Verizon

Verizon is a leading telecommunications operator in the US. It was formed in June 2000, with the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE.

Following its expansion plans, on 5 June 2008, Verizon announced its plans to acquire Alltel Corporation in an all cash deal worth USD 28.1 billion. The acquisition would enhance the company’s portfolio of products and services that it can offer to the customers of both the parties.

On 10 July 2008, Verizon launched FiOS TV for its business customers, delivered on its fibre optic network, which provides fibre to the premises. This network is unlike that of most other operators that only provide to the neighbourhood or street cabinet, using copper for the final connection to the premises. The service is launched in 13 states and includes a range of sports and other entertainment programming in SD and HD.

Verizon launched its FiOS TV over its FTTP network in September 2005. The operator had over 2.5 million FiOS TV customers by the middle of 2009. Although not all of these customers currently receive TV via IP, Verizon plans to migrate all subscribers to an IP platform eventually. IPTV is used to provision on-demand services. The users also have a choice of DIRECTV service which is available to the wholesale customers. This service is offered by Verizon Partner Solutions.