Phone company Verizon, one of the four remaining offspring of Ma Bell, is offering its new, fiber-optic network-based Fios TV service to deliver TV programming and internet access to combat the competitive threat of cable companies, reports CNET. Verizon is trying make the Fios TV service not only highly interactive but also reliable and user-friendly - since customers satisfied with Fios would likely use Verizon for telephone and broadband access as well.

Fios TV, which uses internet protocol (IP) and runs over a fiber-optic network that Verizon is building throughout its territory, connects directly to people's homes. It was launched last month in Keller, Texas, and is expected to reach three other cities by yearend. The main benefit of IP is that it will allow TV viewers to interact with TV programming in ways they haven't before.

Viewers would be able to access various types of online content while watching TV. For example, an interactive fantasy sports application would allow viewers to compare stats and keep track of points on their TVs while watching games. Or someone watching a show on The Food Network could call up the recipe on the TV screen as they cook. Or users could play games over the Fios TV network with others - located next door or thousands of miles away.