TELECOM Digest OnLine - Sorted: Verizon Will Offer Fiber-Optic TV in Bid to Become Media Provider

Verizon Will Offer Fiber-Optic TV in Bid to Become Media Provider

Monty Solomon (monty@roscom.com)
Sat, 15 Oct 2005 01:00:45 -0400

By Keith Reed, Globe Staff

WALTHAM -- Now the phone company is getting into the TV business.

Verizon Communications Inc. yesterday showed off its new television
service that will compete with cable by using fiber-optic lines, which
can carry a dizzying amount of voice, data, and video at speeds
impossible over the existing wires running into most homes. Verizon
hopes to eventually replace with fiber optics all of the copper wire
that currently carries its voice and data products to consumers.

In the process, the company is positioning itself to offer services
that, until now, many consumers haven't even dreamed of, such as
allowing TV viewers to interactively search for programming using
keywords, much like a Google search, or dial up a live view of traffic
on local roads. Although some places are already wired with fiber
optics, the TV service should be available in some Massachusetts
communities beginning next year.

Verizon's focus on fiber optics is the cornerstone of its nascent
transformation into a content delivery company. It's betting the
investment will help it beat back competition from cable and Internet
telephony companies for subscribers, especially as demand for content
in the home is expected to increase.

http://www.boston.com/ae/media/articles/2005/10/13/verizon_will_offer_fiber_optic_tv_in_bid_to_become_media_provider/

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