PHILADELPHIA -- The future of television is arriving for consumers in dozens of communities in the greater Philadelphia area as Verizon introduces FiOS TV over its revolutionary fiber-optic network, the first such rollout in the tri-state area.

At a news conference today to announce the rollout, the company also announced the availability of Comcast SportsNet-Philadelphia for FiOS TV subscribers and described several new features that will launch in all FiOS TV markets in 2007.

Verizon delivers FiOS TV over the nation's largest digital, all-fiber network. Only Verizon's FiOS network has earned the certification of the independent Fiber to the Home Council for providing fiber all the way to customers' homes.

"This is great news for consumers in the tri-state area who have waited a long time for a better choice in TV service," said William B. Petersen, president of Verizon Pennsylvania. "FiOS TV will bring something to consumers they've never had before: incredible picture and sound clarity and innovative new services - all from a brand they know and trust. Customers who liked what FiOS has done for their Internet connection will love what it does for their TV."

In southeastern Pennsylvania , Verizon FiOS TV is available now to 80,000 households in parts of 35 communities in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. The company expects that number to increase to 100,000 households by the end of the year.

In Delaware, Verizon plans to offer FiOS TV to 13,000 households in the southern New Castle County area by the end of the year.

In New Jersey, under the state's new streamlined video franchise law, Verizon has announced plans to offer FiOS TV over its all-fiber network in 316 communities in the next few years. With state approval of Verizon's plan expected in mid-December, the company expects to have FiOS TV available in dozens of communities in New Jersey by the end of this year -- including South Jersey.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ)