Verizon Demos FiOS, Signs Networks

NEW YORK, Oct. 14 -- Verizon Communications Inc. yesterday announced separate programming distribution agreements with Gemstar-TV Guide's TV Guide Channel and TVG Network and with HDNet to carry the networks on Verizon FiOS (fiber optic service) TV. The agreements were signed prior to the launch of FiOS TV on Sept. 22 in Keller, Texas; the programming is available now in Keller and will be part of the FiOS TV lineup in future markets.

Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

Also this week, Verizon held a demonstration of its FiOS TV service at its headquarters, in Waltham and said it no longer plans to lay copper wire but will install fiber in new homes and developments as they are built. Fiber to existing homes is being added as consumers request it if they live in neighborhoods where Verizon has already begun installing the service.

FiOS TV became available last month in Keller, near Fort Worth. Verizon said it will expand its FiOS TV service to other states where it has secured local video franchises, including California, Florida, New York and Virginia. According to an Oct. 13 Boston Globe article, the company said Woburn will be the first city to be offered the service in Massachusetts, in early 2006.

In Texas, FiOS TV is delivered over the company's fiber optic network using digital technology. Verizon also offers FiOS Internet Service on the same network. The company has laid about 10 million miles of fiber optic cable around the country and estimates the service will be available to about 3 million US homes by the end of the year. Its FiOS Internet Service continues to become more widely available throughout North Texas, where the company has already deployed 15 million feet of fiber.

The 21 additional Texas markets where Verizon will offer FiOS TV are Allen, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Denton, Double Oak, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Garland, Grapevine, Hebron, Highland Village, Irving, Lewisville, Lucas, Murphy, Parker, Plano, Rowlett, Southlake and St. Paul.

Verizon said it will aggressively market its FiOS services to win over customers from existing broadband, cable and satellite providers. FiOS services include digital video and music channels (for $39.95 a month); high-definition channels, video-on-demand, ocal and special-interest channels, and channels grouped by interests.

For more information, visit: www.verizon.com