Rep. Huffman to FCC Commissioner: Neglect of Copper Networks Threatens Health, Safety of North Coast Residents

Statement

Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today commended Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler on his plan to ensure that rural North Coast residents are not harmed as telecoms retire and replace copper networks. In a letter sent this week, Huffman voiced his support for Chairman Wheeler's proposal before the FCC to update the agency's rules governing the retirement of copper networks as well as their replacement by next-generation technology.

Currently, some telecommunications providers are de facto retiring their copper networks - also known as retiring by neglect -- putting the health and safety of rural Americans at risk. Wheeler's proposal would change FCC rules and allow customers and the FCC to identify de facto retirement and take action when necessary. Wheeler's proposal also ensures that consumers who are switched from copper to fiber networks will be offered rates, terms, and conditions comparable to legacy service.

"My constituents… have had their health, safety, and livelihood compromised by the neglect of copper networks," Huffman said. "The retirement of copper networks by neglect-often referred to as de facto retirement-can have devastating impacts on communities, particularly those in rural America. I ask that the FCC be responsive to consumers that find their service has been discontinued, reduced, or impaired with the installation of next-generation networks."

Source