Verizon’s Network Modernization:
We’re investing in the future by replacing aging, traditional copper-based services with modern,
capable, and reliable alternatives like fiber and wireless.
Keep reading to find out more.
Why We’re Upgrading
Your Network
A more reliable connection for your home.
The way people connect is changing, and we’re changing with it. Across the country, Verizon is modernizing our networks and transitioning customers from legacy copper infrastructure to modern communications technologies built for how people live, work, and stay safe today.
Key Benefits of Making the Switch:
- Keep Your Number: Transition seamlessly. You can take your current phone number to your new Verizon service.
- Support for Essential Services: Our modern solutions support 911 emergency services, many legacy alarm systems, faxes, and many medical devices.
- Our Advanced Network Infrastructure: Replacement options include service over our fiber optic lines or our wireless network.
- Peace of Mind During Outages: Equipment provided for fiber and fixed wireless services includes battery backup capabilities (using commercially available replaceable batteries) to keep you connected during commercial power outages.
What This Means
For You
A seamless transition.
No immediate action is required on your part, and your service will continue without interruption. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless, managed transition for everyone, ensuring no customer is left behind. Well before any updates occur, you will be provided with plain-language, written notice, giving you ample opportunity to evaluate your options and ask any questions. Here is what to expect:
1. Receive Your Notification
If your copper service will be impacted, we will mail you a letter well in advance. It will provide all the details you need, along with a clear timeline to help you smoothly transition to an FCC-approved service option.
2. Explore Your Options
If eligible and where available, you can transition your voice and internet service to our fiber or wireless replacement solutions.
3. Make the Switch
When it’s time to make a change, our team is here to help you move to a modern solution that fits your needs. We won't consider a transition complete until our customer has access to a working, modern service, with the support they need to get there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did I receive a letter?
Verizon sent letters to customers who receive voice service over copper as part of its application to the FCC to modernize its network.
What is Verizon asking the FCC to do?
Verizon is seeking authority to discontinue what is known as plain old telephone service ("POTS") over copper for customers who have access to an FCC-approved replacement service such as fiber or wireless service.
Is my service being disconnected?
Not until an FCC-approved replacement service is available at your location. Verizon will provide ample notice to our remaining copper-served customers and work directly with them to identify these options.
What if fiber or wireless internet is not available in my area?
You can keep your current service until an FCC-approved replacement option is available in your area. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless, managed transition for everyone, with no customer left behind.
How will I know if my service is being disconnected?
Verizon will provide ample notice to our remaining copper-served customers and work directly with them to identify FCC-approved replacement options.
Does that mean I will no longer have voice service?
Absolutely not. Customers will continue to have access to reliable voice service, including for emergency communications. We will not discontinue your existing copper voice service if you do not have access to an FCC-approved replacement service option.
I'm concerned about my wireless coverage.
We will not discontinue your existing copper voice service if you do not have access to an FCC-approved replacement service option.
Can I keep my phone number?
Yes. You can port your phone number to either another Verizon service option or another service provider.
What replacement services are available?
Replacement options may include service over fiber optic lines in some areas, and in other areas Verizon may offer a replacement service that preserves a familiar landline experience using the customers' existing home phone on our award-winning wireless network. Our mobile wireless service may also be an option. We are proud to have built the nation's best wireless network, setting the highest bar for quality and reliability. Our wireless network covers 99% of the U.S. population.
Can I choose other options?
Yes. Customers are free to explore the numerous other service alternatives available.
What about access to 911?
Emergency services, including 911, will continue to perform seamlessly. Equipment for fiber and fixed wireless replacement services will include battery backup capabilities.
If I don't have copper, how will my service work if there's a power outage?
The equipment that will be provided to customers who transition to Verizon's fiber and fixed wireless POTS voice replacement services will include battery backup using commercially available replaceable batteries to allow for continued use during commercial power outages.
Why are you taking this action?
We are seeking to invest in the future by replacing copper-based services with more modern, capable, resilient, and secure alternatives. Maintaining an aging, parallel copper network diverts crucial resources away from future investment. Copper infrastructure is many decades old, highly vulnerable to severe weather, and an increasing target for theft and vandalism. This network is not capable of supporting the robust, data-intensive uses that today's customers demand. Every dollar spent patching the old copper network is a dollar diverted from building the robust, modern networks that residents actually want and will use. Transitioning to modern technologies will allow Verizon to improve reliability, reduce unnecessary network duplication, lower environmental impacts, and recycle valuable materials for productive use.