Verizon FiOS, sometimes simply FiOS, is an Internet, telephone, an TV service that is presently offered in some areas of the United States by Verizon. Verizon has cited the fact that "fios" is an Irish word for "knowledge." Verizon has attracted consumer and media attention in the area of broadband Internet access as the first major U.S. carrier to offer such a service. In their rapidly expanding coverage areas, FiOS provides telephone, Internet and digital video services to the subscriber's premises. Some areas do not have service due to franchise agreements, and some can only receive the internet access, also due to franchising.