Rockville Central readers know that getting FiOS (Verizon's fiber optic tv/phone/Internet/everything system) into Rockville is an interest of mine. Reader Neal B. recently asked for an update on how talks between the City and Verizon were going, and I asked City Manager Scott Ullery for a status report.
Here is what he reports:
After some promising progress several weeks ago, the negotiating teams got bogged down again. As a result, I've gotten personally involved in these negotiations with a higher level Verizon official. We've spoken twice on the phone, and after rescheduling a couple of times, he and I will meet next week.
I am optimistic about getting this on track and to a conclusion. We're just trying to get Verizon to bear the city's cost of reviewing the plans and inspecting the work. We really want Verizon to build the system in Rockville. Verizon needs to use the public's right-of-way to carry out their business, and the city is responsible for ensuring that's done properly and at minimal expense to the taxpayers. We'd also like Verizon to commit to a more aggressive construction schedule. The company claims it wants to serve Rockville, but won't commit to building the system for several years.
Stay tuned (pun!). Things appear to be moving, possibly.
I want my FiOS.
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8 comments -- add yours!:
Why can't Rockville city officials agree to the same ROW pricing structure that Montgomery County has agreed to? It's the same job performed by people with similar skills. Why would it cost more $/foot to inspect fiber cable being installed in Rockville than it does in Bethesda? It shouldn't and Rockville is simply trying to make a little extra $$ on the back of Verizon. Wake up Rockville you're still stuck in the 1980's while every other jurisdiction around us is zooming ahead! It's time more of us speak up at the Citizens forum and make our opinions heard.
I'm a Rockvile resident who is impatiently awaiting FIOS in Rockshire. We need to petition our council members. I will be sending my councilperson an email.
I'm Rockshire resident as well and I need FIOS as well.
However I got feeling that our city officials are more concern on maintaining Comcast monopoly on Highspeed internet and TV.
I'm new to this area, so if any one can tell me what I shoul do (call, email , send regular mail and etc) I would really appreciate it.
Hi, all. I just moved to Rose Hill Falls (off Great Falls Rd in Rockville) from Maine, where I was an activist in the access-to-broadband issue for rural areas. The problem was more acute there, to be sure, but I would love to freed from my current Comcast chains.
Obviously Rockville's town government needs to recognize that it will do more for the town if it makes it easier for Verizon to offer FIOS here. Inserting extra costs in hopes of bringing in some revenue for the city is not in its long-term best interests.
I just made a short post over on broadbandreports.com:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/fiberoptics?r=759
Maybe a few more folks will join the discussion here and we can formulate a plan.
Anyone know where to find political contribution's that were made to the Rockville City council and the mayor?
Hey everyone, thanks for commenting. As you know I want FiOS as much as the next guy, maybe more so.
I do happen to know that negotiations between city and Vz are going well and in a recent forum the city manager said that Verizon had come around (or was close to coming around) on most of the relevant points. I do not know the details, but I am hopeful and I will invite the city manager to give an update.
Hey guys, see here.
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