Commenters: Wireless Isn't a Real Substitute for Wireline Phones
The FCC is getting comments from consumers who don’t want the agency to speed up the retirement of copper networks, arguing that wireless connections aren’t a suitable alternative. Comments were posted Thursday in docket 25-208. In July, commissioners approved an NPRM on ways to accelerate copper retirements (see 2507240048).
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“AT&T is pushing citizens to phase out landlines at a time when there is no comparable emergency communication service -- cell phone networks failed in California fire disasters, while landlines continued to function,” said Lisa Henderson in a typical filing. “AT&T claims that people are abandoning landlines, when what has actually been occurring is that people are being told that AT&T no longer services copper landlines, and won't install landlines any more.”
“Copper landlines are more reliable than cell communication,” said Lucia Thompson. “We need the copperline network for reliable emergency communication.”