By Karl Bode
Verizon’s attempt to hang up on their copper networks in Sandy-impacted areas has gotten more complicated after the NY Public Service Commission last week indicated hesitation at letting Verizon disconnect users state wide without first understanding the repercussions. According to regional Long Island news reports, the PSC has granted Verizon temporary approval to pull DSL on Fire Island, NY, replacing it with Verizon’s Voice Link wireless service. The PSC has raised concerns about Voice Link not being an adequate substitute for POTS and DSL:
Verizon Looks to Cut the Copper Wire
Verizon is hoping to pilot a new phone system that doesn’t rely on costly copper wiring in areas ravaged by Hurricane Sandy. Under a plan currently before regulators the telecommunications giant would turn home phones in areas like Fire Island into “tethered” cell phones.
New York Times reporter Patrick McGeehan talks about the controversial switch.
Waiting for the Phone to Ring, 6 Months After the Storm.
Customers Quit Verizon Over Extended Phone and Internet Outages
Despite
Problems After Sandy, Wireless Providers Resist Change