Phildelphia councilman calling Verizon out on FIOS build schedule

Verizon was given approval to build its FIOS service in Philadelphia as a way to provide competition to cable TV companies.  But one city councilman is concerned about which neighborhoods are getting the service first. 

Councilman Jim Kenney says he wants to hold hearing to review how Verizon is wiring the city for its fiber-optic network for phones, Internet and TV known as FIOS.

“We’ve been getting information from various sources that they might not be on schedule with their promised buildout of the FIOS network in the city and they may be choosing to build out in more lucrative areas than the poor areas,” said Kenney.

Verizon spokesman Lee Gierczynski says the company is following its agreement with the city and will explain more during hearings on the issue.

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“In terms of construction of the network in the city we have met or exceeded the timetable benchmarks that have been outlined in the franchise agreement,” said Gierczynski.

Kenney says Verizon was given permission to build to make these services more affordable for everyone in the city.  He wants to be sure the company is following the rules and building in every neighborhood.

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