  gigahurtzPremium
join:2001-10-20
Palm Coast, FL | The elections are over. We can all get back to what's really important in life - family and friends. Enjoy life and don't sweat the small things too much. Life is far to important and delicate to waste time on politics. God Bless the USA! | |
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CXM_SplicerLooking at the bigger picturePremium
join:2011-08-11
NYC
kudos:1 Reviews:
 ·Verizon FiOS
| Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy It seems that wdoa  was right in asking:
quote:
We all know Verizon wants to ditch their copper plant, might they in some cases use this an excuse to just decide not to fix the landline infrustructure?
From what I am seeing, Verizon has no intention of replacing the copper cables damaged by hurricane Sandy. I have personally been told this by two separate managers and other techs have been told this too. Verizon's 'plan' is to migrate all effected copper customers to FIOS whether they want it or not. I have even heard reports from fellow techs that some customers are not even being informed the work being done is to move them into FIOS. The maintenance crews are still saving what the can but no replacement copper is being hung and the copper repair techs are being told there is no work.
Since the Wednesday after the storm, the company has declared a 'state of emergency' and is forcing the techs to work 12 hr days, 7 days a week. Strangely though, much of the work we are doing has nothing to do with damage from the storm. It makes one wonder if anyone is checking on what they submit to FEMA. FIOS is being repaired and cables replaced where needed... new installs are proceeding like nothing happened. It seems that people are too concerned with electricity and gasoline to think about the phones.
Bottom line is if your POTS line isn't working in another week or so... it probably never will be. Your line will eventually be moved to FIOS... if it is available and when they get to it. You could also cancel your line and just use wireless; your only other option will be the Cable company. Don't know how small businesses are going to feel about that. There will also be T1s effected but I don't know how they are going to handle them. | |
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|  KrKHeavy Artillery For The Little GuyPremium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy I'm sure they'll roll it into storm expenses!
Probably take a tax write off as well on the "expenses" of "Storm losses" that are actually NOTHING TO DO WITH THE STORM.
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"Fascism should more properly be called corporatism because it is the merger of state and corporate power." -- Benito Mussolini
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| | | | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy Those assets are still changed into expenses which doesn't nothing to help Verizon's income statement. | |
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|  pnh102Reptiles Are Cuddly And PrettyPremium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD | I think this is a good idea. Why keep a damaged and obsolete copper wire infrastructure when you can replace it with something more reliable?
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USA 2012 - the mooches won. | |
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| | CXM_SplicerLooking at the bigger picturePremium
join:2011-08-11
NYC
kudos:1 Reviews:
·Verizon FiOS
| Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy There are a couple of reasons:
- Because FIOS is not available everywhere the copper was damaged
- The regulations are different for FIOS and people should not be forced on to it
- It will take much longer to move people into FIOS as opposed to simply fixing the copper
- In all likelihood, FEMA is giving them money to FIX the copper... not ignore it.
For an area that isn't livable right now and must be completely rebuilt I can see Verizon doing this; there is no reason to put copper into a greenfield area. Where there are people living and businesses trying to open this should be illegal. | |
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| | |  rit56
join:2000-12-01
New York, NY | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy And when the next storm rolls around no service. Copper wired phones have electric backup and people here I know with old landlines still had access to the world. | |
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| | | pnh102Reptiles Are Cuddly And PrettyPremium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD | said by CXM_Splicer:- In all likelihood, FEMA is giving them money to FIX the copper... not ignore it. I think that is insane. Shouldn't Verizon or whoever the local phone company is be expected to have some form of private insurance, or money set aside, to fix these things?
Verizon was a Fortune 10 company the last time I checked. They don't need corporate welfare. If I am expected to save up my own cash or have insurance to cover the costs of catastrophic losses for my stuff, then so should they.
This and every other disaster proves that FEMA is the biggest, saddest joke of a government agency. They literally cannot do anything right, period. Perhaps it IS time to disband it and simply let states and local government have access to these funds so they can do their own disaster preparation instead. Consider how California responds to an earthquake, or how Florida responds to a hurricane. They seem to be far more on top of things than the federal government ever will.
