The FCC sought comment on Verizon’s Section 214...
The FCC sought comment on Verizon’s Section 214 petition to end landline service in parts of New York and New Jersey following the copper damage from last year’s Superstorm Sandy, said a Wireline Bureau public notice Friday (http://fcc.us/1amFnoz). The telco…
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proposed instead using the fixed wireless alternative known as Voice Link. Comments are due July 29 in docket 13-150. The FCC has discretion in whether to grant such requests, said the PN. “Balancing the interests of the carrier and the affected user community, the Commission generally considers a number of factors including: (1) the financial impact on the carrier of continuing to provide the service; (2) the need for the service in general; (3) the need for the particular facilities in question; (4) the existence, availability, and adequacy of alternatives; and (5) increased charges for alternative services, although this factor may be outweighed by other considerations.” The public notice described the debate over Voice Link that has emerged in recent months, laying out the concerns the New York State Public Service Commission pointed to in a May order granting Verizon conditional approval to deploy the service on Fire Island. The PN seeks comment on Verizon’s “waiver request, the steps it has taken to notify customers given the particular circumstances in this case, the availability of alternative services including the steps Verizon has taken to offer alternative service to customers, and any other relevant issues in light of the above mentioned factors,” it said. “What impact, if any, should the circumstances of this case have on the Commission’s traditional analysis, including the fact that many of the affected customers have already lost service? Is Voice Link service a reasonable substitute for the Affected Services? In addition to those discussed above, are there features, functions, or capabilities that were available over the Affected Services that would not be available over the Voice Link service?” The bureau asked stakeholders to comment on “the significance of the features, functions and capabilities that are not currently available over the Voice Link service” and “should identify whether any conditions could ensure that the discontinuance of Verizon’s wireline service does not harm the public interest.”