FCC is receiving complaints from Verizon subscribers who want to keep their landlines

Verizon asked the FCC for permission to pull copper networks from nine states

Recently, Verizon asked the FCC for permission to discontinue POTS in nine states (Arizona, Delaware, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia). Verizon wants to remove the copper network for customers who have access to an FCC-approved replacement service such as fiber or wireless.

The goal is to offer certain services to Verizon customers that require lower latency and faster data speeds that are not available from copper networks. The carrier was expecting to get the green light from the FCC a couple of weeks ago, but the regulatory agency said that it needed additional time to determine whether consumers upset about losing their copper networks had legitimate complaints.

The carrier spoke individually with some subscribers who complained to the FCC about the proposed change

In an attempt to placate the FCC, Verizon told the agency in a letter sent yesterday that "Verizon government affairs and policy team members are calling each identified customer in these states who expressed concern about the discontinuance in this (FCC) docket or to Verizon."

Some Verizon customers were reassured that they will not lose their landlines right now

Some customers will lose their old landlines. Verizon will review these locations within a month after that transition. At that time, if it is determined that FCC-approved replacement service is not available at a certain location, the carrier will restore the customer's service over copper until a replacement becomes available.
The FCC continues to receive comments from Verizon customers who don't want the wireless firm to stop offering POTS. One such comment, from someone without wireless service on his property, said, "If Verizon discontinues copper-wire phone lines, our family will not have access to emergency services if the power goes out, which happens frequently."

The carrier has FCC approval to remove its copper networks in 13 states

Verizon has also filed with the FCC to remove copper networks from nine other states including California, Michigan and New York. The agency already approved Verizon's proposal to remove the copper networks in 13 states such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.

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