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USA 2012 - the mooches won. | |
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| | | |  LinklistPremium
join:2002-03-03
Longport, NJ
kudos:5 | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy said by pnh102:said by CXM_Splicer:- In all likelihood, FEMA is giving them money to FIX the copper... not ignore it. I think that is insane. Shouldn't Verizon or whoever the local phone company is be expected to have some form of private insurance, or money set aside, to fix these things? Verizon was a Fortune 10 company the last time I checked. They don't need corporate welfare. If I am expected to save up my own cash or have insurance to cover the costs of catastrophic losses for my stuff, then so should they. This and every other disaster proves that FEMA is the biggest, saddest joke of a government agency. They literally cannot do anything right, period. Perhaps it IS time to disband it and simply let states and local government have access to these funds so they can do their own disaster preparation instead. Consider how California responds to an earthquake, or how Florida responds to a hurricane. They seem to be far more on top of things than the federal government ever will. Your attack on FEMA is based on one posters speculation that they're giving money to Verizon. I have found no proof of that anywhere. | |
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| | | | | | | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy Anyway... next disaster how would we survive without the Feeble Excuse Making Agency? It's a tough job... but SOMEONE has to do it. | |
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| | | | | | | | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy Go ahead and knock FEMA, until you need it, you will be the first in line. | |
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| | | | | | | pnh102Reptiles Are Cuddly And PrettyPremium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy said by lv66vette:Go ahead and knock FEMA, until you need it, you will be the first in line. At which point you will be like the poor saps in New Orleans and New York who did not heed the warnings and prepare. Starving and without energy.
We should all simply accept that when (not if) disaster strikes, you will be on your own and no government help will come at all. Plan and prepare accordingly. It is not that hard to do.
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USA 2012 - the mooches won. | |
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| | | | | | | | | | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy said by pnh102:said by lv66vette:Go ahead and knock FEMA, until you need it, you will be the first in line. At which point you will be like the poor saps in New Orleans and New York who did not heed the warnings and prepare. Starving and without energy. We should all simply accept that when (not if) disaster strikes, you will be on your own and no government help will come at all. Plan and prepare accordingly. It is not that hard to do. How many people DIED in New Orleans waiting for the Feeble Excuse Making Agency? You BETTER be prepared to take care of yourself, because Washington won't.
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Isn't it sad that those that raise their right hand and swear "to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America" are usually the ones most likely to trash it. | |
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| | | | | | | | | Well, actually, you might do better with private insurance. Quite a few people have reported that their interacting with FEMA (and SBA) contributed more to their health problems than to their recovery. | |
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| | | | | pnh102Reptiles Are Cuddly And PrettyPremium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD | said by Linklist:Your attack on FEMA is based on one posters speculation that they're giving money to Verizon. I have found no proof of that anywhere.
This is government we are talking about. It is prudent to assume they are always doing the wrong thing until proven otherwise.
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USA 2012 - the mooches won. | |
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| | | | | CXM_SplicerLooking at the bigger picturePremium
join:2011-08-11
NYC
kudos:1 Reviews:
·Verizon FiOS
| said by Linklist:Your attack on FEMA is based on one posters speculation that they're giving money to Verizon. I have found no proof of that anywhere.
TRUST ME... if someone else wasn't paying the bill, Verizon wouldn't have us working 12 hr days, 7 days a week; they have lobbied away most of the regulations that would require them to expedite repairs. Verizon has to declare a 'State of emergency' (which forces us to work) in order to get the bucks from Uncle Sam. I don't have proof that it is FEMA but it seems likely since they are tasked with infrastructure recovery... the managers quite openly state we get money from them. Maybe it was just a coincidence that immediately after the FEMA relief fund for hurricane Irene was closed, Verizon's emergency was over and our overtime cut. I will try to dig up some documentation tomorrow at work. | |
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| | |  alchav
join:2002-05-17
Palm Desert, CA | said by CXM_Splicer:There are a couple of reasons:
- Because FIOS is not available everywhere the copper was damaged
- The regulations are different for FIOS and people should not be forced on to it
- It will take much longer to move people into FIOS as opposed to simply fixing the copper
- In all likelihood, FEMA is giving them money to FIX the copper... not ignore it.
