Verizon announced that many residents in Loudoun County and Leesburg are now eligible for FiOS TV, offering a true choice for subscription television and on-demand programming via the company's all-digital, fiber-optic network. Verizon is the first company to offer such a communications network, connecting homes and businesses directly to fiber optics on a widespread scale.

Verizon is now taking orders for its fiber-optic TV services in the Town of Leesburg and parts of Loudoun County. The company continues to upgrade to an all-fiber network, and more residents will be able to order the service in the coming months.

Verizon obtained cable franchises from Loudoun County on June 20 and the Town of Leesburg on June 27. Verizon has been granted franchises in a total of 11 jurisdictions in Virginia to date.

"Residents in Loudoun County and Leesburg now have an outstanding, superior choice for their video entertainment," said Robert W. Woltz Jr., president of Verizon Virginia. "Customers who liked what FiOS did for their Internet connection will love what it does for their TV. We've harnessed the speed and capacity of fiber-based broadband with the power of broadcast to create a revolutionary, new entertainment experience."

Service highlights of FiOS TV include:

• A broad collection of all-digital programming and compelling consumer choice.
• An initial service package of more than 180 digital video and music channels for $34.95, when combined with high-speed Internet service or a calling plan. With an annual savings agreement, customers can waive the monthly standard definition set-top box fee of $3.95.
• More than 20 high-definition (HD) channels, with extraordinary clarity and theater-quality sound.
• Over 2,500 on-demand titles available to customers now, increasing to over 3,500 titles in the next several months.
• Channels grouped by programming genres such as entertainment, sports, news, shopping, movies and family entertainment, making it easy for audiences to find their favorite programming.
• An easy-to-use interactive programming guide that integrates HD programming, on-demand content and the digital video recorder along with broadcast television into a seamless user experience.
• A dual-tuner, HD-capable Digital Video Recorder (DVR) that gives customers the freedom to pause and rewind live TV, record two shows simultaneously, and fast forward to their favorite part of the program - all without a VCR, tapes or DVDs.