Following their brethren in New Jersey, lawmakers in Masschusetts have introduced legislation that would enable new video service entrants such as Verizon Communications Inc. to get franchise approval from the state rather than on a town-by-town basis.
The plan is to enable companies to more quickly and affordably enter markets with IPTV services and provide competition to incumbent cable providers. New Jersey enacted such a law late last fall and approved Verizon’s filing last month to offer its FiOSTV service statewide.
Verizon announced earlier this week enhancements to its service which include a new system to help consumers navigate through content and options and a feature that allows consumers to remotely control their digital video recorders using the Web – and later from a cellphone
Verizon on Thursday said it has launched FiOSTV in 106 New Jersey communities thanks to the landmark legislation and approval by state regulators. These users will be the first to receive the service enhancements.
The telco began seeking permission to offer its FiOS TV service in Massachusetts two years ago and has so far been granted TV franchises in only 38 of the 351 Bay State communities. The company is currently negotiating with some 30 more communities for cable TV franchises.
Verizon also offers FiOS TV in California, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.
“The legislation will meet the demands of Massachusetts consumers who have been waiting far too long to realize the benefits of cable TV choice and competition,” said Donna Cupelo, Verizon’s region president for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. “This bill will enable us to provide more Massachusetts consumers with expanded cable TV choices.”
Verizon Communications Inc. www.verizon.com
