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Verizon Seeks to End Copper Landlines in New York

Verizon has asked federal regulators to phase out copper-based landline service in New York, Pennsylvania and several other states.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Telecommunications

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of cut copper wire beside a single fiber-optic strand on a concrete ledge, with a utility pole in the distance, illustrating the shift from copper to fiber phone lines.
Verizon has asked the Federal Communications Commission to phase out copper landline service in New York and Pennsylvania, starting as early as November 30. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Verizon filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission on Sept. 9 to phase out copper-based landline services in New York, Pennsylvania and several other states. If the FCC approves, Verizon may begin discontinuing services starting Nov. 30, though the company says no customers will be disconnected in 2026.

Why it matters

The filing affects households that rely on traditional landline phone service, particularly where no alternative provider is available. Verizon says it determined through location assessments whether a viable alternative operator existed, and some households have been told they can keep copper service.

Verizon's FCC filing targets copper-based landline infrastructure, with services potentially discontinued starting Nov. 30 if approved. The FCC decision and final affected customer count remain unresolved.

The players

Verizon

Verizon is a major U.S. telecommunications company that operates one of the largest wireline and wireless networks in the country.

Federal Communications Commission

The Federal Communications Commission is the U.S. federal agency that regulates interstate and international communications and must approve Verizon's copper retirement request.

Paula Kay

Paula Kay is a New York State Assemblymember representing the 100th Assembly District, which includes parts of Sullivan and Orange counties.

Archtop Fiber

Archtop Fiber is a broadband provider building a $30 million fiber project in Sullivan County that has installed more than 210 miles of conduit.

The details

Verizon will dispatch a union technician to make the switch for customers, with billing unchanged. Verizon sent letters on Oct. 25 to some households stating no viable alternative operator exists at their location, allowing them to keep copper service.

Timeline

  1. Sept. 9: Verizon filed its FCC application to phase out copper landlines.

  2. Oct. 25: Verizon sent letters to some households allowing them to keep copper service.

  3. Nov. 5: Assemblymember Paula Kay hosted a community forum in South Fallsburg on the phaseout.

  4. Nov. 30: Verizon may begin discontinuing services if the FCC approves.

  5. June 2027: State extension deadline for the Archtop Fiber broadband project in Sullivan County.

Market Landscape

Verizon's request follows the FCC's copper retirement proceedings that have been advancing as carriers shift customers toward fiber and wireless service. The filing places New York and Pennsylvania among the states where legacy copper networks may be retired.

Households still using copper landlines may need to switch to an alternative service once the phaseout takes effect. Verizon says billing will remain unchanged for customers who are moved over.

The takeaway

Customers who rely on a landline should confirm with their provider whether their location is affected and what alternative service is available before any discontinuation date.

What happens next

The FCC will decide on Verizon's application, and Verizon may begin discontinuing services starting Nov. 30 if approved.

Further reading

Explore more Telecommunications coverage affecting New York households and broadband access.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Radio Catskill.

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