Copper to Fiber Transition

Verizon has chosen to replace its traditional copper network in certain communities and are migrating customers to a fiber network. Customers receiving landline phone service may be impacted by the transition and should be aware that some features and functionalities on the copper network may differ on the fiber network. As a Verizon customer, once migrated to fiber network, the price you pay for your current calling plan for landline telephone service will remain the same, until you decide to change. The landline telephone service delivered over a fiber network is not the same as Verizon’s FiOS digital voice service.

Verizon is choosing to change the equipment it uses to deliver traditional, landline telephone service to some homes and businesses in certain communities in Maryland. Specifically, in affected areas, Verizon intends to discontinue providing telephone service over the copper wires running from the street to each home, instead using fiber-optic cables. If Verizon does migrate your home or business to the fiber network, the current price and plan you pay for landline telephone service will remain the same.

Yes, if you wish to remain a Verizon customer. Verizon is upgrading its network to fiber, which may impact your services in the future. This upgrade may require you to schedule an installation appointment with Verizon.

However, (1) Verizon remains obligated to provide landline telephone service to all customers who request such service, and (2) regardless of whether Verizon provides telephone service over copper or fiber network, the Public Service Commission will continue to ensure compliance with all applicable Maryland requirements.

The copper-based network is self-powered and will usually remain operational in the event of a power outage, while fiber service relies upon an optical network terminal (ONT), which must be connected to a power source or outlet at your home or business. If your power goes out, a backup battery connected to the ONT will provide you with backup power for a period of time. All ONTs have a built in 8-hour battery backup system. In Maryland, Verizon is providing the option for a free additional battery backup device powered by D-cell batteries that can provide power for up to 20-24 hours per set.

If you receive communication from Verizon about a fiber transition, you may need to take action. At this time your choices are to a) switch to Verizon’s fiber network, which is regulated, b) switch to Verizon’s FiOS® services for voice and/or TV and/or Internet, which is unregulated, c) let your landline services lapse altogether and rely on wireless voice, or d) try to find another provider for voice service.

No. Separate power is required for telephone equipment that requires a power source. As with copper, the fiber network will not provide power for cordless phones or other equipment requiring a separate power source. The backup battery device provided by Verizon will provide power for your fiber-based line which will allow you to make voice calls over your corded telephone.

Prior to switching to fiber-based service, you should inform Verizon if you have any home monitoring equipment such as alarm/security systems or medical equipment that relies upon your existing phone line to ensure that it will continue to work after you make the switch. In most cases, the equipment that you currently use to place and receive calls will continue to work on the fiber network. Also, there is no change for emergency calls to 911, provided that you have power to your home or, in the event of a power outage, have not exhausted the batteries in the ONT backup device described above.

No. While the terms fiber and FiOS are used interchangeably at times, and both fiber based traditional phone service and FiOS services are offered over Verizon’s fiber-optic network, they are not the same. If you upgrade your existing copper service to a fiber optic based service without changing your rate plan or calling features, your new service will continue to be subject to PSC regulation. FiOS Digital Voice (“FDV”) is an unregulated service and is an optional alternative to traditional regulated telephone service. Make sure you understand the difference before making any changes to your telephone service.

FiOS services are typically bundled with other products, and the voice component of the bundled service packages may be priced lower than traditional, regulated telephone service. Be aware of pricing but understand that bundles which include FiOS Digital Voice are considered unregulated service. If you currently have DSL for High Speed Internet and want to remain a Verizon customer, Verizon will require you to purchase FiOS High Speed Internet service, as DSL is only available over the copper network or you may want to pursue other options for your High Speed Internet service.

Additionally, FiOS Digital Voice does not allow third party calls or collect calls, which may impact your calling needs.

The current calling plan and price you pay for your telephone service will not change when you switch to fiber based telephone service. Review your monthly bill after your telephone service has been migrated to fiber to ensure that the billing reflects the appropriate plan and price that you paid previously, and no other changes have occurred without your permission. Remember that fiber is not FiOS, these are not the same. FiOS is a marketing term Verizon uses to brand its bundled services: Data High Speed Internet, video and/or Digital Voice. Fiber is a type of technology that Verizon has chosen to replace its copper network to deliver telephone service. The current calling plan and price you pay for telephone service will not change when you switch to fiber-based telephone service unless you decide to order a different service.

Some features and functionalities on the copper network may differ on the fiber network. The current calling plan and price you pay for your telephone service will not change when you switch to fiber-based telephone service, until you decide to change it.

Read Verizon’s notices and website very carefully to make sure you know exactly what type of service you are getting and how it is different from your traditional copper voice phone service. Take detailed notes of telephone calls with any Verizon representatives.

Since fiber voice services do not work in a power outage, inquire about the functionality, care and maintenance of back-up battery options, and the cost of purchasing replacement batteries.

Inform Verizon if you have any home monitoring equipment such as medical equipment that relies upon your existing phone line to ensure that it will continue to work after you make the switch. You may also inquire how the devices would work in the event of a power outage.