Verizon’s FiOS technology has passed its final regulatory hurdle and is ready to bring its service to all five boroughs of the Big Apple following a key approval July 16 by the New York State Public Service Commission.
The PSC approved the agreement between Verizon and New York City for the telco giant to provide TV service in the city. This means multichannel competition for New York’s current cable providers, Cablevision and Time Warner Cable.
Verizon had already received the blessings of New York’s Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (on April 29) and the city’s Franchise and Concession Review Committee on May 27.
“Today is a great and historic day for New York City residents,” said Monica Azare, Verizon senior vice president for New York and Connecticut. “After decades of being locked into one cable TV provider, consumers here soon will have more choices, better entertainment, and a superior customer service experience. When we launch our FiOS TV service in the city in the coming weeks, consumers will be amazed at the comprehensive channel lineup, the vast number of high-definition offerings, the clarity of the picture, and the real value they will be receiving for their entertainment dollar.”
The company said it has already been taking orders from New Yorkers for its triple-play service of television, phone and Internet service.
Verizon said more specifics about its New York rollout would be forthcoming.
Verizon has already passed the million-subscriber mark for its FiOS video service, which brings fiber all the way into homes to provide greater bandwidth than most cable services.
The company says it will offer more than 1,000 HD VOD titles by the end of 2008 and more than 150 HD channels, including all major national offerings.
New York boasts more than 8 million residents, more than twice as many as any other American city.
