Verizon requests permission to retire copper network in major markets

Verizon Communications has requested regulatory permission to ‘retire’ its fixed line copper networks in selected markets from next year. According to a series of regulatory filings published by the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Wireline Competition Bureau on 7 September the telco seeks to deliver services via its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure and cease maintaining the copper facilities. Locations listed in the filings are the legacy Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) markets of Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maryland and Delaware. If approved the switchover will take effect on or after 28 February 2018.