Verizon Statement on PSC Confirming Company's First Video Franchise in New York
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NEW YORK - The New York Public Service Commission today confirmed Verizon's first video franchise in the state. The Village of Massapequa Park on Sept. 26 awarded the company a franchise. The commission has the authority to review franchise agreements between local governments in New York and TV providers, such as Verizon, to make sure the agreements comply with statewide rules and regulations. In early 2006, Verizon plans to offer residents in Massapequa Park FiOS TV - all-digital services with more than 330 channels, delivered over an all-fiber network. Verizon currently is bringing fiber connections directly to homes and small business in more than half the states where it offers landline communications services, including 115 communities in New York.
The following statement should be attributed to Thomas McCarroll, Verizon vice president for regulatory affairs in New York and Connecticut.
"Today's decision not only keeps open the door to choice and competition for the residents of Massapequa Park, it's also an important victory for cable consumers in other New York communities who want a choice for their video services.
"By establishing a framework, this order should help expedite confirmations of future franchises. The commissioners recognize and support the consumer benefits of real and fair cable-TV competition. They also understand that Verizon's all-fiber infrastructure will enhance economic development and the quality of life in our state by stimulating innovation and choice.
"We will need to read the commission's written order relating to this confirmation, but we look forward to offering more New York consumers the benefits and innovation of FiOS TV."
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