D.C. Mayor Signs Bill Approving Verizon FiOS TV
Telco Will Begin Offering FiOS TV Service Later in 2009
By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 1/13/2009 3:41:00 PM
Verizon Communications is one step away from bringing FiOS TV to the nation’s capital after District of Columbia mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed legislation into law Monday night approving the telco’s 15-year cable franchise in the city.
As part of the agreement, Verizon will make FiOS TV available over the next nine years throughout D.C., where it will compete with incumbent cable provider Comcast. The first residents will be able to order FiOS TV within a year, according to Verizon.
The Washington, D.C., city council approved the franchise last month.
The final step required in the franchising process will be a 30-day congressional review.
"Verizon now will begin the upgrade of our District telecommunications network with fiber-optic connections directly to consumers' homes,” William Roberts, Verizon's regional president for Maryland and Washington, D.C., said in a statement. “We plan to begin offering the first District residents our award-winning FiOS TV service later this year. Our FiOS Internet service with ultra fast speeds also will be available to consumers."
