WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed legislation into law Monday night (Jan. 12) approving Verizon's cable franchise in the city. As part of the 15-year agreement, Verizon will make FiOS TV available throughout the District over the next nine years. The first residents will be able to order FiOS TV within a year. The following statement should be attributed to William R. Roberts, Verizon's regional president for Maryland and Washington, D.C.
"Mayor Fenty's authorization of legislation approving Verizon's cable franchise is great news for District residents. Now, a 30-day congressional review will be the final step in a process that will trigger a massive network investment, ultimately bringing District residents a superior alternative for their video entertainment from a company with a proven track record - Verizon.
"We commend the mayor, the D.C. Council and city staff for their dedication and hard work throughout this process. They recognize and support the numerous benefits of choice and competition for District residents, as well as the distinctive edge in economic development and quality of life, that an all-fiber network will bring to the District's various communities.
"Verizon now will begin the upgrade of our District telecommunications network with fiber-optic connections directly to consumers' homes. We plan to begin offering the first District residents our award-winning FiOS TV service later this year. Our FiOS Internet service with ultra fast speeds also will be available to consumers."
