Fenty Administration and Verizon Announce Accelerated Deployment of Fiber-Optic FiOS Network Throughout the District

Verizon Offers to Make FiOS TV Available Throughout District Within Nine Years after Franchise Approval

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Verizon Washington, D.C. announced today that the company will accelerate its all-fiber-optic network upgrade throughout the District to offer FiOS TV service to residents within nine years, subject to approval of Verizon’s proposed cable franchise agreement by the Council of the District of Columbia.

The Verizon FiOS network is the nation’s most advanced, all-fiber-optic network.

Verizon and the D.C. Office of Cable Television (OCT) reached an agreement on a cable franchise in August.  Legislation regarding the franchise agreement was introduced before the Council Oct. 7 at the request of Mayor Fenty.  Assuming the Council’s review results in approval of the terms of the proposed agreement, Verizon will commit to accelerate its deployment throughout the District.

“We applaud this agreement to bring the best, most efficient quality cable service to the District,” said Mayor Fenty.  “This stepped-up commitment to upgrading the network with the latest technology will soon enable residents to reap the benefits of choice and competition in the cable arena.”

William R. Roberts, Verizon regional president for Maryland and Washington, D.C., said, “Verizon planned to upgrade its network throughout the District over the life of the 15-year franchise, based on residents’ response to our extremely popular FiOS TV service.  We now are committing to deploy the FiOS network even faster in light of the eagerness for choice and competition shown by D.C. government and residents.”

OCT Director Eric E. Richardson said, “Verizon’s original commitment ensured that residents in each of the District’s eight wards would be able to choose FiOS TV over the next six years.  Today’s announcement will bring that choice – and the resulting benefits – to remaining District residents more quickly.”

Within three years of the agreement’s effective date, Verizon will offer service to all residences in initial service areas to include: Barry Farm, Brightwood, Cleveland Park, Crestwood, Fort Stanton, Friendship Heights, Historic Anacostia, Petworth, Shepherd Park, Sheridan, Tenleytown, Van Ness and Woodley Park.  

Verizon will expand its services within six years to an extended service area to include Adams Morgan, Benning, Benning Heights, Buzzard Point, Deanwood, Dupont Circle, Eastland Gardens, Ft. McNair, Lincoln Heights, Logan Circle, Shaw and Southwest Waterfront neighborhoods.

The Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs, chaired by Councilmember Mary M. Cheh, will hold a public hearing on the legislation Friday (Oct. 31) in Council chambers at 1350 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.

Councilmember Cheh said, “I am delighted that the District and Verizon were able to work out terms that will allow for a more rapid deployment in the city and that will benefit all parties.”

Subject to franchise approval by the year’s end, Verizon will begin designing and upgrading its network in the District and expects to offer fiber-optic- based FiOS TV service next year.  

More information about Verizon and the franchise review process is available at www.verizon.com/dc or www.oct.dc.gov.
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