Verizon Signs Showtime for FiOS Video

Verizon announced today that it signed on Showtime Networks as a content provider for the Verizon FiOS TV service scheduled to launch later this year. Verizon's massive rollout of fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) is positioning it as a strong triple-play provider in many markets in the the near future. Showtime will provide premium movie services over FiOS.

Today's announcement is available at:

Verizon Signs Agreement With Showtime Networks for Premium Movie Services

Last week we picked up announcements of Verizon's video content deals with A&E Television Networks and NBC Universal Cable -- see those releases below:

Verizon and A&E Television Networks Sign Deal for Distribution of All Its Networks

Verizon and NBC Universal Cable Reach Extensive Agreement for Distribution of NBCU Cable and Broadcast Networks

So -- if the telcos are going to be providing TV programming, should they be regulated in the same way as the cable companies? 'Of course!' says Comcast. 'Certainly not!' says SBC. For reporting on this issue, see Bob Liu's article:

SBC: IP Video Service Isn't Cable

We also discussed this question in our TMCnet podcast last week. To listen to that program right now, click here to call up the MP3 file -- or go here to subscribe to our weekly communications podcast.

AB -- 4/26/05