7/31/08

Verizon seeks cable franchise

Comcast could soon have some competition for its TV service in the Marysville area.
At the July 21 meeting of the Marysville City Council, Verizon representative Larry Manion presented a draft proposal to provide fiber optic TV service to residents in incorporated Marysville.

Verizon’s network, called FiOS, brings fiber optic capability directly to homes, in contrast with other providers whose fiber optic delivery ties into standard transmission lines from the main trunk.

Everett recently authorized Verizon to offer FiOS TV service to its residents, becoming the second community in the state to grant the video franchise. Lynnwood earlier signed on for the service.

Manion, vice-president for franchise operations for the telecommunications giant, reported that the company has been working “aggressively” to build its fiber optic network in the area. If approved by the City Council, FiOS TV service could begin in Marysville as early as September.
Doug Buell, Marysville’s community information officer, said the city has been in negotiations with Verizon since April.

“Competition [between Verizon and Comcast] is good for consumers,” said Buell, predicting more channel selections and higher broadband speeds for customers of both companies.

The council has not yet committed to a timeline for a decision on the matter.