For an area that isn't livable right now and must be completely rebuilt I can see Verizon doing this; there is no reason to put copper into a greenfield area. Where there are people living and businesses trying to open this should be illegal.
This is Old Union Mentality, replace Obsolete Copper for job security. You can't fix Copper you have to replace it, so why not do it with Fiber. Copper is even more expensive these days. So spend the money wisely and put it into Fiber connecting equipment that is not obsolete and going to be taken out soon. Verizon in a crises like this does not worry about where the funds are coming from, they could sort that out later. Like I said before, Verizon main concern is The Customer, but they will work in the fastest, most efficient way possible, and utilize their funds effectively. | |
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| | | | CXM_SplicerLooking at the bigger picturePremium
join:2011-08-11
NYC
kudos:1 Reviews:
·Verizon FiOS
1 edit | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy quote:
This is Old Union Mentality, replace Obsolete Copper for job security. You can't fix Copper you have to replace it, so why not do it with Fiber. Copper is even more expensive these days. So spend the money wisely and put it into Fiber connecting equipment that is not obsolete and going to be taken out soon. Verizon in a crises like this does not worry about where the funds are coming from, they could sort that out later. Like I said before, Verizon main concern is The Customer, but they will work in the fastest, most efficient way possible, and utilize their funds effectively.
Strangely, your post didn't address a single one of the problems I brought up. Your dismissal as 'old union mentality' isn't going to help the people who will be out for months waiting for a FIOS roll-out nor the people who live in areas without a franchise (IOW, no chance of FIOS).
There is little doubt in anyone's mind that the shareholders are Verizon's main concern; pretending otherwise is akin to believing in Santa Claus. | |
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1 edit | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy said by CXM_Splicer: There is little doubt in anyone's mind that the shareholders are Verizon's main concern; pretending otherwise is akin to believing in Santa Claus.
There IS a Santa Claus, for Verizon anyway. It's name was Sandy this time, and came just a little early and Verizon is going to Ho Ho Ho all the way to the bank.
Before you start, there's a Tooth Fairy too. She rips the gold crowns from taxpayers mouths at night to pay for it all. Her initials are I.R.S.
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Isn't it sad that those that raise their right hand and swear "to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America" are usually the ones most likely to trash it. | |
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| | | | | alchav
join:2002-05-17
Palm Desert, CA | said by CXM_Splicer: quote:
This is Old Union Mentality, replace Obsolete Copper for job security. You can't fix Copper you have to replace it, so why not do it with Fiber. Copper is even more expensive these days. So spend the money wisely and put it into Fiber connecting equipment that is not obsolete and going to be taken out soon. Verizon in a crises like this does not worry about where the funds are coming from, they could sort that out later. Like I said before, Verizon main concern is The Customer, but they will work in the fastest, most efficient way possible, and utilize their funds effectively.
Strangely, your post didn't address a single one of the problems I brought up. Your dismissal as 'old union mentality' isn't going to help the people who will be out for months waiting for a FIOS roll-out nor the people who live in areas without a franchise (IOW, no chance of FIOS). There is little doubt in anyone's mind that the shareholders are Verizon's main concern; pretending otherwise is akin to believing in Santa Claus. Remember we are mainly talking about Phone Service, replacing the Copper only deals with Phone and maybe old DSL Internet.
- Because FIOS is not available everywhere the copper was damaged.
Verizon is a Service Company, and they will work with what is available to serve their Customers as fast and efficiently as possible. If there is Fiber there they will use it, if not Verizon will make plans to run Fiber or in some cases where this is not feasible existing Copper will be replaced. A Service Company is there to provide Service.
- The regulations are different for FIOS and people should not be forced on to it.
Regulations for Phone are no different whether on Copper or Fiber. Most people will not know the difference as long as they get Dial Tone.
- It will take much longer to move people into FIOS as opposed to simply fixing the copper.
If the Fiber is there all they have to do is install the Interface Equipment and fire it up Dial Tone is there. Should be no problem.
- In all likelihood, FEMA is giving them money to FIX the copper... not ignore it.
