Stafford County Residents Encouraged to Share Experiences with FCC Regarding Verizon Landline Proposal

Stafford County Government is informing residents and businesses that Verizon has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking approval to discontinue certain traditional copper-based landline telephone services in Virginia and other states.

The FCC is accepting public comments on the proposal through September 10, 2026.

The application concerns legacy copper-based telephone service, often called a traditional home phone or landline. Verizon states that replacement voice service may be available through fiber- or cable-based internet phone service, fixed wireless service or mobile wireless service. The type of replacement available may vary by location.

For many customers, a modern replacement service may work well. However, Stafford County recognizes that dependable alternatives are not available in every part of the community, and a change in service could have important consequences for residents, businesses and public safety.

Residents are encouraged to provide the FCC with direct, specific information about their own experience, particularly if they rely on a traditional landline because another option is not reliable or reasonably available at their address.

Examples of information that may be helpful to share include:

• Areas where cellular service is weak, inconsistent or unavailable inside or outside the home.

• Locations where wireless calling drops, cannot reliably connect or cannot support dependable calls to 911.

• Lack of fiber, cable or other wired broadband service at a residence or business.

• Concerns about replacement service requiring electricity, particularly during extended power outages when backup batteries may be limited or unavailable.

• Reliance on a landline for emergency communications, medical monitoring equipment, home security systems, elevator phones, fire alarm systems or other essential services.

• Experiences in which a landline has been the only dependable means of communication during severe weather, power outages or other emergencies.

• The cost, equipment requirements, or service limitations that would prevent a replacement option from being a reasonable substitute.

Comments are most useful when they describe the specific location or general area affected, the service currently used, the replacement options tried or available, and the practical effect of losing copper-based service. Residents should avoid including sensitive personal information in a public filing.

Comments may be filed through the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System. Filings should reference:

• WC Docket No. 26-227

• Comp. Pol. File No. 2178

• Link: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express

The FCC's public notice and filing information are available at docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-890A1.pdf.

Stafford County encourages residents and businesses with relevant experience to make their voices heard directly with the FCC by the September 10 deadline. Public input will help the FCC understand whether reasonable, reliable replacement service is truly available throughout the community. For more information, visit: www.staffordcountyva.gov/copper.