Verizon tries to avoid building more fiber by redefining the word “pass”

With New York City officials accusing Verizon of not finishing required fiber construction, the telco is claiming that it doesn't actually have to install fiber throughout the city.

A 2008 agreement with the city that gave Verizon a cable television franchise required the company to "pass all households" with fiber by June 30, 2014. Verizon claims it has passed all buildings, but can't get into all of them due to disagreements with landlords. However, Verizon says its fiber doesn't actually have to pass in front of buildings in order for them to be "passed."

As New York considers whether to take legal action against Verizon, the City Council grilled company officials yesterday. Video of the meeting shows council members and Verizon arguing about the definition of "pass" around the two-hour mark. Gothamist published a roundup of the meeting today: