The Plot Thickens

There are many things that can be said about Verizon, and not many of them flattering, but one potential harbinger of the future is Verizon's launching of TV service in Texas, using a fiber optics network. Heck, if cable companies can offer telephone and Internet access, why can't Verizon thus offer TV service?

The website Broadband Reports published reports earlier this month about the trials in Keller, and it detailed pricing for the service. According to the post, Keller residents will pay about $12.95 for the basic service, which includes 15 to 35 channels and $39.95 for 160 channels. Add-on sports and movie packages can be added for $5.95 and $11.95 respectively.
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Obtaining local franchise agreements is the biggest hurdle Verizon faces in rolling out its service in other states, since the process as it stands today in most states significantly slows deployment. Other than the big win in Texas, Verizon has only secured a handful of agreements in California, Virginia and Florida. But more are on the way, and the company is lobbying state legilatures [sic], as well as, the feds to make further changes in the law.