Verizon is expected to hold talks with state regulatory officials on Wednesday regarding the company's plans to bring the company's new fiber-optic television service, FiOS TV, to Rhode Island.

The statement was made at a public hearing of the state Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, which is currently considering Verizon's request for a TV franchise in the Service Area 6.

The telecommunications company has already established most of its fiber network in Service Area 6 and is currently providing its internet service in seven Rhode Island communities.

Consumers in Rhode Island should be able to choose their cable provider as easily as they choose their phone company, said Cupelo.

Competition drives innovation, value and service quality, and it puts the consumer in control, Donna Cupelo, Verizon region president for Massachusetts and Rhode Island said.

According to Verizon, the company already offers FiOS TV in seven states: California, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Texas and Virginia. It will soon begin offering FiOS TV in Delaware, Indiana, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Broadband Electronics