With FCC approval, Verizon will be able to offer modern telecom services to more subscribers
Verizon wants its customers to have access to modern telecommunication features that require fiber or wireless service.
Verizon wants to modernize its service | Image by Verizon
Verizon has sent letters to some of its customers who still use landlines running over old copper networks. The letter says that Verizon plans on ripping out the copper and replacing it with more modern and secure alternatives such as fiber or wireless. If you received this letter, you should tap on this link to check out the section of Verizon's website that deals with its copper-using customers.
Verizon files an application with the FCC
Verizon has filed an application with the FCC seeking approval to discontinue what is known as "plain old telephone service (POTS)" over copper for customers who have access to an FCC-approved replacement service such as fiber or wireless service. If you don't have an FCC-approved replacement service at your location, your landline service will not be disconnected. The FCC will announce its response to Verizon's request by the end of November.
FCC says giving up copper networks will generate cash that telecom firms can use to modernize their services
Led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, the FCC believes that freeing up telecom companies from having to maintain their old copper networks will free up tens of billions of dollars every year that can be used by these firms to expand the areas covered by high-speed Internet Protocol (IP) networks.
The goal is to allow more Americans to connect to high-speed lines
Getting more Americans connected to these high-speed lines is the goal since they can handle massive amounts of data with minimal latency. Fiber and wireless support many modern features that can't run over copper networks such as self-driving vehicles and agentic AI. Despite the advantages of fiber and wireless, some Verizon subscribers would prefer to stick with their copper landline.
Jeff Dawley is an example of one of the Verizon customers who received the letter from the carrier. He prefers using a copper landline and his household has been using them for years. "It was always nice just to have a landline as well," Dawley said.
We are seeking to invest in the future by replacing copper-based services with more modern, capable, resilient, and secure alternatives. Maintaining an aging, parallel copper network diverts crucial resources away from future investment. Copper infrastructure is many decades old, highly vulnerable to severe weather, and an increasing target for theft and vandalism. This network is not capable of supporting the robust, data-intensive uses that today's customers demand. Every dollar spent patching the old copper network is a dollar diverted from building the robust, modern networks that residents actually want and will use. Transitioning to modern technologies will allow Verizon to improve reliability, reduce unnecessary network duplication, lower environmental impacts, and recycle valuable materials for productive use.
Verizon
Verizon will give its customers advance notice if it plans to shut down their copper-powered networks
Verizon says that it will give its customers still using copper networks advance notice if they are going to have their copper-based connection shut down. The carrier posted on its website that "No immediate action is required on your part, and your service will continue without interruption."
If you got the letter from Verizon about your POTS, what woulkd you do?
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The carrier says that when it is time to make a change, it will be there for you with a modern solution. "We won't consider a transition complete until our customer has access to a working, modern service, with the support they need to get there," said Verizon on its website.
Verizon promotes its goal to replace its copper network with fiber or wireless. | Image by Verizon
The carrier also said on its website, "Across the country, Verizon is modernizing our networks and transitioning customers from legacy copper infrastructure
to modern communications technologies built for how people live, work, and stay safe today." also on the website, Verizon listed four key benefits for those who will be replacing copper with fiber and wireless 4G/5G service:
- Keep Your Number: Transition seamlessly. You can take your current phone number and port it over to your new Verizon service.
- Support for Essential Services: Verizon's fiber and wireless services support 911 emergency services, many legacy alarm systems, faxes, and many medical devices.
- Verizon's Advanced Network Infrastructure: Replacement options include service over Verizon's fiber optic lines or its 4G/5G wireless network.
- Peace of Mind During Outages: Equipment provided for fiber and fixed wireless services includes battery backup capabilities (using commercially available replaceable batteries) to keep you connected during commercial power outages.
Assemblyman Scott Gray, R-116th Assembly District, said he expects to hear from constituents about the change. "Many senior citizens who still rely on landline phones and stuff like that. I'm sure we will hear from individuals who just don’t want to see change," Gray said.
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