The town of Lewisboro is committed to providing residents with choice in how they receive television, telephone and Internet services. To that end, our representatives met twice in 2009 with Verizon to negotiate a cable franchise agreement allowing them to market their FIOS service within the town.

Negotiations have stalled because Verizon is challenging an interpretation of the rules of the Public Service Commission which require a "level playing field" between all providers of TV service under cable franchise agreements.  In short, the Town has insisted upon receiving a fair level of support from Verizon for public access (PEG) programming. Under PSC regulations, if the Town were not to insist upon an equitable contribution from Verizon, Cablevision would no longer be obligated to provide their support which enables us to provide programming on Channel 20, including public meetings, shows of community interest and school programming.

Last year, Verizon filed a complaint with the Public Service Commission, which is still pending, challenging a cable franchise agreement entered into between Cablevision and the Town of Harrison. Specifically, Verizon is challenging its obligation to provide $450,000 to Harrison in support of PEG. We do not expect Verizon to approach us again until the Harrison matter has been decided by the commission.

The Town understands that competition spurs increased quality and lower costs. However, since Cablevision and Verizon compete throughout the region, the Town of Lewisboro is already receiving many of the benefits of that competition. Nevertheless, we hope to provide FIOS as soon as possible.

Two  other points to keep in mind. As a telecommunications provider, Verizon is free to offer FIOS Internet service throughout the town now. They have already wired much of the aerial portion (telephone poles) of Lewisboro with fiber and currently offer FIOS Internet service in certain areas of the Town. The franchise agreement relates solely to cable television services. Secondly, under PSC rules, once a franchise agreement is signed and accepted, Verizon will have up to five years to complete its rollout of FIOS cable to the town.