Verizon announced that it is phasing out several duplicate analog channels on its FiOS TV service.

Earlier this month, Verizon announced that it would cease broadcasting analog channels on its FiOS TV service (story here) ahead of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-mandated transition to all-digital signals, which remains set for Feb. 17, 2009.

The telco said that it will phase out the analog channels on a regional basis; customers in Massachusetts will see the transition starting May 12.

Verizon has provided the duplicate channels so that digital subscribers could view limited programming in an analog format without using a set-top box (STB).

As for the telco’s customers who subscribe to a service that solely offers the duplicate analog channels, Verizon said that it will provide them with a free digital adapter.

"As we phase out our local analog simulcasts this year, we want to make sure that our small number of affected customers can continue receiving this programming on sets they are using without a set-top box," said Bob Driscoll, VP of marketing and sales for Verizon's New England region. "We're reaching out to those customers now to help them get their free converter box from us so they can enjoy high-quality digital programming on every set in the home."

Customers may also choose to upgrade to a STB that allows them to see more programming, including high-definition (HD) channels, and enables full-featured, interactive services, such as video-on-demand (VOD) programming and Verizon's interactive media guide.

Massachusetts customers have been notified well in advance via letters, e-mails and phone calls from Verizon, the company said. Verizon has also set up a dedicated Web site to provide answers for consumers regarding the all-digital service (visit it here).

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