The Landline Is Changing: What Verizon’s Copper Transition Means for Local Customers

For generations, traditional landline phones have been a dependable part of homes and businesses. But the technology behind many of those familiar phone lines is changing.

Verizon is continuing a nationwide effort to modernize its network by moving customers away from older copper-based telephone infrastructure and toward newer technologies, including fiber-optic and wireless services. For customers who have relied on a traditional copper landline for years, the change may raise an important question: What are my options now? Verizon

Why Is Verizon Moving Away From Copper?

Traditional landline telephone service has historically traveled over copper wires running from the telephone network to a home or business. Verizon says its copper infrastructure is aging and more vulnerable to severe weather, theft and vandalism than newer network technologies. The company says maintaining the older network alongside newer infrastructure also requires resources that could otherwise be invested in modern networks. Verizon

This transition isn’t entirely new. Verizon has been retiring portions of its copper network for years. In New York, the Federal Communications Commission has published notices documenting Verizon plans to retire copper facilities and replace them with fiber infrastructure in certain wire centers. FCC Docs

New York regulators have also previously supported investments in fiber and hybrid fiber-copper networks. The New York State Public Service Commission has noted that these newer networks can provide improved reliability and broadband capabilities compared with older copper infrastructure. CIO Apps

Does This Mean Your Landline Will Suddenly Stop Working?

No. Verizon says customers affected by a copper transition will receive advance written notice. According to Verizon, existing copper voice service will not be discontinued at a location until an FCC-approved replacement option is available. Depending on the location, replacement options may include fiber or a wireless-based home phone service. Verizon

Verizon also says customers can explore services from other providers and may be able to keep their existing telephone number when moving to another service. Verizon

What About Power Outages?

This is an important consideration for anyone accustomed to a traditional copper landline. Newer phone technologies can rely on equipment at the customer's location that requires electricity. Verizon says equipment provided with its fiber and fixed-wireless POTS replacement services includes battery-backup capabilities using replaceable batteries for use during commercial power outages. Verizon

Customers who depend on a landline for alarms, medical equipment or other important devices should confirm compatibility and backup-power requirements before changing service.

Looking for a Local Alternative? Talk to MTC.

If you’ve received a notice about changes to your Verizon landline service, it’s a good time to review your options.

MTC offers local telephone service backed by a local team that lives and works right here in our communities. Rather than trying to navigate the transition alone, give us a call. We can talk with you about the services available at your address and help determine whether MTC is an option for your home or business.

Technology may be changing, but having a familiar, local team to call doesn’t have to.

References

Verizon, Network Modernization: Built for What’s Next Verizon
Federal Communications Commission, Verizon New York Copper Retirement Network Change Notification FCC Docs
New York State Public Service Commission, PSC Approves Verizon Service Quality Improvement Plan CIO Apps
Verizon, Home Phone Services Verizon