After many months of communication, long discussion and planning with PCTVAB; Verizon FiOS has launched Plainfield’s very own PEG (Public Access, Educational, Governmental) Channel today. As part of Verizon’s Video Franchise Statement ,” Each municipality may seek by written request, two PEG channels and a single return line.” Simply put, Plainfield was long over due for its own channel. Since Verizon’s rollout of its Cable, Phone and Internet services began (well over two years ago) in New Jersey, many municipalities in our area had already been assigned a PEG channel and were benefitting from the ability to broadcast on two different cable systems (Comcast and Verizon). Even though the Queen City’s rollout was behind the schedule of other towns in our area, it was voted by PCTVAB in October that a push was needed to speed the process along to elicit movement from Verizon’s Franchise Management Team .
From November till March, however, Plainfield Cable TV Advisory Board Member Michael C. Allen, who also serves as the Vice Chair of Franchise Relations, worked diligently to initiate the notion of getting Plainfield its own Channel. Utilizing personal contacts, internet research and a little elbow grease, Mr. Allen established a line of communication with the FiOS Franchise Team, on behalf of the City and PCTVAB, regarding when the rollout and implementation of services would be complete. Along with Director of IT and Media for the City, Mr. Chris Payne, Mr. Allen finalized the arrangements and notified the members of the Board as well as the City Administration that the launch was finally going to happen.
On March 11, 2010 a Verizon FiOS technician arrived at the Production Office of PCTV, located in the City Hall Annex, to complete the installation of necessary equipment essential for the transmission of the signal ;which until now has only been available to Comcast Cable subscribers ( ch. 96). Throughout the weekend, the FiOS technical team ran the necessary tests and diagnostics to ensure that Plainfield would receive the same superior quality transmission that all Verizon FiOS PEG channels have.
Through an email this morning the FiOS Franchise Team notified Mr. Chris Payne, PCTVAB Chairman- Lamar David Mackson, Mr. Michael C. Allen and others about the launch. Although the details of the message were kept confidential FiOS did indicate that it would notify existing FiOS customers of the programming addition via a crawl on The Weather Channel located on channels 49 and 119 shortly.
So on a day that is typically earmarked for singing limerick’s, wearing silly green hats, riverdancing and having a pint of Guinness or shot of Jameson’s; The Citizens of Plainfield , the Administration, the Mayor and PCTVAB have something better to celebrate; PROGRESS!
( Our next post will discuss the significance of having a Verizon FiOS Channel…..Stay Tuned) 🙂
Plainfield Cable TV Advisory Board 
Welcome aboard.
“Welcome aboard” means to me that Plainfield finally has its own tv station and I will enjoy viewing same.
I am very happy to see there are some new names I have not heard before, I expect to see better,more varied content, entertaining programming than the amateurish “stuff” that has been available. Apparently we have found some very professional and competent people to step up and make a significant sacrifice and commitment to their community! If I may add without being paid! Very commendable. I applaude them. The city should be thankful.
“illicit movement” – surely not.
“elicit movement” -much better.
Wooo 34! Progress is great…
So does FiOS also help finance the channel like comcast?
Can FiOS show episode information?
I was very shocked to see a friend who has a show on BCAT in NY pop up on the programing guide… that was too cool!
Thanks for your support Taiwan. Our meeting with Gwen Cogan and Anna Lustenberg of Verizon is shceduled tonite. I will make a strong effort to get the information that your request. Thanks again and continue to stay tuned into Plainfield Public Access Television.
LDM