CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Public Service Commission is making comments on an application by Verizon to overhaul copper-based landline telephone services in West Virginia and other states in the region.
Verizon’s subsidiary Frontier has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), stating that it plans to discontinue providing copper-based service in a multiple-state footprint. In the copper-based service’s place, Verizon plans to switch to fiber and other “modern services.” Meanwhile, the PSC has submitted a filing to make sure that customers who use such copper landlines won’t be affected negatively by this switch.
Verizon acquired Frontier last year, a purchase approved by the PSC. That commission ordered Verizon to use $60 million in a special fund to protect “plain old telephone service” (POTS) by servicing copper landlines. The PSC reiterated that those funds were allocated for the POTS service “or, through the use of other necessary equipment, to provide adequate service to both new and existing customers.”
“While these alternatives may be delivered through fiber, VOIP, wireless cellular, or any other technology, Verizon must agree that the service will continue to be treated and regulated as current POTS is treated and regulated,” the PSC release stated.
The PSC is submitting its comments to the FCC for consideration in the matter.