Residents of Bellerose Village are a major step closer to having a real choice for their cable television service thanks to a newly approved agreement authorizing Verizon to offer its FiOS TV service, delivered over the most advanced fiber-optic network straight to customers' homes.

The Bellerose Board of Trustees granted the video franchise to Verizon Jan. 7. This vote brings the total number of New York communities that have approved video franchises for Verizon to 94.

"This is great news for residents of Bellerose, who now will have a new choice for their video entertainment," Monica Azare, Verizon senior vice president for New York and Connecticut, said. "Consumers here will be able to choose their cable provider as easily as they choose their phone company. Competition like this drives innovation and value, and puts the consumer in control."

Bellerose joins a growing list of New York communities that are paving the way for competition and choice in the television market. In addition to Bellerose, Verizon has also been granted video franchises in several other villages, including Mineola, New Hyde Park, Floral Park, South Floral Park, Garden City and Stewart Manor.

As with all local franchise approvals in New York, the agreement between Verizon and Bellerose is subject to review by the New York State Public Service Commission.