Like I said, Verizon is not worried about the funding, they are a Service Company, and they will provide Service to their Customers in the fastest most efficient way. | |
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| | | | | | CXM_SplicerLooking at the bigger picturePremium
join:2011-08-11
NYC
kudos:1 Reviews:
·Verizon FiOS
| Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy quote:
Verizon is a Service Company, and they will work with what is available to serve their Customers as fast and efficiently as possible. If there is Fiber there they will use it, if not Verizon will make plans to run Fiber or in some cases where this is not feasible existing Copper will be replaced. A Service Company is there to provide Service.
I guess you didn't understand my first post... existing copper is NOT being replaced, that's the point. If you want to pretend that it is, why not just save yourself a step and pretend their phones are already fixed?
quote:
Regulations for Phone are no different whether on Copper or Fiber. Most people will not know the difference as long as they get Dial Tone.
Wrong. FIOS is VoIP, are you familiar with it? Try and call your state PSC and tell them your Vonage or Magic Jack isn't working and you want to file a complaint.
quote:
If the Fiber is there all they have to do is install the Interface Equipment and fire it up Dial Tone is there. Should be no problem.
Well, that I almost agree with... at least those people will get dial tone back. Problem is many don't want FIOS; as was just made perfectly clear, it is unreliable in a power outage. Many don't want to be responsible for replacing a backup battery. Many don't want a large box added to the side of their house. Many don't want to wait the weeks or months it will take to get FIOS to them.
What about the people where the fiber isn't there? What should I tell them?
How about the people who aren't getting fiber and who's copper isn't getting fixed? What should I tell them? Just that it 'should be no problem'? | |
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| | | | | | | alchav
join:2002-05-17
Palm Desert, CA |  Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy
quote:
Verizon is a Service Company, and they will work with what is available to serve their Customers as fast and efficiently as possible. If there is Fiber there they will use it, if not Verizon will make plans to run Fiber or in some cases where this is not feasible existing Copper will be replaced. A Service Company is there to provide Service.
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I guess you didn't understand my first post... existing copper is NOT being replaced, that's the point. If you want to pretend that it is, why not just save yourself a step and pretend their phones are already fixed?
I said Verizon is a Service Company, and if the Copper is not being replaced there is a good reason. Fiber is a better Infrastructure, and Verizon is probably headed in that direction.
quote:
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Regulations for Phone are no different whether on Copper or Fiber. Most people will not know the difference as long as they get Dial Tone.
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Wrong. FIOS is VoIP, are you familiar with it? Try and call your state PSC and tell them your Vonage or Magic Jack isn't working and you want to file a complaint.
Splicer, I know you mean well but you are way off base, FiOS Phone is not VoIP it is a form of Packet Switching. The Phone Data comes over Fiber to the Interface Equipment, and out the RJ11 Jack over the Home Copper Wiring. To the Average Person it's transparent, the Dial Tone sounds a little different. I have an Ooma Line which is VoIP and connected to my Router and the calls come over my Internet connection. Another Digital Phone is TWC that comes over Coax to their Modem...Packet Switching.
quote:
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If the Fiber is there all they have to do is install the Interface Equipment and fire it up Dial Tone is there. Should be no problem.
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Well, that I almost agree with... at least those people will get dial tone back. Problem is many don't want FIOS; as was just made perfectly clear, it is unreliable in a power outage. Many don't want to be responsible for replacing a backup battery. Many don't want a large box added to the side of their house. Many don't want to wait the weeks or months it will take to get FIOS to them.
What about the people where the fiber isn't there? What should I tell them?
How about the people who aren't getting fiber and who's copper isn't getting fixed? What should I tell them? Just that it 'should be no problem'?
You are correct FiOS does have some draw backs, the biggest being Power. Sometimes progress has it's short comings, but I'm sure in the future this will be worked out. Bottom line is that Copper Equipment is obsolete and will be eliminated. If the Fiber is not there it will be laid, and like I said, if it's not feasible to run Fiber I'm sure Copper will be used. Verizon will not leave anyone without Service. | |
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| | | | | | | | CXM_SplicerLooking at the bigger picturePremium
join:2011-08-11
NYC
kudos:1 Reviews:
·Verizon FiOS
| Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy You are apparently unfamiliar with Verizon's Digital Voice service which is the only option for new subs (which storm victim conversions will be) and is a VoIP service. If you make a change to your account, they also will put you on DV service; like it or not.
