Mantoloking resident Peter Flihan really doesn’t like Voice Link, Verizon’s wirelesss replacement for traditional telephone service in this superstorm Sandy-ravaged borough.
Flihan, who doesn’t have a computer at home, can’t use his fax machine. His alarm company had to find another alternative to connect his security system to a central station because Voice Link doesn’t support it.
He doesn’t like the voice quality either. “The static is horrendous,” Flihan said. And sometimes, when he makes a call, he’s connected to a message that says “Welcome to Verizon,” he said. “I dial the second time, I usually get the person.”
Superstorm Sandy destroyed Verizon’s network of copper telephone lines and switch equipment in Mantoloking. Rather than rebuild the cables, Verizon made a decision to offer Mantoloking residents a new product called Verizon Voice Link.
The service, which also is being deployed in New York’s Fire Island, another area hit hard by Sandy, sends a homeowner’s calls over Verizon Wireless’ network, rather than copper or fiber-optic lines that run on utility poles or underground, respectively.
Voice Link uses a home’s existing wiring, and jacks and telephone handsets and can run on a battery-backup during a power outage.