It looks like Netflix has opened the floodgates with its Comcast deal to connect directly to its IP broadband network, and a queue of top tier operators may have formed with Verizon at the front. Which is why this week Netflix has confirmed that it has signed a deal to pay for direct access to Verizon’s broadband network, a move which will guarantee improved streaming for Netflix customers which access over Verizon broadband lines. The agreement was initially confirmed over Twitter and parallels the deal struck with Comcast in February. The truth is that if each of these companies did not have their own competitive video service, they would have gladly ushered in Netflix to make its connections for free.…