PITTSBURGH -- The competition for cable customers in Pittsburgh is heating up.
On Monday, the mayor's office announced that a tentative agreement has been reached with Verizon on a cable franchise agreement for the city of Pittsburgh.
The 10-year agreement, which is still subject to approval by the Cable Advisory Board and City Council, will bring Verizon's FiOS service to the city.
"This moves Pittsburghers one step closer to having a real choice for cable TV service and it's going to bring them a level of competition they've never had before in the city," said Verizon spokesman Lee Gierczynski.
Once the service is in place, Pittsburgh residents will have a choice of cable providers for the first time.
"It will generate better deals," said former FCC chief technologist David Farber. "They'll be more willing to give a little bit."
Until now, only Comcast was allowed to operate within the city limits.
FiOS fiber optic service will include telephone, Internet and cable TV services.
"From a competitive standpoint, we are very confident in our network and in the products and services we deliver today," Comcast said.
Federal law requires Verizon obtain a franchise from the city in order to provide television service. Under the agreement, Verizon will deploy cable service throughout Pittsburgh within six years.
"It will generate better deals," said former FCC chief technologist David Farber. "They'll be more willing to give a little bit."
Also as part of the agreement, Verizon will provide the city with a high-speed private fiber-optic network to be used for public safety communications.
Verizon will also work to enhance public and governmental programming in the city.
Legislation for approval of the cable franchise agreement is expected to be introduced in a City Council meeting on July 7. There will also be a public hearing on the legislation.
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