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FiOS_Digital_Voice
This thread will enlighten you:
»The end of Freedom Essentials
You (and others here) claim that copper is obsolete despite the fact that there are hundreds of thousands of customers across the country still working on it. Do you work for Verizon? Shareholder perhaps? Maybe a contracted PR company? Many people (almost always with a financial interest) claim that any form of less regulation is 'progress'. Your version of progress apparently includes leaving customers without service.
For more enjoyment and greater efficiency, consumption is being standardized. THX1138 | |
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See 6 replies to this post |
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| | | | | | | | | | Verizon will not leave anyone without Service. | |
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| | | | | | | | | | Verizon will not leave anyone without Service.
I am a Verizon customer, and I remain without service. I have been told, effectively, to screw off; I use DSL (working, so the twisted pair is fine...) and that means POTS, not FIOS. | |
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| | | | | | | | | alchav
join:2002-05-17
Palm Desert, CA | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandysaid by RudolfR:Verizon will not leave anyone without Service.
I am a Verizon customer, and I remain without service. I have been told, effectively, to screw off; I use DSL (working, so the twisted pair is fine...) and that means POTS, not FIOS.
In a crises like you have there in your area, Verizon will prioritize their work and try and to Service the most effected. Fiber is the Future Infrastructure, and if it is available Verizon will use it. You have elected to wait for the Copper to be replaced. So Verizon will take this into consideration, but will use it's resources with what is available now which is Fiber. When Verizon has time and resources to analyze the remaining un-served Customers, then the Copper may be replaced in certain areas or the Customers will be told their options. Remember Copper is old technology connected to old equipment, that will be removed eventually. | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | said by RudolfR:Verizon will not leave anyone without Service.
I am a Verizon customer, and I remain without service. I have been told, effectively, to screw off; I use DSL (working, so the twisted pair is fine...) and that means POTS, not FIOS.
Most states have a "Public Service Commission" or "Public Utilities Commission" that rule copper and certain legal requirements for copper's maintenance. Perhaps you should call yours and see if they can assist you in your situation.
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Isn't it sad that those that raise their right hand and swear "to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America" are usually the ones most likely to trash it. | |
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| Reviews:
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| my dsl has been down since sandy as has the pots service all over my neighborhood of manhattan. our verizon co was severely damaged in the storm. my repair ticket currently has an expected resolution date of dec 1. this hasn't stopped verizon from aggressively knocking on doors in my apartment building to try to upsell us fios. my wife let them in because they were wearing verizon uniforms and she thought they were here to repair the phones. i don't need a big box stuck to the wall of my apartment like my neighbors have with the wires snaking all over the place. my dsl setup is very neat and there is nothing i need to upgrade. i can stream movies use voip and two laptops simultaneously. just fix my dsl, please and take your triple play and go suck an egg! | |
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| | CXM_SplicerLooking at the bigger picturePremium
join:2011-08-11
NYC
kudos:1 | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy Your DSL will NOT be repaired. You will be moved to FIOS under the same price you are currently paying (for now). If you don't want that option, you will have to go with another carrier. | |
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| | alchav
join:2002-05-17
Palm Desert, CA | Splicer is correct, if your Verizon C.O. was damaged they are going to disconnect and pull out all that Old DSL Equipment, and not replace the Copper, especially when there is Fiber. I know sometimes it sucks to upgrade, but those are the heart aches of progress. The new Equipment and Wiring should be out of site, in a Closet and the Wiring in the walls. | |
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| | | It is a shame that Verizon refuses to fix copper lines and are forcing customers to eat a fios sandwich or starve. I refused fios when the technicians told me that they were not going to fix the copper. I also lodged an informal complaint with the FCC. They WERE EXTREMENLY INTERESTED AND RECOMMENDED THAT I ALSO CONTACT THE NEW JERSEY ATTORNEY GENERAL. I feel like I was denied 911 service when the refused to fix my copper. I am also a first responder and the cell coverage is terrible where I am. I contacted the cable company and am awaiting cable but I will never buy anything related to Verizon after this stunt. | |
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| | CXM_SplicerLooking at the bigger picturePremium
join:2011-08-11
NYC
kudos:1 Reviews:
·Verizon FiOS
| Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy I completely agree with you and I don't think what they are doing should be legal. There are thousands of other customers in your position who are (were) still on copper because they have already refused FIOS... they want to keep their copper for various reasons. This is Verizon's way to force you on to the more profitable network where you will be treated to a barrage of junk mail, contracted door to door sales-people, & phone calls to upgrade your service to the latest triple play offering (if you aren't getting enough of it now). While they will
I really wouldn't have a problem with what they are doing IF:
- FIOS was reliable in a power failure. By reliable I mean indefinitely, powered by the generators in the CO. As everyone now knows, an 8 hour backup battery doesn't cut it.
