VERIZON'S COPPER CUTOFF TRAPS CONSUMERS
[SOURCE: Associated Press, AUTHOR: Deborah Yao]
Verizon's new high-bandwidth, FiOS fiber lines are fully capable of carrying
not only telephone calls but also Internet data and television channels with
room to grow. But once the old copper line that once provided plain old
telephone service is pulled, it's difficult to switch back to the traditional
phone system or less expensive Digital Subscriber Line service. And Verizon
isn't required, in most instances, to lease fiber to rival phone companies, as
it is with the copper infrastructure. As it hooks up homes and businesses to
its fiber network, Verizon has been routinely disconnecting the copper and,
many subscribers say, not telling them upfront or giving them a choice. More
than 1 million customers have signed up for a FiOS service, which is offered
mainly in the suburban areas of 16 states. Verizon spokesman Eric Rabe said
customers should have been notified at least three times - once by the sales
representative when FiOS is ordered, by the technician before copper is cut,
and through paperwork given to the customer. Some customers say that hasn't
happened.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/08/ap3892179.html
* Cutting the Copper Means Less Competition for Verizon, Fewer Choices for
Consumers
http://www.consumersunion.org/blogs/hun/2007/07/cutting_the_copper_means_less.html
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