Even without state legislation that would let Verizon offer cable television everywhere, the company appears to be making a strong push to compete with Comcast in South Jersey.
Tuesday, the phone company pitched its cable service to the Haddonfield Borough Commission. Over the next month, company representatives plan to attend hearings in six other Camden County municipalities in a quest to gain cable franchises there, as well.
It’s encouraging to see a competitor entering the long-monopolized cable market in South Jersey, the company has said. However, to make the best profit Verizon will need work to ensure its cable packages are available in all communities, rich and poor.
Residents in Haddonfield, Haddon Heights, Barrington and other communities should be encouraged by the idea of having a choice of cable providers. Choice very likely means lower prices and better service. In Haddonfield, Verizon representatives said the company could possibly offer a basic cable package of more than 200 channels for $39.95 per month.
All South Jerseyans deserve to have a choice between Comcast, Verizon and any other companies that can offer cable television. That’s why the state Legislature could approve a bill that would, in one fell swoop, allow Verizon to offer its cable service everywhere in the state.
However, until that bill passes, Verizon will work on securing franchise approvals in all South Jersey communities.
Even without state legislation that would let Verizon offer cable television everywhere, the company appears to be making a strong push to compete with Comcast in South Jersey.
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