- There was some guarantee of quality of service and repair time. There used to be regulations that provided these for POTS through the state PSC's.
You will hear many people in here (some of them shareholders) explaining that 'This is progress and you should just get with the program' using various rhetoric. Sorry, they are all wrong; it is not PROGRESS to force people to an inferior service for the sake of profitability. I am glad you notified the FCC and would also encourage you to notify your State Atty. general and the NJ PSC. I have been telling people to file a complaint with the NY Atty general and the PSC despite the fact that I could be fired for doing so. I hope this turns out in your favor but I don't have a lot of hope; most business today are forgoing quality for higher profits... it is a trend they are being allowed to get away with. | |
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| | | Hmn. This thread seems to be turning into a rant on Big Government. Interesting but beside the point.
First, note I live in Tribeca, spitting distance from the NYTelCo HQ which VerizonNY claims was so thoroughly damaged.
I have perfectly adequate DSL provided by Earthlink, the last mile on one of my two PSTN lines. I have had 'net access on that connection for nearly a week. I can infer with reasonable assurance that at least one of the twisted-pairs is fully functional between here and the NYTelCo CO and has been for some time. I can also infer with reasonable assurance that a good deal if not all of the requisite supporting hardware is also fully functional.
But as was reported elsewhere, Verizon sales and field-repair staff are saying that they are not doing anything but repairing fiber-optic (and interestingly, not including in that FIOS) customers, and there is no plan to restore a dialtone to PSTN customers.
The evidence seems to be (1) the damage to the PSTN net was not as severe as Verizon claimed, (2) such damage as there was to the PSTN network has been repaired and (3) Verizon is using its monopoly position to compel customers to switch to more expensive, less effectively regulated, proprietary FIOS. This could in turn restrict independent ISPs from competition, with consequent implications for the openness of the Internet.
I see only two ways of effectively dealing with this: Either VerizonNY (as distinct from the holding company Verizon Communications) has to be forced into the hands of receivers or it needs to be taken over for a specific time-period, following the model of the U.S. Railroad Administration of WW1 fame. Either way, a new operations model and infrastructure plan can be developed, and company money expended without concern for stockholders, ROI and so on. | |
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| | | I'm a newbie, arrived because I resisted Verizon's pressure to change from copper to FIOS when they brought FIOS to my neighborhood 2-3 years ago.
My reasoning was copper landlines are extremely reliable. In my many decades of life and several natural disasters, I have never lost copper landline service even through long power failures.
However, in the recent Northeast blizzard, my copper landline went down. Why? Come to find out Verizon removed the backup generators for copper from its central offices.
Since the storm Verizon has been showing up in my neighborhood, including at my house, to change people from copper to FIOS with no notice. I sent the guy away until I could look at my alternatives. They claim that they're doing this because of "numerous reports of outages" at my phone and in the community. Yeah, well that's ONE report of my phone being out because of what turned out to be their removal of the generators and I am sure the other reports are likely the same.
So I'm stuck. I hear different things from Verizon about copper service: (1) I can keep it until it needs repair at which point they won't repair it, or (2) they will unilaterally discontinue it at some point. Anyone know, and if the latter when? Neither Verizon customer service (sic) or the local PUC people seem to know.
