Verizon Makes Statement About Schwarzenegger's Broadband Efforts

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order on Friday (October 27th., 2006) which does two things: 1) streamlines the process it takes to build high-speed networks in California and 2) names a special task force which will look at inititiaves to make California the leading state when it comes to broadband deployment. Verizon, of course, was pleased by the announcement and issued the following statement:

We are encouraged by Gov. Schwarzenegger's executive order committing to increase broadband access and deployment of high-speed networks to benefit the residents and the economy of California. Verizon is already in the process of upgrading its network in California, investing hundreds of millions of dollars and creating thousands of jobs over the past two years to build an unparalleled fiber-optic network in our service territory. This all-fiber network already provides thousands of California households with new choices in television programming and data connections of up to 30 megabits per second. Networks like this will make possible the groundbreaking broadband applications of the future, such as the telemedicine technology that the governor showcased Friday.

Verizon Wireless already has a large presence in California.