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Cable Technology Feature Article

June 23, 2010

Verizon Debuts Zona Latina for FiOS TV Customers

By Raju Shanbhag, TMCnet Contributor


The Spanish language customers of Verizon FiOS (News - Alert) now have something to cheer about. The company has recently introduced Zona Latina, the first one-stop shop for FiOS' Spanish-language programming.
 
Verizon (News - Alert) FiOS is a bundled communications service, operating over a fiber-optic communications network. Through FiOS, the Verizon has become the first major U.S. carrier to offer fiber to the home/premises. As of 2009[update] the number of homes with FiOS availability was 12.7 million, of which 3.1 million subscribe to the Internet service.
 
Zona Latina offers access to Spanish-language programming including an interactive guide, premium movies and video-on-demand (VOD) titles. Located on the FiOS TV Widget home screen and in the featured section of FiOS TV Widgets, it allows music lovers to link to Latin music channels. Also, soccer fans can follow Univision's exclusive Spanish-language coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which includes match replays and the latest tournament news.
 
“Once again, Verizon is demonstrating our commitment to personalize the TV experience by offering customers choices and flexibility," said Shawn Strickland, vice president of consumer strategy for Verizon. "This Spanish-language interactive destination addresses our customers' needs and puts them in the driver's seat, letting them enjoy TV the way they want and expect.”
 
Zona Latina can be used to learn about Verizon's Spanish Language Package, which offers 27 popular Spanish channels such as Galavision, ESPN (News - Alert) Deportes, Gol TV, CNN en espanol, Discovery Familia and other family favorites. Featuring channels such as La Familia Cosmovisio -- with programming that honors Hispanic culture through music, children's programs and talk shows, the Spanish Language package is available for $11.99 per month
 
Recently, the company announced it will offer free one month FiOS Internet and television subscription to its customers, meaning the company will not charge any fees if customers terminate their services after a month. The new offer is one of the company’s strategies to hold its customers back, given the uncertainty surrounding the economy, finds Zacks Investment Research . Verizon spends around $1,350 to install FiOS Internet and television services.

Raju Shanbhag is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Raju’s articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Alice Straight