NEWARK, N.J. -- Verizon announced plans to make its industry-leading FiOS TV service available to about 100 New Jersey communities after the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities today approved the first state-issued video franchise agreement. The BPU's forward-looking decision will lead to a new era of video services and true competition in the state's video marketplace.

"Today's decision opens the door to a new world of superior home entertainment in New Jersey, and it's a huge victory for consumers," said Dennis Bone, president of Verizon New Jersey. "With the New Jersey market now open to competition, we will soon offer this service to hundreds of thousands of consumers in about 100 communities, and it will make New Jersey one of the most competitive states in the nation."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ)