WashingtonPost Front Page Business Article

OK, so it's been months since my last post... June to be exact.

But, I have not stopped inquiring about FIOS in DC (or lack thereof).

I've talked with DC City officials who said they would look into it, haven't heard anything. I've talked with other DC City officials who said they didn't know. I've emailed the Mayor... inquities like that, but no luck.

But TODAY there is a front page business section Page D1 article in the Washington Post that discusses this exact issue... so I'm not alone.

In any case, the article is called "Fios in You Neighborhood? Don't Ask Verizon" by Rob Pegoraro Sept 27, 2007.

Here's a small blurb from the article...

"Searching for service by typing in a District address on Verizon's Web site generated only a bland, meaningless assurance: "Our network is continually being expanded." Verizon's public relations department was no more informative.
"We've not announced plans at this point for D.C.," spokeswoman Christy Reap wrote in an e-mail."

So, I have nothing new to announce for those of you eager for FiOS in DC but at least it's getting some attention from the media.

Maybe that will help?!

Called Verizon FiOS folks

OK, so I called Verizon FiOS folks again today to see when FiOS may be available in DC. I've done this before (every few months) just to see if they say something different.

Nope, no FiOS in DC, no date announced. Why? Verizon "Not Sure. It is available in MD and VA". It's odd but they say to call your elected officials to find out the status. Interesting...

(The thing is, I know there must be a simple answer, but what is it!?) and, most importantly, why can't DC residents get it????

From washingtonpost.com blog on FiOS not in DC theories

Not sure if what is said here is true but it does kinda seem that way. maybe one day this can get confirmed.

Scroll towards the bottom of the washingtonpost blog listing...

Here's a sample posting:

"My theory as to why FiOS is not yet available in DC deals with the snub that DC gave Verizon when they booted them out of their longstanding contract with the city. DC Office of the CTO (OCTO) then invoked an old law, took over the fiber right-of-way, and laid their own fiber (plenty of it dark for future expansion) for city government use. In other words, with the exception of residential telephone service, Verizon was out. It will undoubtedly take DC Council action to bring them back in, but I say if you are looking for short term competition with Comcast why not try RCN?"
Posted by: HateComcast March 28, 2007 10:14 PM

Entire blog from washingtonpost...
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2007/03/fios_to_launch_washington_tv_c.html

Why this blog?

I've setup this blog to post information about the lack of FIOS or fiber highspeed Internet in Washington, DC. And, hopefully, one day, status of when it's coming and will be available.

I'm slowly seeing more and more info but not sure why VA and MD have more and more availablility but in DC there is nothing and no plans, it seems.

So, I'll post info I find and hopefully others can post and add more updates.

And, before anyone asks, the simple answer is... cable high speed Internet is way too expensive if you don't want to have cable TV.