Do you still use a landline phone? For many in New York State, a landline is still their primary way of communicating with family and friends. The technology is about to phase out for some.
Verizon has asked the Federal Communications Commission to allow them the ability to end copper landline service in areas that have other options such as fiber.
Verizon says residents will be notified if their service is set to be changed.
Who's Likely Affected
Verizon has copper service active in many areas of the state, including parts of Syracuse, Cobleskill, Camden, Cortland, Gouverneur and Rome.
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Verizon is legally required to send notices via mail months in advance to customers whose specific lines are scheduled for retirement.
Version says there are ways to check to see if your address will be affected including a page online where they list active copper retirement filings.
You can also search the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System to see if your specific town or county has an active objection or notice filed.
Timeline Of Changes
It's important to note that Verizon is legally prohibited from terminating an existing copper voice line if another option isn't available for your home.
Verizon has notified customers in affected areas that traditional copper landline service could be phased out on or after November 30th of 2026, pending FCC approval.
In New York State, Verizon’s copper network retirements and legacy voice discontinuance applications affect specific local wire centers rather than entire regions all at once.
Because Verizon's footprint in New York covers a mix of dense suburban and rural pockets where legacy infrastructure still exists, these changes unfold through targeted filings.
What Will Customers Switch To
In areas where Verizon has built out its fiber network, customers are transitioned to fiber-optic cables.
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Users can keep their traditional phone numbers and plug their existing corded house phones into the new fiber equipment.
Another option is fixed wireless service, a wireless-based home phone box. A small device connects to Verizon’s local wireless network and customers plug their standard home telephone handset directly into the unit.
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