Verizon ended Comcast’s cable monopoly in Philly 15 years ago. The city plans to give Fios another 5 years.
“Ultimately, this agreement is advantageous for all citizens of Philadelphia as it addresses the growing importance of broadband connectivity in narrowing the disparity between individuals who have online access to information and resources and those who do not,” Melissa Scott, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s chief information officer, told Council.
Aside from that delay, it’s been a smooth path for the renewal. That’s a far cry from 2009, when lawmakers questioned whether Verizon would build out its network in disadvantaged neighborhoods at the same rate as wealthy ones and Comcast suggested its new competitor wasn’t being held to the same standards it was.on behalf of Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Verizon will continue to pay the city 5% of its gross revenue from Philly cable customers, the maximum rate allowed under federal law.
The deal also involves Verizon building out publicly accessible 1G broadband internet service to 183 Philadelphia Parks and Recreation facilities at a cost to the city of about $5 million over five years. Additionally, Verizon will extend the city’s internal network by installing dark fiber connection at the same facilities, with a price tag of $7.6 million over five years.