Archive: March, 2009
Marblehead, MA Approves Verizon FiOS TV
Thanks to authorization by the Marblehead Board of Selectmen, Verizon gained access to residents of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Verizon FiOS TV will become available in this region, providing residents with an alternative in cable TV programming. The nation’s most advanced, all-digital fiber-optic network will become available to Marblehead residents in 2009.
Marblehead, MA is the 93rd community in the United States to gain access to Verizon FiOS TV.
"We are thrilled to be able to bring FiOS TV to residents in Marblehead," stated Donna Cupelo, Verizon Region President for New England. "Since the launch of FiOS TV in Massachusetts last year, we are continuing our efforts to meet the consumer demand for cable TV choice."
"As a result of this new franchise, consumers in Marblehead will be able to choose their cable provider as easily as they choose their phone company," stated Cupelo. "Competition drives innovation, value, and service quality, and it puts the consumer in control."
In 2009, Verizon will target various communities in Massachusetts in hopes of constructing additional sites for FiOS TV service. Verizon FiOS TV provides better picture quality, HD programming, and On Demand at highly competitive rates.
According to recent research, 87% of Massachusetts residents value competition in TV services. The benefits of industry competition are clear, typically manifesting in the form of lower prices, improved service, and better entertainment packages.
The agreement between Marblehead and Verizon will last for 10 years, laying the groundwork for improvements including added financial support to educational institutions, better access to channels, future company growth, and advanced cable service to government facilities.
"Verizon will compete aggressively for subscribers in Marblehead with our FiOS services, which are fueled by our lightning-fast fiber-optic network," Cupelo stated. Verizon will utilize a door-to-door sales campaign in this community, informing potential customers of the many benefits of FiOS TV.
Verizon to Attend Conference as Fiber-Optic Expert
Verizon operates the industry’s largest, most advanced fiber-optic network, delivering quality voice, data, and video services directly to customers. As a result, Verizon network developers have a unique understanding of fiber-optic performance, and the various opportunities it offers.
The expertise of 16 Verizon engineers will be displayed at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition, in addition to the National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference. Verizon developers will discuss fiber-optic technology at the conferences, to be held this week in San Diego, CA. Topics of discussion will range from the bandwidth flexibility of fiber, to all-optical switching. Verizon experts will explain how to meet future bandwidth needs.
"There's no question that because of our five-year head start over competitors… we have not just the theoretical understanding of fiber and what it can do, but real experience and a clear perspective on what it will be doing tomorrow and further into the future," stated Stu Elby, Vice President of Network Architecture for Verizon.
"Actually operating a fiber network directly to customers' premises was a big commitment, but it is paying off now as customers demand more and more capacity for large files and video delivery," he stated. "We're at the stage now that we have to look forward to the days of 3D TV and gigabit-per-second traffic in and out of homes and small businesses. Sharing that view is what this conference is about."
Stu Elby will host two presentations. He will identify successful strategies for advancing bandwidth related applications, in addition to bandwidth adaptability and availability.
"Networks are never done. Emerging demand brought about by developments in other industries -- whether data services, video services or complex network design and transport services -- are a tradition in our industry,” he stated. “No matter what the base technologies, engineers and network planners toil to make things better, bigger, less costly, and more efficient.”
Verizon to Provide Service for Department of Defense
The Defensive Information Systems Agency (DISA) awarded a 10-year contract, with a maximum value of $2.5 billion, to Verizon Business. The telecom company will provide data and network services to U.S. Department of Defense stations across the globe.
Verizon Business will provide services to various military stations and government sites throughout Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Middle East, the United States, and the Asia-Pacific region. Services rage from individual circuits to fully managed transmission services, for bandwidth between 64 Kbps and 10G via satellite or fiber cable. In addition, Verizon Business will provide managed data services, such as Ethernet and Internet protocol.
The Defense Information System Network Transmission Services – Pacific II (DTS-P II) contract ensures that the Defense Information System Network (DISN), managed by Verizon Business, receive 24-hour support, 365 days a year. The DTS-P II covers various international military operations, in addition to authorized Defense Department duties.
