A diverse array of public interest organizations, content creators, and...
A diverse array of public interest organizations, content creators, and telecom providers asked the FCC to work with Verizon to “explore its planned discontinuance of standalone DSL and, if possible, to delay the implementation of a policy that would further…
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reduce the affordability and availability of broadband services to consumers,” according to a letter sent Thursday to Chairman Julius Genachowski by Public Knowledge, NASUCA and 15 others (http://xrl.us/bm58v4). Verizon announced last month it would stop selling DSL services in areas where its FiOS service is available (CD Apr 20 p11), and according to a Verizon letter sent to current standalone DSL users, as of May 6, Verizon said it would no longer offer high-speed Internet without local voice service on the same account. The letter by Public Knowledge and others expressed concern over what the groups called “forced” bundling, arguing the “tying scheme” would “act as a drag on the adoption of broadband and new IP technologies as well as alternative, competitive voice options by making other standalone services economically unattractive.” The groups said the FCC should use this development “as a reason to finish its examination of tying voice and broadband services,” which it started with a 2005 notice of inquiry. Verizon claimed it has proactively provided existing customers a 30-day advance notice, a spokesman said in an email. The vast majority of Verizon DSL customers like DSL as part of a bundle with home voice and TV service, he said. Bundling offers a better overall experience and value, he claimed. The decision reflects the broadband customer base at Verizon, he said. The move would allow Verizon to control its cost structure more effectively, he said. There won’t be changes to service for all existing DSL customers, he said.