Verizon plans to build FiOS in Boston

After years of refusing to build-out FiOS to new cities, Verizon now says it will bring its fiber service to Boston. A six-year, $300 million deployment will begin this year, with Dorchester, West Roxbury and Dudley Square scheduled to be the first neighborhoods to get the service.

Verizon’s fiber deal with Boston follows the Kansas City Google model. The city helps with permits and rights-of-way, and lets the company build first based on advance customer sign-ups.

Verizon’s fiber build in Boston is integrated with its next-generation 5G wireless deployment. 5G wireless architecture requires thousands of small cells linked to a ubiquitous fiber network -- changing the economics for fiber expansion.

Building out FiOS was a major demand by Verizon workers during their recent strike, though there’s no word yet on when or if Verizon will build FiOS to the other East Coast cities whose mayors want the service.

Links:

Verizon calls an end to FiOS build-out… again (Speed Matters, Jan. 29, 2016)

Verizon's Boston FiOS build could be a blueprint for further expansion (FierceTelecom, June 6, 2016)

Verizon strike gains strength, support from presidential candidates and elected officials (Speed Matters, Apr. 19, 2016)

East Coast mayors blast Verizon: Stop stalling, start building high-speed Internet (Speed Matters, Oct. 5, 2015)