A number of local residents received a letter in the mail recently from Verizon regarding the discontinuation of traditional copper-based landline phone service in Virginia, pending Federal Communications Commission approval. With FCC approval, on or after Oct. 23, Verizon will be able to discontinue the copper-based service and residents affected will receive an advance notice by letter with their date of disconnection and steps to follow. The company stated that it offers several modern options, including ones that “let you keep your number, support essential services, many legacy alarm systems and faxes, and many medical devices.” Affected residents should have at least one fiber, cable or mobile wireless voice option.
Without FCC approval, Verizon will continue to maintain and service its copper-based networks in the area, but plans to stop accepting new orders for the traditional service on or after Sept. 30. Gloucester County Administration put out a statement to residents encouraging them to carefully review their notice and contact Verizon to confirm their scheduled end date, available replacement services and the possibility of retaining existing phone numbers. It also recommends confirming with Verizon the cost and equipment requirements of replacement, support of calls to emergency services, whether backup power is needed for the phone to operate during a power outage, and if the service is compatible with equipment connected to the telephone line like medical-alert devices, security and fire alarms, and fax machines. “Verizon owns and operates its telephone network and is responsible for decisions concerning the retirement of its copper infrastructure,” the statement read.
Account-specific questions should be directed to Verizon, the county notice stated.
