Page updated Oct 5 2009 11:28 a.m.

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Verizon FiOS FAQ

Many residents have contacted City Council members and staff concerning the deployment of the Verizon  FiOS network in the City of Alexandria.  Below are the most frequently asked questions.

What is FiOS?

FiOS stands for fiber optic services over FTTP (fiber to the premises), an advanced fiber-optic technology that uses strands of glass fiber and laser-generated pulses of light to transmit voice, data and video signals.

When will FiOS be available to Alexandria residents?

Initially, Verizon staff indicated that the company wanted to complete the telephone franchise before they negotiated a cable television franchise.  The company also indicated that following the approval of a new telephone franchise, Verizon would begin construction of the FTTP network and negotiate the cable television franchise while the construction proceeded.  A new telecommunications franchise, excluding cable television, was approved by City Council on June 13, 2009.  The new franchise allows Verizon to construct the FiOS network that will provide voice, Internet, and cable television services.  Negotiations on the cable franchise began immediately following Council’s action.  However, the City has been advised by Verizon staff that all cable television negotiations related to FiOS service have been suspended nationwide as the company conducts an assessment.  The City has not received a construction and deployment schedule at this point.

Will FiOS be available to all City residents?

The service area will be determined during the cable television franchise negotiations.  The City does not have the legal authority to require Verizon to provide FiOS services everywhere in the City.  Verizon has informed the City that it intends to serve approximately 65 percent of the City’s residents.

Is there a contact at Verizon for residents to express their concerns or to obtain updates about Verizon’s plans?

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Catherine Hogan Lewis, External Affairs/Government Relations
e-mail: catherine.hogan.lewis@verizon.com
Phone: 703.886.3033

Does Comcast have an exclusive franchise?

Comcast does not have an exclusive contract to provide cable and Internet service.  The City Council has consistently encouraged competition in the City.

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