Verizon to Build Fiber-Optic Network for Fire Island

NEW YORK - Verizon will begin building an advanced fiber network on Fire Island, which suffered heavy damage to its communication infrastructure during last year's superstorm Sandy. The storm either destroyed or washed away Verizon's longtime copper landline network on the western side of the island. While the island now has an advanced Verizon wireless network, the company's new fiber optic network will enable state-of-the art wireline voice and broadband services.

Year-round residents, summer rentals and businesses will have the option of selecting Verizon Voice Link service, traditional telephone service delivered over a fiber network, or FiOS Internet and Digital Voice for their Internet and voice calling needs. The company expects to have the fiber network completed in time for the summer 2014 season.