, Verizon Business has executed on-premises wireless networking deals with leading providers like Advent Health and Tampa General Hospital.

Scott Arnold, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Innovation Officer of Tampa General Hospital says: “Our patients’ experience onsite and the integrity of their data are of utmost importance, which made it a no-brainer to switch to Verizon’s combination Neutral Host and Private 5G Network.

“Our connectivity is much more responsive and reliable, allowing us to get the information we need when we need it. As a result, our operations run more smoothly and most importantly, the care we deliver is better than ever.” 

Data-intensive reliances 

Healthcare facilities are more reliant on data-intensive, device orientated and technology focused. 

The unique combination from Verizon is supportive of ever-evolving connectivity needs.

The Verizon Neutral Host Network creates a strong mobile signal on specified premises using a dedicated onsite network infrastructure and is simply accessible by the user. The area becomes like any public setting with network connection.

Contrastingly, but working simultaneously and delivering secure and high-bandwith/ low latency, is the Private 5G Network which supports critical care-delivery services and sensitive data workflows within the hospital. 

“Healthcare is undergoing rapid digital transformation and advanced networks are essential to this evolution,” said Hannes Ekström, Senior Vice President and Head of Customer Unit Verizon for Ericsson Americas. “Together with Verizon, we’re enabling AI-driven innovations that help hospital staff enhance patient care, streamline operations and future-proof healthcare facilities with high-performance 5G.”

The private networks can serve as an additional platform for future-tech innovation.