Verizon said today that it is phasing out several duplicate analog channels on its FiOS TV service in Texas.
In April, Verizon announced that it would cease broadcasting analog channels on its FiOS TV service ahead of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-mandated transition to all-digital signals, which is scheduled for Feb. 17. The telco said that it will phase out the analog channels on a regional basis, with the transition in Texas slated to start on Sept. 22.
Verizon has provided the duplicate channels so that digital subscribers can view limited programming in an analog format without using a set-top box. As for the telco’s customers who subscribe to a service that solely offers the duplicate analog channels, Verizon said that it will provide them with a free digital adapter.
Verizon also announced that it has added 75 new channels, including 55 high-definition (HD) channels, in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Verizon continued its strategy of offering a free DVR service to go with the additional channels, which it has done with the launch of additional channels in other markets this year.
Verizon said that subscribers who sign up for its video service between today and Oct. 4 are eligible for a year’s free use of either an HD digital video recorder (DVR) or an HD home media DVR.
To further lure customers away from cable and satellite providers, Verizon is also offering new FiOS TV customers – or existing customers who upgrade to a bundled package – one free month of HBO and Cinemax, which includes more than 25 premium channels and access to hundreds of additional titles on video-on-demand (VOD). Verizon said that new customers who take advantage of this offer could save between $200 and $260.
Verizon competes with RCN, Comcast and Charter in the states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island and now claims to have more HD channels than any of the above cable operators in those areas.
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• Verizon phases out analog in Texas, adds HD in other states
• U-verse arrives in South Bend
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