Cable alternative FIOS awaits ruling
After waiting out recent interruptions in Cablevision television programming, many Lewisboro residents might like to investigate the FIOS cable television alternative wiring duct provided by Verizon.
But finalizing an agreement with the town has been stalled because Verizon is challenging the interpretation of some of the rules of the Public Service Commission requiring ducting a “level playing field” between all providers of television service under cable franchise agreements.
“Lewisboro residents need a choice of how they receive television, telephone, and Internet services,” said Cable Television Advisory Committee Chairman Dean Travalino as he spoke to The Ledger last week. “With that in mind, our committee met twice with Verizon last year to negotiate a cable franchise agreement that would allow them to market their FIOS service within the town ducts.”
Mr. Travalino said the town is already partially casino wired aerially for FIOS, which includes high speed Internet and cable television service. “Aerial wiring uses telephone poles,” he said. “Parts of the town already have Internet service but cable TV is not available until Verizon has a franchise agreement with the town.”
He added that Verizon has been asked to provide Lewisboro a survey cable duct of all the aerial wiring completed, but has yet to do so.
Next Page: The National Broadband Network Company