"As a long-time communications provider for defense agencies, we have seen the government's demands for advanced, network-centric communications evolve, and we look forward to helping military installations remain on the cutting edge of the latest technology," said Marlin Forbes, Regional Vice President, Verizon Federal, a sales organization within Verizon Business dedicated to serving federal government customers. "As the leading provider of communications to the federal government, we have unmatched experience helping the U.S. military meet its missions around the globe."
Verizon Business, one of the world’s largest information technology and telecommunications companies, is the leading provider of communications services to the United States federal government. Verizon Business offers local-to-international capabilities, supplemented by a variety of telecommunications products and services. Among the services provided to various levels of government are professional services, managed network services, advanced Internet protocol (IP), and systems integration. The company’s extensive portfolio provides federal agencies with one-stop shopping, satisfying needs for both connectivity and communication.
Verizon FiOS Improves On-Demand Programming
Thanks to agreements with Sony and Turner Networks, Verizon FiOS TV has added more free movies and channels to its On-Demand library. The industry leader in providing video-on-demand services will offer dozens of new releases and old classics from TNT, TCM, and TBS. The already-plentiful Verizon FiOS video-on-demand service just got even better!
“Striking Distance,” “Roman Holiday,” “A Knight’s Tale,” “The Firm,” “Final Destination 3,” “The Da Vinci Code,” and “Anaconda” are among the free movies that will be provided by the Turner Networks. Boomerang, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, CNN, TNT, TBS, TruTV and Turner Classic Movies are among the new channels to be offered On-Demand by the Turner Network.
Verizon FiOS’ deal with Sony means that subscribers will enjoy more new releases in high definition, including blockbuster hits like “Hancock,” “Pineapple Express,” and “Anaconda 3: Offspring.” Do you want access to HD content, but do not want to purchase additional equipment? FiOS TV subscribers will be able to enjoy the latest HD movies On-Demand, no need to purchase expensive equipment!
"Because we're delivering FiOS TV over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network, straight to customers' doors, our subscribers can access interactive video services that help them save time and money, and enjoy unparalleled picture quality and programming choices for all their TV viewing," stated Vice President of FiOS TV- Content and Programming, Terry Denson. "Our ever-expanding VOD library gives customers a front seat to all of the best on-demand entertainment, with the convenience of watching what they want, whenever they want."
Verizon’s all-digital FiOS TV subscribers will enjoy free movies, provided by TNT, TCM, and TBS; comedy from Adult Swim; kid-friendly entertainment from Cartoon Network and Boomerang; and real-life drama and news from CNN and TruTV.
Verizon Launches FiOS TV in York County, VA
Verizon FiOS TV, the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic television service, is now available to York County, VA residents. With the expansion, approximately 2,800 homes and businesses will be able to utilize this revolutionary service. Roberts Trace, Sinclair Manor, Running Man, Wythe Farms, and the Woods of Tabb are among the affected areas.
Verizon also provides FiOS TV service in Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, Poquoson, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth in addition to most regions of Richmond and Northern Virginia.
The independent Fiber to the Home Council has honored Verizon for delivering FiOS TV over the nation’s largest digital, 100% fiber network. The service has earned certification for providing fiber-optic service to America’s homes and businesses.
"Cable can't come close to matching the HD channels or the innovative features and enhancements FiOS TV customers enjoy," said Mary Ellen Payne, senior vice president of marketing for Verizon's Potomac region. "We've harnessed the vast capacity of our advanced fiber-optic network to deliver a revolutionary, new entertainment experience."
According to J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Residential Television Service Satisfaction Study for the East Region, FiOS TV dominates. In addition, FiOS TV received the top rating by a leading consumer magazine, ranking high in all six categories including image quality, sound quality, channel choice, reliability, support, and value.
Verizon FiOS TV service is currently available in regions of Delaware, Florida, California, Massachusetts, Maryland, Indiana, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Virginia.
Eligible York County residents can cut monthly costs with Verizon by bundling FiOS TV service, FiOS Internet service, and the Verizon Freedom Essentials unlimited calling plan. For the ultimate in communications and entertainment services, FiOS TV subscribers can also include a Verizon Wireless calling plan!
For more information on FiOS TV, York County residents should visit www.verizon.com/fios.