Mayor Cherelle L. Parker Announces Franchise Renewal Agreement with Verizon Cable Service

The agreement renewal allows Verizon to provide cable services to Philadelphia residents & broadband Internet to 183 City rec centers

PHILADELPHIA - Mayor Cherelle L. Parker today announced a renewal of the Verizon Franchise agreement, which was set to expire next month on Sunday, August 25, 2024. First granted to Verizon in 2009, the agreement has been renewed for five years. In addition to providing cable services, the agreement with Verizon will help transform and modernize City recreation centers and their access to the Internet.

"This historic agreement is the result of negotiations, collaboration and hard work in the Parker Administration - and the previous Kenney Administration," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "We have listened to the voices of our residents, consulted with our experts, and crafted a plan that we believe reflects our collective needs as a city. We are proud to provide broadband access at the speed of light for our residents who use our recreation centers."

The terms of the franchise agreement are:

• Verizon will continue to pay the City the maximum franchise fees permitted by federal law (five percent of gross revenues).
• Verizon will provide $8 million over the five-year life of the agreement in grant funding to support Public, Education, and Government grants (PEG Grants) to Internet access providers. This includes PhillyCAM, the School District of Philadelphia and Channel 64.
• Verizon will also provide a grant of $500,000 for technology initiatives associated with its use of 'dark fiber' - another technological innovation for the City.
• Verizon will provide broadband internet access to 183 City-owned recreation centers within two years, and up to 261 additional City-owned properties at the City's choosing.

"Our rec centers have to stay current with modern technology in order to engage communities and equip young people with the resources they need," said Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Parks and Recreation. "The renewal of the Verizon franchise agreement is going to be transformative for 183 of our rec centers and the neighborhoods they serve."

This agreement helps the City of Philadelphia to not only continue providing essential cable service, but also to modernize Philadelphia's recreation centers, ensuring they remain vibrant hubs of activity and provide digital inclusion for generations to come.

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) under Chief Information Officer Melissa Scott-Walker will play an important role in implementing the additional services provided at recreation centers under the agreement.

"Verizon is excited to partner with the City of Philadelphia in a first-of-its-kind partnership to enhance broadband connections and promote digital equity and inclusion at the community level," said Eric Reed, Vice President, Public Policy and State Government Affairs - PA & DE Region, Verizon. "We thank Mayor Parker, the City Council, OIT, Parks and Recreation and many community stakeholders for their engagement to make this important initiative possible."

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