Mayor: Let's Be Clear, There's No Conspiracy Here

If there's one question Mayor Ted Bettencourt gets asked more than any other, it's why Peabody residents are stuck with Comcast -- they're even subjected to the torture of watching commercials for Verizon FiOS, but never able to have it themselves.

Bettencourt would like to clear the air on that subject and says he is asked almost daily why the city doesn't have any alternative providers for the same triple deal of cable TV, high-speed Internet and phone service that Comcast Xfinity offers.

There are plenty of "conspiracy theories" as to why, but he says, the answer is "simple and straightforward."

“We would like residents to have a choice of providers and would certainly welcome other options,” Bettencourt said. “At this time, however, none of the alternatives to Comcast has stepped up with a proposal.”

That includes Verizon with its fiber optic cable service. Even though the city and Verizon have been in talks for years now on the subject, the fact of the matter is Verizon isn't prepared to expand FiOS into Peabody at this time and has chosen to focus elsewhere.

Bettencourt has said in previous interviews that was one of the first things he looked into upon taking office and ultimately found no fault with either side that was blocking a deal from being made.

He said he understands the general frustration out there -- many other nearby communities do have Verizon's three-in-one service, and there are plenty of choices when it comes to cell phone providers. But instead, Peabody residents are subject to Comcast's service and prices.

“I absolutely understand their frustrations. Having a choice helps assure we get the best value for our money," Bettencourt said. "When there is no competition in the marketplace, people feel like they are at the mercy of a monopoly."

The city, however, cannot force Verizon or any other competitor to Comcast to set up shop in Peabody, he points out.

Bettencourt says the city may focus on attracting niche providers instead who offer services on an individual or two-in-one basis.

“We recognize the benefit of having more than one provider of cable, phone and Internet service. If another provider sees a market in Peabody, we are all ears,” he said.