By Keith Reed, Globe Staff
WALTHAM -- Now the phone company is getting into the TV business.
Verizon Communications Inc. yesterday showed off its new television service that will compete with cable by using fiber-optic lines, which can carry a dizzying amount of voice, data, and video at speeds impossible over the existing wires running into most homes. Verizon hopes to eventually replace with fiber optics all of the copper wire that currently carries its voice and data products to consumers.
In the process, the company is positioning itself to offer services that, until now, many consumers haven't even dreamed of, such as allowing TV viewers to interactively search for programming using keywords, much like a Google search, or dial up a live view of traffic on local roads. Although some places are already wired with fiber optics, the TV service should be available in some Massachusetts communities beginning next year.
Verizon's focus on fiber optics is the cornerstone of its nascent transformation into a content delivery company. It's betting the investment will help it beat back competition from cable and Internet telephony companies for subscribers, especially as demand for content in the home is expected to increase.