Verizon, showing that it’s serious this time about upgrading its networks, disclosed an initial list of vendors and short-term timelines for an ambitious fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) project.

Verizon expects to begin FTTP deployment and product rollouts in 2004, aiming to offer a triple-play of voice, video and data services. The company expects to pass about 1 million homes with FTTP in 2004, and possibly double that figure in 2005. In the first half of 2004, Verizon expects to begin early deployments in at least two communities, and extend FTTP technology to more than 100 central offices across nine states by the end of 2004.

Verizon said it selected Advanced Fibre Communications Inc., Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, Pirelli Communications Cables and Systems North America and Fiber Optic Network Solutions as its primary vendors. AFC will provide the central office and premises optical electronics, or “active” components of the project. The other three vendors will provide the “passive” elements, including fiber-optic cabling and other outside plant equipment. Verizon said its is still talking with other passive element vendors.

The RBOC said the vendor selection completes the second “major” phase of the project, which was formally introduced in May when Verizon, BellSouth and SBC adopted technical standards for FTTP and issues a joint request for proposal to the equipment suppliers.

Moving forward, Verizon said it needs to receive assurances that it would not be forced to share its investment in FTTP with other providers, “as is the case with copper facilities.”

“This sort of regulation will only serve to deter our investment in these new technologies,” Verizon warned.