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Pittsburgh Reaches Tentative Agreement with Verizon for Cable Franchise

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has announced that a 10-year cable franchise agreement has been reached with Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. for the City of Pittsburgh. The agreement, subject to the recommendation of the Cable Advisory Board and approval by City Council, will bring cable competition to Pittsburgh for the first time in the city's history. Verizon will deploy its fiber-to-the-premises system, known as "FiOS," providing telephone, internet, and cable television services to the entire city within six years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 10-year agreement is subject to the recommendation of the Cable Advisory Board and the approval of City Council.
  • Verizon will deploy cable service throughout the entire City within six years, with at least 50% coverage within three years and 100% coverage within six years.
  • The agreement includes the provision of a high-speed private fiber-optic network, known as the Institutional Network (I-Net), to enhance public safety communications.
  • Verizon has agreed to assist the City in enhancing public, educational, and governmental (PEG) channel access, including funding for the City's Cable Bureau and Pittsburgh Community Television (PCTV).
  • The franchise agreement includes comprehensive customer service standards, franchise fee revenue to the City, audit and enforcement provisions, and important legal protections for the City.
  • The legislation for approval of the cable franchise agreement is expected to be introduced in City Council on July 7, with a public hearing scheduled.

Statistics:

  • The agreement is for a period of 10 years.
  • Verizon will deploy cable service to the entire City within six years.
  • At least 50% of the City will have cable service within three years of the effective date of the agreement.
  • 100% of the City will have cable service within six years of the effective date of the agreement.
  • The Institutional Network (I-Net) is a high-speed private fiber-optic network that will enhance public safety communications.
  • Verizon has agreed to fund the City's Cable Bureau and Pittsburgh Community Television (PCTV).

Sources:

  • Office of the Mayor of Pittsburgh
  • Mayor Luke Ravenstahl
  • Gale Y. Given, President of Verizon Pennsylvania
  • Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc.

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