Verizon awarded a multi-year contract for Motorola to provide video network infrastructure and video consumer premises equipment related to Verizon's launch of video services on the company's new FTTP next year. Motorola will also provide project integration and operational services through its newly-formed Telecom Access Solutions business unit. Financial terms were not disclosed.
"This exciting new network we're building will lead to a true convergence of voice, data and video services on one network," said Paul Lacouture, president-Network Services Group for Verizon. "We currently deliver voice and high-speed data over this new network, and the available bandwidth that fiber provides makes the addition of video services the next logical step. http://www.motorola.comhttp://www.verizon.com
- Earlier this month, Verizon announced expanded FTTP deployment to homes and businesses in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia -- bringing to nine the total number of states where work is under way. The company had previously announced FTTP deployment in California, Florida and Texas as part its plan to pass some 1 million homes and businesses with the new technology this year. Verizon plans to pass some 2 million additional homes and businesses with the new technology next year. Verizon expects to make an $800 million capital investment in FTTP this year. Verizon also announced plans to hire between 3,000 and 5,000 new employees by the end of 2005 to help build the network.
- In September, Verizon Communications hired Terry Denson, former vice president of programming for Insight Communications, the ninth-largest cable operator in the country, to manage entertainment content and marketing strategies. As vice president of video programming and content marketing and strategy for Verizon, Denson will guide video product packaging, pricing and marketing strategies; video content acquisition and distribution agreements; and customer education, acquisition and retention planning.
- In February 2004, AFC signed a definitive agreement with Verizon to provide its FiberDirect solution for the carrier's FTTP initiative. Under the terms of the agreement -- which extends through 2008 -- AFC's FiberDirect solution will provide Verizon with the central office and premises electronics, or "active" elements.