I will change to Cox phone service eventually, it seems, although I'm not sure when. I don't like the copper discontinuation hanging over my head, but I have Cox Internet access and it is not all that reliable. About once a month it goes down for several hours and recently it went down for three days. No way will Verizon get any more of my business once the copper goes away.
Of course, I have a cell phone, but that is battery limited as well. And by the way, Verizon FIOS went down in the storm also. A repair guy told me that that was because "it goes through some equipment that runs on commercial power" on a nearby street.
Just venting and hoping someone has some constructive thoughts. | |
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| | | | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy Your State's PUC SHOULD be able to tell you under what terms Verizon is contractually obligated to maintain your copper. If they can't you might want to call your local representatives (State Senator and Assembly person) and ask why the people at the PUC are being payed if they don't even know the rules they are regulating. It won't do much in the end as Verizon OWNS everyone, but they will at least make an effort to give you an answer.
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"when the people have suffered many abuses under the control of a totalitarian leader, they not only have the right but the duty to overthrow that government." - The U.S. Declaration of Independence | |
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| | | | | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy Well, here's the latest word.
Verizon is discontinuing service to copper customers in my area in RI in about two weeks.
All of these customers, as far as I know, now have working service. "My area" is a small community where I have various cousins sprinkled around and people my family has known for generations, so I take our experiences - copper phones back working when power came back - as a good sample. I am not sure how much bigger the service discontinuation area is than my community.
The local PUC has been no help. I have been emailing with a low level guy who parrots that stuff about fiber being the "wave of the future" and apparently has no conception of phone reliability in natural disaster issues, which is only going to get more serious as natural disasters increase.
I postal mailed the one PUC commissioner who seems, from his online resume, to be smart; I don't expect this to accomplish anything, but I'm going to make a commotion just on general principles.
It's that email PUC guy who told me Verizon had pulled the backup generators for copper from the central office, which is why our phones were down in the blizzard-related power failure. There was never any notice to customers about that. I am now regretting that I originally told Verizon 2-3 years ago when they tried to change me to FIOS then that I wanted to stay with copper because of the power failure reliability, because they have treated us so badly (including lying) that I think they probably removed the generators exactly because customers were telling them that. Yes, paranoia, but sometimes they really are out to get you and I think they are in this case.
I called the FCC and a very nice lady went off to talk to someone and came back to say that "since it involved landlines" I should talk to my local PUC. I wrote the head of the FCC anyway.
So I have an appointment with Cox to take over my phone service in about a week.
Some questions -
Cox's battery backup at my house will last eight hours, they say, which "seems" to be wall clock time I am not sure how actually using the phone during that time affects how long the battery lasts, or if using the Cox Internet connection affects it. Does anyone know about the battery backup? (Cox customer service told me varying things.)
Also, someone mentioned to me that a relatively cheap ($80-$100) UPS possibly could provide additional backup. If the modem (there is apparently one that handles both the phone and Internet connection, according to Cox customer service) draws a low enough amount of power, I'll look into that.
What about the actual phones in a power failure? I am guessing that only the one that doesn't run off a brick will be working? Or is it the brick ones that I have plugged into the UPS that will work?
Thanks very much anyone for any info. | |
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| | | | CXM_SplicerLooking at the bigger picturePremium
join:2011-08-11
NYC
kudos:1 Reviews:
·Verizon FiOS
1 edit | Re: Verizon not going to replace copper damaged by Sandy It is a shame they are being allowed to get away with this. Where are our consumer advocates? If yours was an isolated case I could understand but there are still thousands of people and small businesses in lower Manhattan that have been without phone service since the storm! They don't have any other options, they are simply waiting for Verizon to roll-out FIOS. I also know they are simply pulling-the-plug on working customers in the Rockaways and blaming it on the storm. Phone service has gone from a regulated utility to a commodity and no one seems to care. Maybe (since they don't care about copper anymore) I will pull the plug on some of the local police stations, lawyers, and politicians' offices and let Verizon tell them they have to wait for FIOS.
