It\u2019s a technology that\u2019s been in use for more than 140 years, but time appears to be running out for copper phone wires, the type used for landline telephones.<\/p>\n
Some Verizon customers in the Lehigh Valley have been receiving notices about ending traditional copper-based phone service and switching to either fiber, cable or wireless technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn or after November 30, 2026, subject to Federal Communications Commission approval, Verizon will have the authority to discontinue\u201d the service, the letter said.<\/p>\n
Verizon spokesperson Parker Branton said the phone company wants to make sure no customer is left behind and emphasized that home phone service is not going away.<\/p>\n
\u201cReceiving an initial notice simply marks the beginning of a multistep regulatory process and does not mean immediate service disconnect,\u201d Branton said. \u201cFurthermore, if a suitable replacement is not yet available, we will not discontinue a customer\u2019s copper voice service.\u201d<\/p>\n
Here are four things to know:<\/p>\n
Why is this happening?<\/p>\n
The FCC says that the copper lines are \u201cunable to meet the growing need for high-speed, high-capacity communications services.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not only are they costly to maintain, repair and replace, they are often less reliable in extreme weather.<\/p>\n
\u201cProviders all across the country are working to upgrade their networks, replacing outdated parts at the network level and copper lines in our communities,\u201d the FCC said.<\/p>\n
According to FCC statistics, only 5% of U.S. households have legacy copper telephone service, while 76% are in wireless-only households.<\/p>\n
What should customers do?<\/p>\n
Verizon said customers who receive letters don\u2019t need to take any action at the moment.<\/p>\n
They will be contacted with the next steps \u201cto ensure a seamless transition.\u201d If service is to be discontinued there will be advance notice with a specific disconnection date.<\/p>\n
What are the choices?<\/p>\n
Verizon said when it\u2019s time to make a change, there are options that would allow customers to keep their phone number and access essential services such as 911, legacy alarm systems and faxes, and many medical devices.<\/p>\n
If service is discontinued, many customers would have the choice of at least one fiber, cable or mobile wireless voice option. They can see available options by going to broadbandmap.fcc.gov\/home<\/a> and typing in their home address.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the very small percentage of impacted customers, we are providing seamless transitions to ultra-fast fiber or an alternative service that offers a traditional landline experience \u2014 including the use of existing handsets, battery backup in the event of power outages, and full E911 support,\u201d Branton said.<\/p>\n What if there are further questions?<\/p>\n