Verizon's FiOS TV - Expanding, Packing More Channels, More HD and More Features

Posted by Richard Kastelein in Breaking News on January 22, 2011  |  1 Comment More from this author  |    |  Follow Richard Kastelein on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube

When Verizon FiOS TV becomes available in the Capital District early this year, consumers in the Village of Colonie and the Town of Bethlehem will be able to ditch their current cable provider and select FiOS TV, which offers revolutionary, feature-rich, crystal-clear television service delivered over the most advanced fiber-optic network in the USA. Verizon is also expected to open up an SDK for third party developers to drive innovation in their Widget Bazaar soon. 

The Colonie Village Board and the Bethlehem Town Board recently approved television franchise agreements, making the communities the second and third, respectively, in the Capital District to do so. The Village of Scotia awarded a TV franchise to Verizon on Oct. 12, and that franchise was approved by the New York Public Service Commission at its Nov. 18 meeting.

"We're excited that both Colonie and Bethlehem have seen the benefits that an all-fiber-optic network, and a new TV provider, can bring to their residents," said Jim Gerace, Verizon president for the New York region. "Our investment in local infrastructure ensures good jobs and state-of-the-art broadband technology that leapfrogs anything currently available from other carriers. These communities have recognized the economic and consumer benefits of broadband investment and competition.

"These franchise agreements also clearly shows the customer demand for choice in television and entertainment services. Our goal is to provide our current and future customers with a choice, a far superior technology for their homes and businesses, and great value for their money," Gerace said.

Gerace also pointed out that the company has been marketing FiOS Internet and voice services in the Capital District for several years, and has gained a sizable market share. "We want to capitalize on that investment and offer these customers a fuller and more robust set of TV and entertainment services," he said.

The company is in the process of building and installing the necessary video equipment into local central offices in the region, and anticipates that FiOS TV service will be turned on for new customers in the Albany County communities late in the first quarter this year.

In securing TV franchises from Colonie and Bethlehem, Verizon has signaled its intention to bring its revolutionary FiOS TV service – delivered over Verizon's all-fiber-optic network – into the Capital District market. The company is continuing to develop its plans and expects to have TV franchise discussions with other municipalities in the region.

The franchises from Colonie and Bethlehem bring the total number of TV licenses Verizon has secured in New York to 180.

As with all local franchise approvals in New York, the agreements between Verizon and Colonie and Bethlehem are subject to review by the Public Service Commission.

One of the largest New York employers, with more than 29,000 employees in the state, Verizon continues to invest in the state's infrastructure by building, maintaining and enhancing its wireline and wireless networks across New York, including its advanced fiber-optic network providing consumers and businesses with reliable FiOS Internet, entertainment and voice services.