Brookhaven strikes tentative deal with Verizon FiOS, breaks Optimum’s cable monopoly

The Town of Brookhaven has reached a tentative franchise agreement with Verizon to bring FiOS cable TV and internet service to residents who have long had little choice beyond Optimum, officials announced this week.

The proposed five-year deal is nonexclusive and must clear a public hearing before the Brookhaven Town Board — scheduled for 5:30 p.m. April 16 at Town Hall in Farmingville — followed by approval from the New York State Public Service Commission.

“We are at the finish line of a long road to ensure competition in the marketplace for our residents,” Supervisor Dan Panico said. “For decades people have tried; together we will achieve this needed competition.”

Verizon’s fiber network currently reaches roughly 38% of the town. Panico said the company has committed to expanding that buildout if demand warrants.

“So many will be able to sign up, and depending how that goes it may lead to opportunities for others — but this is a major first step toward competition in the marketplace,” he said.

Verizon said in a statement to Newsday it plans to offer competitive cable service in areas where its FiOS broadband network is already active.

Brookhaven’s agreement with Fios would end what Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich called an effective monopoly.

Brookhaven currently holds a franchise agreement with Optimum, the only cable provider operating townwide.

Kornreich said he voted against the last Optimum/Altice franchise renewal over concerns about pricing, customer service and accountability, and said the new deal gives residents the leverage they’ve been missing.

“For way too long, Brookhaven residents have basically had one choice for their cable provider and too little leverage,” Kornreich said. “Today, I am very pleased to announce that Brookhaven is moving forward with a Verizon FiOS TV franchise agreement that introduces a second cable provider in our town and a true choice for our residents.”

Cable companies are required to secure franchise agreements before operating within a municipality.

Verizon provides phone service in Brookhaven but had previously declined to expand its FiOS cable service there, according to prior Newsday reporting.

Top: GLI file photo