From CWA, Communications Workers of America

Looks like the unions are engaged in this issue, too!

Here's a recent email that was sent by CWA. The name in the text below has been changed but the email text is word for word:
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Dear "Joe",

Verizon is leaving DC behind.

The telecom giant is investing in new networks and services—including cable TV and super-fast Internet—in the suburbs, but it's ignoring District of Columbia residents like you. That means people in DC are missing out on the faster access, improved service quality, and economic growth enjoyed by folks in Virginia and Maryland.

That's not right, and Connect-DC is committed to fixing it.

Connect-DC is a partnership between CWA Local 2336 and DC Jobs with Justice, a workers' rights organization. With the support of the Speed Matters campaign, they have been raising awareness about Verizon's neglect of the District of Columbia. You may have already seen
Connect-DC's ads on buses throughout the city. Now, Connect-DC is stepping up its efforts ahead of this week's city government hearings on Verizon's service quality. Help us collect more information so we can hold Verizon accountable for the current state of its DC network. If you are a Verizon customer, please take a moment to complete our customer survey:

http://www.connect-dc.org

Verizon has been building its world-class, high speed FiOS network throughout the DC metropolitan area—but not in DC. It's moved more than a third of its jobs from the District to the suburbs, so the advances made outside DC come at the expense of service inside the District.
While Fairfax and Montgomery Counties are reaping the benefits of FiOS, DC residents are stuck with an aging copper network that provides unreliable phone and slower Internet service. And Verizon has shown little willingness to devote the necessary time and money to maintain its existing cables.

That means District of Columbia residents remain stuck on the wrong side of the Digital Divide, missing out on new technologies that are essential to quality service, good jobs, and economic development. DC students may not be able to access online educational tools. Elderly residents may not have the reliable phone service they need. And the city's economy may miss out on the thousands of jobs created by FiOS. Help us understand the full extent of Verizon's service troubles in DC by completing our short survey:

http://www.connect-dc.org

It's time DC residents stop letting Verizon leave the city behind. Do your part to protect DC schools, businesses, and communities by filling out our Verizon customer service survey today:

http://www.connect-dc.org

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,
Beth Allen
speedmatters.org Online Mobilzation Coordinator

Statement from the DC Office of the People's Counsel

From the Office of the People's Counsel for the District of Columbia.
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The article is titled FiOS: MYTH OR REALITY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Interesting Q and A from the article...

What can concerned citizens do who want FiOS in D.C.?

Contact Verizon, and let your voice be heard. The Office encourages interested residents to contact the Company directly regarding its deployment plans.

Also, a statement from Verizon DC Vice President, Hank Ambrose:

When will Verizon offer FiOS in D.C.?

Based on the Office’s request for information regarding the deployment of FiOS in the District, Verizon DC Vice President, Hank Ambrose said, “Building a network as complex and far-reaching as our FiOS network takes time, and it will take awhile to get to all areas in which we will eventually deploy. The deployment of FiOS in the District will be based on whether it is a prudent business decision for Verizon.”

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.