Statement From Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey on the New Jersey State Senate Approval of the Cable Choice Act (S-192)

Statement From Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey on the New Jersey State Senate Approval of the Cable Choice Act (S-192)

NEWARK, N.J., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Jersey State Senate today approved the Cable Choice Act (S-192). The bill authorizes a competitive systemwide franchise for certain providers of cable television services. As such, the bill would streamline New Jersey's 34-year-old video franchise laws and allow new entrants to compete with cable television companies. The following statement can be attributed to Dennis Bone, president of Verizon New Jersey.

"We applaud the New Jersey Senate for taking a huge step toward opening the state's cable TV market to true choice and competition. Consumers in New Jersey are one giant step closer to seeing the true benefits of competition: more choices, competitive prices and improved cable television services.

"This legislation could soon bring long-needed updates to the state's 34- year-old cable franchise laws --- laws that are out of date with technology, out of touch with consumer demands, and serve only to delay choice and competition.

"We commend Sen. Joe Doria, Sen. Anthony Bucco, Assemblyman Wilfredo Caraballo and all legislative leaders and supporters who have moved to bring rapid competition to communities and deliver significant benefits to the marketplace, municipalities and the state.

"We're optimistic the full Assembly will also approve the cable choice bill on Monday (May 22), which will finally open the New Jersey market to Verizon and potentially many additional service providers."

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Source: Verizon

CONTACT: Rich Young of Verizon, +1-973-649-2279, richard.j.young@verizon.com

Web site: http://www.verizon.com/

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