With the construction of Verizon’s fiber-optic network in more Maryland communities, residents in parts of Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties soon will experience one of the most significant advancements in telecommunications technology in the past 100 years.

The company’s new fiber-optic network will deliver faster data speeds and crystal-clear voice to customers – and also has the capability to offer a full suite of future video services. Verizon launched its fiber-optic network in Maryland last year in Montgomery County and is offering high-speed Internet service in several communities on this network. The company will seek a franchise agreement from local authorities before offering cable service in a particular community.

Known as fiber-to-the-premises, or FTTP, the fiber-optic network uses hair-thin strands of fiber and optical electronics to directly link homes and businesses to Verizon’s network. The new network replaces the traditional copper-wire connections and will unleash a range of advanced communications services.

Verizon is building its fiber network in a number of locations in the four counties, including Annapolis, Arden on the Severn, Arnold, Bowie, Brink, Boyds, Brookeville, Burtonsville, Cabin John, Chevy Chase View, Claggettsville, Clarksburg, Cloverly, Columbia, Crofton, Crownsville, Damascus, Dorrs Corner, Fairland, Forest Glen, Four Corners, Gambrills, Garrett Park, Germantown, Glen Echo, Glenmont, Glenn Dale, Guilford, Herald Harbor, Kensington, Kettering, Laurel, Milestone Subdivision, Millersville, Mitchellville, North Bethesda, North Silver Spring, Oakmont, Old Mill, Olney, Parole, Pointer Ridge, Pooks Hill, Potomac, Severna Park, Shipley’s Choice, Silver Spring, Spencerville, Wheaton, White Oak and Woodmore.

As this FTTP construction continues, one of Verizon’s three contractors in this area – CableCom LLC, NTI LLC, and S & N Communications – will notify residents in advance when construction is scheduled to begin in their neighborhoods. To lessen inconvenience and reduce the impact on local streets, Verizon and its contractors use the latest installation techniques and existing underground cable pathways or utility poles, or both, whenever possible. Residents can call their respective contractor toll-free with any construction questions: CableCom LLC (800-322-6852); NTI LLC (866-796-7770); and S & N Communications (800-757-6842).

Fiber offers tremendous advantages to network operators, in addition to new and superior services for customers. For example, fiber offers reliable service in stretches of wet weather that can affect copper-based networks.

Customer reaction to Verizon’s new fiber-based Internet access service, called FiOS (FYE’-ose), has been very positive, with broadband subscribers more than doubling in the company’s inaugural FiOS market of Keller, Texas, just outside Dallas/Fort Worth. In Maryland, FiOS Internet Service currently is available to many Montgomery County residential customers.

For more information about Verizon FiOS, see our Verizon FiOS category or our article, "Have you caught the FiOS fever?"