Verizon ordered to finish fiber build that it promised but didn’t deliver

New York City officials ordered Verizon to complete fiber builds that the company was supposed to finish in 2014. If Verizon doesn't comply, the city can seek financial damages. "In a 2008 agreement with New York City, Verizon committed to extend its FiOS network to every household across the five boroughs by June 30, 2014," said the announcement of an audit released today by the city's Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT).

Verizon's FiOS fiber network delivers Internet, TV, and phone service to areas traditionally served by Verizon's copper landlines and DSL Internet. “Through a thorough and comprehensive audit, we have determined that Verizon substantially failed to meet its commitment to the people of New York City,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “As I’ve said time and again, Verizon must deliver on its obligation to the City of New York and we will hold them accountable.” The agreement, which gave Verizon a cable television franchise, says NYC may "seek and/or pursue money damages" from Verizon if it fails to deliver on its promises. Verizon also failed to meet broadband promises in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but those states let the company off the hook.