I am sorry, I don't have an answer for your battery-backup questions; if you don't get an answer in this thread, try the Cox HSI forum, they will probably know:
»Cox HSI
From a Verizon employee that actually cares about the customers, please accept my apologies. | |
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1 edit | A normal (wired phone with no external power) that is plugged into the modem will continue to work for as long as the battery backup for the modem works. A wireless phone will cease working immediately because the base station (which is the interface to the phone network) will no longer have power. Any decent (computer type) UPS should power the modem and a base station for a day or two as they don't draw a lot of current (even combined, compared to a computer). You can lengthen that time by unplugging the base station when you are not making a call, but you won't be able to receive calls. You can get a good idea of how long your setup will last by unplugging the UPS when you have power OR, you can find out the capacity of the UPS and the combined draw of the base station and modem and do the math (this might help »www.csgnetwork.com/upssizecalc.html) to get a rough idea. Of course from there, you can get a small generator or power inverter (NOT the cheap, cigarette lighter kind!) for your car to keep the UPS going, the possibilities are endless.
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"when the people have suffered many abuses under the control of a totalitarian leader, they not only have the right but the duty to overthrow that government." - The U.S. Declaration of Independence | |
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| |  Zombie Attack in China commuter train
Other than that here is a magical video that I ran into
Zombie Attack in China
»www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9GLIlHiFf8
»youtu.be/K9GLIlHiFf8 | |
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| CXM_SplicerLooking at the bigger picturePremium
join:2011-08-11
NYC
kudos:1 | Re: Zombie Attack in China commuter train Yes, the Colorado and Washington voter decisions should provide some interesting news in the near future. | |
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| | pnh102Reptiles Are Cuddly And PrettyPremium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD | Re: Zombie Attack in China commuter train said by CXM_Splicer:Yes, the Colorado and Washington voter decisions should provide some interesting news in the near future.
I hope this is the beginning of the end of the "War on Drugs." This policy runs completely afoul of the principles of limited government as it exerts a flagrant and blatant disregard for the Constitution and due process.
Not to mention it is not effective. More people than ever now use drugs that are deemed to be illegal.
I hope the federal government respects the decisions made by the people of each of these states.
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USA 2012 - the mooches won. | |
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| | | | | Re: Zombie Attack in China commuter train Zombie Attack is destined to disappoint any gamer who craves for novelty and surprises without charge, though it does successfully fuse zombies and slingshot, the two most popular gaming elements recently. | |
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| |  Tech and the visually impaired
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LinklistPremium
join:2002-03-03
Longport, NJ
kudos:5
1 edit |  Apple & HTC declare a 10yr ceasefire in their patent war
»techcrunch.com/2012/11/10/apple-···awsuits/
Press release from Apple:
HTC and Apple have reached a global settlement that includes the dismissal of all current lawsuits and a ten-year license agreement. The license extends to current and future patents held by both parties. The terms of the settlement are confidential.
“HTC is pleased to have resolved its dispute with Apple, so HTC can focus on innovation instead of litigation,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC.
“We are glad to have reached a settlement with HTC,” said Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. “We will continue to stay laser focused on product innovation.” | |
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| KrKHeavy Artillery For The Little GuyPremium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK | Re: Apple & HTC declare a 10yr ceasefire in their patent war Maybe they are beginning to see the light. | |
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| | wifi only phone Why won't anyone make a wifi only smartphone? Google keeps talking about changing the wireless industry by selling phones directly to consumers, this seems like the best way to shake up the status quo. Data plans costs are ridiculously expensive and it is only getting worse with caps. | |
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| Lazlow
join:2006-08-07
Saint Louis, MO | Re: wifi only phone You can use Samsung's media player (or any other android wifi only device with a speaker and microphone) this way. Yep, they got an (several) app for that. | |
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 ARGONAUTgot android?Premium
join:2006-01-24
New Albany, IN
kudos:1 | WOW I'm not saying anything. | |
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| ARGONAUTgot android?Premium
join:2006-01-24
New Albany, IN
kudos:1 | Re: WOW 
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“math you do as a Republican to make yourself feel better” -- Jon Stewart | |
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