Oct 17 2007
Residents of the 1,416-unit Eastchester Heights apartment complex in the Eastchester section of the Bronx now have Verizon's FiOS Internet service at their fingertips, delivered on the nation's most advanced digital all-fiber-optic network right into their homes. With FiOS Internet, they get download speeds of up to 50 Mbps (megabits per second).
"We have been upgrading the property, and we're very pleased to make available the latest technology, Verizon's FiOS, which will give our residents the bandwidth to support their Internet experiences today as well as into the future," said John Weir, senior vice president of Taconic Investment Partners, co-owner of Eastchester Heights.
Eric Cevis, vice president of Verizon Enhanced Communities, said, "Bringing FiOS to Eastchester Heights reflects our vigorous effort to expand the buildout of our all-fiber-optic network to more and more places in New York City. Residents at Eastchester Heights, along with consumers who live in other parts of the five boroughs where FiOS Internet is available, will truly be amazed when they surf the Internet or download feature films with FiOS."
Downloading a 1.2 gigabyte, or 90-minute, standard-definition movie on a 50 Mbps connection takes about three minutes.
Verizon's FiOS network also is used to deliver FiOS TV, an all-digital, feature-rich service that could be made available to Eastchester Heights once a local franchise is granted. TV service providers are required by law to negotiate franchises with municipalities they hope to serve.
Verizon is the only major telecom company whose network has earned the certification of the independent Fiber to the Home Council for providing fiber all the way to customers' homes.
In New York, Verizon's FiOS Internet service offers download speeds of up to 10, 20 and 50 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps. Verizon is constructing its all-fiber-optic network throughout the state. FiOS Internet service is available in many parts of the five boroughs of New York, and FiOS TV service is available on Long Island and in Westchester and Rockland counties.
Taconic Investment Partners, in partnership with co-owner ING Clarion, is renovating the apartments at Eastchester Heights with new kitchens and bathrooms; improving the playground facilities, lighting and landscaping; and upgrading security. The tree-lined complex spans five city blocks, with abundant shopping on its perimeter.