Frontier sheds some of FiOS' online video capabilities

It's been barely a week since Frontier (NYSE: FTR) wrapped up its acquisition of Verizon's (NYSE: VZ) rural lines in 14 states, but one group that's feeling its effect are existing FiOS video customers that reside in these territories.

Although Frontier maintained in an updated FAQ on its site last month that the only thing existing FiOS customers would notice in the transition would be a "more focused local management approach for all your services." According to a post in Broadband DSL Reports, customers that are being transitioned over to Frontier that even though they will still have to pay the same subscription price, they'll lose access to these seven Internet-based video features:

  • Verizon TV Central (allowed users to manage DVR recordings via wireless)
  • Online TV Listings
  • Remote DVR Access Online (allowed users to schedule recordings online)
  • FiOS Mobile Remote (allowed users to use phone as set top remote)
  • FiOS TV Online (Verizon's "TV Anywhere" initiative that offered Internet video)
  • HBO Go access (HBO's new broadband video portal)
  • Epix Online access

While the general FiOS TV viewer may not care about these online services, the fact that Frontier is taking these services off the shelves seems to contradict its promise that nothing would change. Given the fact that Frontier has taken on $3 billion in Verizon debt to acquire these lines, it's unlikely they will extend Fiber to the Premises (FTTP)-based FiOS services beyond any of the previously set franchise agreements.

For more:
- Broadband DSL Reports has this post
- Gear Live also has this post

Related articles:
Frontier Communications charts a new course
Frontier wraps up acquisition of Verizon's rural lines
Frontier says West Va. Verizon's phone line cutover is on track
Frontier pledges support for FiOS customers
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