Angelino Sought Hearings on Verizon Landline Cuts
The assemblyman urged regulators to investigate Verizon's plan to discontinue landline service for New York residents.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Telecommunications
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Assemblyman Joseph Angelino has formally requested public hearings from the Federal Communications Commission and the New York Public Service Commission regarding Verizon's plan to terminate landline service. The appeal aims to protect New Yorkers who rely on traditional phone lines for essential communication.
Why it matters
Many residents in rural upstate New York experience unreliable cellular service and depend heavily on landlines for connectivity. Hearings would allow the public to express concerns over potential service gaps as the provider moves to phase out these systems.
Approximately 40% of New York households still maintain active landline service. Residents can contact the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 or the PSC at 1-800-342-3377 to file formal complaints regarding the proposed service changes.
The players
Joseph Angelino
Joseph Angelino is an Assemblyman who represents constituents in New York and has raised concerns regarding telecommunications accessibility.
Verizon
Verizon is a major telecommunications provider that serves as the parent company for Frontier Communications and manages landline and cellular infrastructure.
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is the federal agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
New York Public Service Commission
The New York Public Service Commission is the state agency tasked with regulating telecommunications, electric, gas, and water services within New York.
The details
Assemblyman Joseph Angelino is pushing for regulatory oversight because Verizon, which operates as the parent company for Frontier Communications, intends to move away from landline infrastructure. The assemblyman argues that the transition poses risks to public safety in areas where cellular connectivity remains inconsistent.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Assemblyman Angelino called for public hearings.
The Tech Race
This move reflects the broader industry transition from legacy copper-wire networks toward modern, all-digital infrastructure. It pits the rapid decommissioning of aging assets against the ongoing challenges of providing universal communication access in rural markets.
Residents who rely on landlines for emergency services or daily communication may face significant disruptions if their service is discontinued without adequate alternatives. Consumers currently using these lines are encouraged to contact regulatory agencies to report their reliance on the existing infrastructure.
The takeaway
Reliable communication remains a critical necessity for rural residents who lack consistent cellular coverage in their homes. Establishing a dialogue with state and federal regulators is the primary path for citizens to influence the pace and support structures of telecommunications infrastructure shifts.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry shifts in the Telecommunications section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wbng.
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Should telecommunications companies be required to maintain landline service in rural communities?
