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Unions Try To Pressure Verizon Into Expanding FiOS

Labor unions have launched a new campaign taking aim at Verizon's stalled (read: stopped) FiOS deployment. As noted previously, Verizon's FiOS expansion has been over for several years, with the exception of franchise build out promises for major cities. Still, some of the forgotten regions in Verizon's footprint (like Alexandria, Baltimore, Buffalo & Boston) continue to hold out hope that the company will eventually decide to extend FiOS a little bit further.

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Company executives however continue to state there's no expansion plans. And even in major cities like New York (where Verizon promised 100% coverage by last year), people are only now starting to realize those goals will never be even remotely met. Even though the warning signs in Verizon's contract language were there for those who were paying attention.

Obviously impacted by Verizon's decision to back away from its fixed-line networks, the Communications Workers of America have launched a new "Where's My FiOS? campaign aimed at putting public pressure on Verizon to expand FiOS further -- and therefore spend a little more money on installations and union employees.

"When it received its franchise from New York City in 2008, Verizon promised FiOS would be available to every NYC resident by 2014," a union flyer being circulated in the city complains. "Now the company says it’s completed its obligations. But customers in many parts of New York City still can’t get FiOS. Instead, Verizon has cut 8500 jobs in New York State and slashed its workforce in New York City by 37% over the last decade."

Of course Verizon's been unmoved by years by customers pleading for FiOS upgrades, so it seems unlikely the CWA's campaign to add a few people to this grumbling chorus will have much of an impact. In fact, Verizon seems to be accelerating their abandonment of fixed-line networks if anything, as the recent sale of their FiOS and DSL customers in Florida, California and Texas can attest. There's plenty of additional DSL markets Verizon has made it repeatedly clear they have absolutely no interest in upgrading. In fact, they've been actively trying to drive many users to cable for several years.

Update: In an e-mail to DSLReports, Verizon defends its overall FiOS deployment record:
quote:
As you know, when we started the FiOS project more than 10 years ago, we said that we would pass 18M households. That has been accomplished, and we actually are well on our way to passing 20M HH. So, we have done what we said we would do…and then some.

Most recommended from 80 comments



birdfeedr
MVM
join:2001-08-11
Warwick, RI

4 recommendations

birdfeedr

MVM

What CWA is really all about

said by The Flyer :
In this contract year, we're fighting for our jobs—and to make sure every New Yorker can get the FiOS service they were promised. Please join the fight!
After the dash is secondary.
And if FiOS was 100% deployed in New York, it would overwhelm their network.

Zenit_IIfx
The system is the solution
Premium Member
join:2012-05-07
Purcellville, VA
·Comcast XFINITY

1 edit

4 recommendations

Zenit_IIfx

Premium Member

There are some easy FIOS expansion opportunities VZ has

Locally (in VA), I can think of 3 CO's that VZ has done a half baked FIOS build - missing either half or most of the population and leaving the equipment in the CO (purchased under Seidenberg) well under-utilized. Construction in the following locations would be cost of the cable and labor - the CO backhaul and gear is ready to go. The only limiting factor would be lack of TV franchises in some cases, even though the locations were perfectly willing to let VZ in on their terms. (And VZ was happy to do greenfield FIOS without said TV franchises)

VZ could rip out tons of copper and expand FTTH Internet/Phone without a franchise. With cord cutting being a real trend this would not be the worst decision in the world and it would finally get those Bell System era loops retired as they are WELL PAST EOL.

If McAdam was just a bit smart he would be moving to cut down the copper ASAP where the FIOS equipment exists, it only makes sense. They made the investment in the gear only to not use it?

IowaCowboy
Lost in the Supermarket
Premium Member
join:2010-10-16
Springfield, MA

3 recommendations

IowaCowboy

Premium Member

Add me to the list

Add me to the list of those who want FiOS. I personally think if VZ doesn't want their fixed line networks anymore, they should spin it off into a new company.
pittpete1
join:2009-06-12

3 recommendations

pittpete1

Member

Don't worry, wireless for all

Don't worry, wireless for all..Keep believing that VZ puts its customers first.
No FIOS for you!!!!

alchav
join:2002-05-17
Saint George, UT

2 recommendations

alchav

Member

Unions are Extinct

"Unions had their shot, and they were chosen for Extinction." Just like the Dinosaurs, they are a thing of the past. At one time they were needed, now they are only a burden. Who knows the pendulum might swing back.