Verizon has introduced FiOS TV to three more communities north of Boston, making a broad range of programming choices and superior picture quality available to 57,500 residents. Burlington, North Reading and Winchester join Lynnfield, Reading and Woburn as the first Bay State markets for the company's new fiber-optic television service, delivered over the only all-digital, fiber network that is being made available, on a mass scale, to millions of individual homes and businesses.

Also today, Verizon announced that on Tuesday (June 27) the Board of Selectmen in Stoneham, Mass., unanimously approved Verizon's request for a 10-year cable-TV franchise license to provide FiOS TV in that community of 22,000.

Verizon launched FiOS TV in Keller, Texas, last September and began taking orders in Woburn in February. The company also has begun offering the service elsewhere in Texas, as well as in parts of New York, California, Florida, Maryland, and Virginia.

"FiOS TV gives consumers an outstanding, superior alternative for their video entertainment," said Donna Cupelo, Verizon region president for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. "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," said Cupelo.

Residents in these communities who are FiOS TV-eligible now have the option to trim their monthly bills by bundling FiOS TV service, FiOS Internet service and the Verizon Freedom Value unlimited calling plan, all for $104.85.

Service highlights include:

• A broad collection of all-digital programming and compelling consumer choice.
• A lead offer with more than 180 all-digital video and music channels, for $34.95 a month with Verizon FiOS Internet Service or a qualifying voice plan for $39.95 a month as a stand-alone service.
• More than 20 high-definition channels, with extraordinary clarity and theater-quality sound.
• More than 2,200 On Demand titles available to customers now, increasing to over 3,500 titles in the next several months. Many of them are free.
• Channels grouped by genres such as entertainment, sports, news, shopping, movies and family, 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 DVR that gives customers the freedom to pause and rewind live TV, record one show while watching another, and fast forward to their favorite part of the program - all without a VCR, tapes or DVDs.

Information on packages and prices is available at www.verizon.net/fiostv. Burlington, North Reading and Winchester customers also can call 1-800-880-2943 to see if they're able to order FiOS TV.

Verizon is currently in negotiations with more than 40 other communities in Massachusetts to obtain additional franchises. For more information on the Verizon franchise process in the state, visit www.verizon.com/ma.

Verizon research indicates 87 percent of Massachusetts residents favor more competition and choice for video services. Independent studies have shown that competition in the video market brings enormous benefits to consumers in the form of reduced prices, better packages and improved service.