Verizon to Phase Out Analog FiOS TV Signals in Texas Next Month

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Verizon to Phase Out Analog FiOS TV Signals in Texas Next Month

5:45 am on August 27, 2008 | Category: Telecom Services, Television, Regulation

Verizon Communications has announced that, effective September 22, it will stop broadcasting analog signals to its FiOS TV customers in Texas.

This will bring Verizon into compliance with the FCC-mandated transition to digital television, ahead of the February 2009 deadline.

Up until now, Verizon has simulcast analog versions of local TV channels, allowing subscribers to access them on multiple TV sets without using a set-top box.

After the analog service is shut off, Verizon will provide its FiOS TV customers with free digital set-top boxes. The free devices will be basic models, however, and users will have to pay extra for a set-top box capable of accessing FiOS’ video-on-demand service, or the interactive program guide.

Verizon has already phased out analog TV signals in a number of regions including, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and northern Virginia.