Verizon Copper Landline Discontinuation
Summary
Verizon is pulling the plug on copper landlines, and lawmakers worry rural and elderly residents will lose phone service during power outages — fiber backups only last about eight hours, and storms here can knock out power for days. Legislator Legg wants the county to lead a protest, with letters going to the FCC and Public Service Commission. The county administrator plans to have a letter of protest on Tuesday's full board agenda.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
Rural and elderly residents would benefit if the county's protest succeeds in keeping copper landlines available.
If copper lines go away, seniors and residents in areas with dead-spot cell service could be unreachable during outages.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Public Safety - Special Committee Meeting — October 13, 2026
Verizon wants to shut off traditional copper phone lines by November 30, 2026, pending FCC approval. For many rural residents, those lines are the only reliable way to call for help — especially during power outages and for seniors who don't use cell phones. The county's daily senior check-in program also depends on them.
Public Safety - Committee Meeting — October 7, 2026
Verizon is pulling the plug on copper landlines, and lawmakers worry rural and elderly residents will lose phone service during power outages — fiber backups only last about eight hours, and storms here can knock out power for days. Legislator Legg wants the county to lead a protest, with letters going to the FCC and Public Service Commission. The county administrator plans to have a letter of protest on Tuesday's full board agenda.
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