“Verizon is investing in states from coast to coast, and I really would like to see that investment continue in Massachusetts,” Kerry said. “I seriously hope that this is not part of some cynical bargaining effort by Verizon, and that the company will return to local communities and continue investing in this network. I intend to work with state and local officials to see how we can insure that high-speed internet access is available to everyone.”

“Local communities in Massachusetts have been waiting a long time to get high speed connections to the Internet,” Rep. Markey said. “These cities and towns are eager to work with Verizon to grant franchises so that their citizens can receive new cable competition and access to the innovative, Web-based services that high speed broadband can provide to residential consumers and businesses alike.  I hope Verizon’s announcement doesn’t reflect a lack of competitive pressure on the company which is permitting it to summarily cease this investment in Massachusetts.  I hope Verizon reverses course – consumers deserve competitive choice and good faith efforts to deploy these new services.”

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