When we deny the inevitable and keep running with an unsupportable old technology it greatly increases the likelihood that when it finally goes it will go suddenly. Much better to face reality now and establish a long term plan. It took 10 years for TV to go digital and, while not perfect, it transitioned pretty well. Need to do the same for telephony.
Digital transmissions over existing copper lines can be nearly as fast for broadband as current FIOS capability [i.e. 50-80Mbps], and can also provide low power that works when the electric company isn't. Telcos aren't upgrading their hardware to do this. Instead they refuse to use existing lines for high speed in favor of FIOS, which may be easier to maintain, if they can ever get it installed. The fiber network isn't available in most of the country, and is not likely to be any time soon. Also FIOS shouldn't be installed without solar battery backup power.
When telcos upgrade their technology to serve everyone affordably and efficiently, then, and only then, will be the right time to get rid of old land lines.
Digital broadcast TV is a failure for most people in the US. It's a gift to cable, telcos and satellite companies that provide the same service for a charge, instead of free service over the air. Inexpensive land lines like ours could disappear and be replaced with cellular and/or VOIP, both of which cost significantly more, and are less reliable. Make it cheaper and reliable and I'll be happy to switch.
Betty ************************************************************************* ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *************************************************************************
