Verizon FIOS hits the region

The Post-Gazette has an article about the roll out of Verizon FIOS (Fiber Optic Service) in several Pittsburgh suburbs. Through fiber optic cables, services such as television (similar to cable TV) and internet (with very fast download AND upload speeds) can be packaged together.

While it isn't in our area yet, Verizon is moving forward with their expansion. From the article:

FiOS Premier, the first tier of service beyond standard local television, will offer more than 200 channels for $42.99.

FiOS will be available in 14 suburbs: Bethel Park, Franklin Park, Hampton, Indiana Township, McCandless, Mt. Lebanon, O'Hara, Ohio Township, Peters, Ross, Sewickley, Shaler, Upper St. Clair and West View.

Even as it announced the start of service in those communities, Verizon continued to negotiate for licenses that would allow them entry into other communities. So-called "local franchise agreements" are required by state law in order to regulate customer service standards, rights of way and municipal revenue percentages. Just this week, officials in Nottingham, Washington County, agreed to grant Verizon a franchise for the new service.

Verizon launched FiOS TV in September 2005 and now serves about 60 markets nationwide. The telecom giant's foray into television delivery puts it head-to-head against cable provider Comcast and satellite TV operators DirectTV and DISH Network. But the real battle is not just for the television screen but for what some call "the three screens" -- television, personal computers and cell phones.