NY regulators launch investigation into Verizon?s copper network

The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) opens an investigation into Verizon’s copper landline service. There are 2.7 million Verizon customers that rely on a neglected copper infrastructure. The PSC reports that there are extensive complaints about the reliability of Verizon’s copper network, and Verizon fails to meet even minimal service quality benchmarks.

“The service quality for these customers is just not meeting our service standards for the state,” said PSC Chairwoman Audrey Zibelman. “We have an obligation to make sure their needs are being met.”

The investigation is long overdue. In public hearings across New York, Verizon customers poured out stories of Verizon’s shoddy service. Community leaders and elected officials have told the PSC that Verizon is not building its all-fiber FiOS network in their cities and at the same time has abandoned its traditional landline network. In addition, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman called out Verizon in a letter to the PSC, urging the regulators to open formal proceedings “to fully understand the impact of deregulation on consumers and businesses.”

Links:

State investigating Verizon’s copper service quality (POLITICO, Mar. 17, 2016)

New York Attorney General, consumer groups call for investigation of Verizon, NY telecom industry (Speed Matters, Aug. 21, 2016)