Mid-Hudson News reports that New York's Public Service Commission approved July 12 a joint proposal with Verizon, the PSC staff, the company’s union, and a consumer advocacy group, that says the communications company will improve customer service quality, including more broadband service upstate. Verizon will expand its fiber and hybrid fiber-copper networks upstate, in the Hudson Valley, and on Long Island, under the plan. They'll also take down 64,000 existing double telephone poles across the state. The Communication Workers of America, and the Public Utility Law Project of New York were the other two groups involved in the discussions. Read the full story in the Mid-Hudson News.