09/09/2026
Verizon has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to discontinue plain old telephone service (“POTS”) over legacy copper facilities as part of their network modernization project in Virginia.
Key Information Provided by Verizon:
· The Initial Letter Was Only Informational: You may have recently received a letter from Verizon about this transition. The letter recently sent to all copper served customers was an informational advance notice required by the FCC. It does not mean Verizon is immediately disconnecting their service. Verizon will contact customers again directly when and if it is time to transition off copper, but this will only happen if the customer has an adequate alternative as discussed below.
· Copper Will Remain if the Customer Does Not Have an Adequate Alternative: Verizon is seeking FCC authority to discontinue copper services only at locations where customers can obtain specific replacement voice services listed in Verizon’s FCC application. The customer must have at least one of the following alternatives available for Verizon to discontinue service over copper. If the customer does not have one of the following services available, then Verizon is not discontinuing copper voice service at their location.
--- Verizon Wireless Coverage: A reliable cell signal from Verizon that is sufficient to support voice service using a standard mobile phone or a Verizon wireless home phone replacement box.
--- Verizon Fiber: High-speed fiber service directly from Verizon.
--- Fiber, Cable or Wireless service from Certain Specific Providers: Mobile cell service, fiber, or cable service from one of 10 specific companies (AT&T, T-Mobile, Comcast/Xfinity, Charter/Spectrum, Cox, Breezeline, Optimum, Shentel, Sparklight, or Armstrong).
· Continued Voice & 911 Functionality: Residents will continue to have access to reliable voice service, including for emergency communications, during and following the completion of this effort. Critical emergency functionalities, including 911 and Enhanced 911 (E911) services, will continue to perform seamlessly over modern networks.
· Replacement Options & Features: Options include service over fiber optic lines where available. In other areas, Verizon offers a replacement service that operates over a wireless network while preserving a familiar landline experience using existing home-telephone sets. This option requires zero installation or equipment fees, features monthly plans from $20 to $30, plus taxes, surcharges, and fees, and allows customers to keep their existing phone numbers. Customers are of course free to choose other providers and can port their telephone numbers.
· Power Outage Protection: Equipment provided to transitioning voice customers includes a standardized backup battery solution using commercially available batteries to maintain call capability during commercial power outages.
Modernization Information from Verizon: Decades-old copper infrastructure is vulnerable to storm damage, flooding, corrosion, and theft. The legacy copper network operates at only a fraction of its peak capacity. Only 5% of households in Virginia still have a copper landline, while the rest have already moved on to more modern technologies. Maintaining an aging copper network for a small and shrinking number of users diverts crucial resources away from future investment in expanding fiber and wireless services. Transitioning to modern technologies will allow Verizon to improve reliability, reduce network duplication, lower environmental impacts, and build robust, modern networks. Virginia already envisioned this transition years ago, as state law allows Verizon to serve using any and all available wireline and terrestrial wireless technologies and eliminates service obligations where other wireline or terrestrial wireless providers are available.
Following regulatory approval from the FCC, affected customers will receive direct notifications outlining their timeline, available options, and dedicated support resources.
