Verizon as a Cable Guy To Shape Broadband Battle in Washington, DC

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Washington, D.C. is among the most wired cities in the country. The number of BlackBerrys on Capitol Hill alone could dwarf the population of Wasilla, Alaska, and with a hefty choice of carriers for those wanting e-mail on the go. But when those BlackBerry-toting legislative staffers go home and watch television, they step into a much different world -- back in time to world where the battle for better broadband depends upon cable TV regulation. Unlike many major cities, Washington has two choices for cable TV: RCN and Comcast. RCN, which grew out of a locally-owned Internet service provider called Erols, which later a part of RCN-owned Starpower, competes with Comcast and has a loyal following, especially among those who like to "root for the little guy." Verizon Communications also offers digital subscriber line (DSL) service in the District. And since the company began to deploy their fiber-optic service (FiOS) in the neighboring Maryland and Virginia suburbs, those other areas have gotten another choice for "cable" television. Verizon would like the make Washington one of a few cities with a third choice. Nearly a year ago, this "telephone" company attempted to turn itself into a multichannel video provider here by applying to bring FiOS TV to the District. The application was approved by the Office of Cable Television on August 8, after a lengthy and sometimes controversial process. The deal is still subject to approval by the D.C. Council and the Mayor's office. Enter the local politicos.


Verizon as a Cable Guy To Shape Broadband Battle in Washington, DC