OREANDA-NEWS. April 30, 2014. Rhode Island’s consumers, businesses and government agencies continued to benefit from Verizon’s 2013 investment of more than USD 78 million in its industry-leading fiber-optic and Internet Protocol-based networks, including the completion of its award-winning all-fiber FiOS network in 29 communities.

The FiOS network in Rhode Island, the construction of which began in 2006, now reaches approximately 87 percent of residents and businesses in the state. FiOS voice, Internet and TV services, offered on what is widely recognized as the most advanced network anywhere, are now available to some 443,000 residences and businesses in 29 of Rhode Island’s 39 communities. The amount of fiber Verizon has deployed in Rhode Island now totals more than 6,000 miles, enough to stretch from Woonsocket to Westerly and back 100 times.

“We are proud to serve Rhode Island and build an all-fiber network that is already bringing tremendous benefits to its residents and businesses and will continue to do so for decades to come,” said Allison G. Cole, Verizon’s New England region president of consumer and mass markets. “No company has done more to invest in technology and the economic future of this state. Rhode Island is growing its reputation in technology, education, and healthcare -- and the new state-of-the-art Verizon wireless and fiber-optic networks play a huge role in building that competitive advantage.”

Verizon’s major initiatives in 2013 in Rhode Island included:

Completing the expansion of the company’s award-winning 100 percent fiber-optic FiOS voice, Internet and TV services in all licensed FiOS communities, bringing competition and cable choice to residents and businesses in those communities. FiOS voice, Internet and TV services are now available to more than 443,000 Rhode Island homes and businesses in 29 cities and towns.

With an \\$11,500 grant, renewed its sponsorship of the Founder’s League, a technology incubator that provides support for startup companies that are catalysts for Rhode Island’s economic growth.

Selected two Rhode Island schools, Smithfield High School and Western Hills Middle School in Cranston, as two of 24 Best in Region winners of the Verizon Innovation App Challenge. Each school will receive a USD 5,000 grant to support STEM programs. The goal of the app challenge is to increase student interest and knowledge in STEM subjects and mobile technology through an engaging and empowering learning experience.

Improved phone service for thousands of Rhode Island residential and small-business customers who had repeat repair issues by upgrading their service from copper to the company's advanced, all-fiber infrastructure. Nationwide, Verizon now serves more landline customers on its all-fiber infrastructure than on its legacy copper network. Fiber is less susceptible than copper to moisture and water damage, and offers a better overall service experience.

“Verizon’s advanced networks enable commerce to thrive, businesses to open new markets, students to learn and parents to stay in touch with their children,” said Cole. “Our new networks have removed traditional technological boundaries, empowering people and businesses to connect however, whenever and wherever they want. This ‘borderless lifestyle’ brings great benefits to our customers, employees, suppliers and communities.”