Father Time comes for us all, and landline phones are no exception.
Verizon announced on its website that it is seeking permission from the FCC to phase out traditional copper landline service. The post doesn’t have a specific timeline, but local news outlet WWNY in Watertown, NY is reporting that customers are being told that it could happen by the end of November. The idea is to get rid of the older technology and replace it with fiber or wireless service for as many people as possible.
Of course, there will always be people left behind by decisions like this, especially in rural or remote areas. Apparently, people were still using AOL dial-up internet before the company killed the service last year.
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Verizon says customers will be given plenty of advance notice before being able to choose a modern FCC-approved solution, and things like emergency services will still be available. Customers will allegedly be able to keep their phone numbers, too. Lastly, Verizon said people who do not have access to a newer solution for whatever reason will be able to keep copper landline service until an alternative is identified.
While this is being positioned as a sort of modernization, it’s also likely true that Verizon is doing this to save money. Maintaining an older copper network for what has to be an increasingly small customer base may not be worth it in the eyes of the company’s accountants.
The decision will still need FCC approval.
