Verizon TV agreement sparks questions

Mar 14, 2023

LAKEVILLE — Despite questions being raised as to why the company will not provide service to certain homes, Lakeville has renewed its cable TV agreement with Verizon New England.

At the Monday, March 13 Select Board meeting, Cable TV Advisory Committee members noted that Verizon will not provide cable service in private developments. Verizon will provide service to homes along public ways in Lakeville.

Cable TV Advisory Committee Chair Robert Marshall said that he has put out a request for a map of Verizon’s service areas in town, but Verizon has said that is “proprietary information.” 

Marshall wants to provide a map of coverage areas to the public so residents can make an informed decision about whether or not Verizon will provide service to their house.

“It’s not perfect, but it’s the best we can get,” Marshall said of the agreement.

Select Board member Rich LaCamera asked if Comcast, the town’s other cable provider, has a record of not providing service to certain residences in town like Verizon has.

“There is no example of Comcast not providing services” to residences in Lakeville, Marshall said.

During negotiations, Verizon cited economic conditions as the reason why it will cover fewer homes, according to Marshall.