Letter: FCC landline shutdown disadvantages Arizona residents
I just found out that in August of last year,
the FCC authorized (www.fcc.gov/document/
fcc-grants-relief-outdated-burdensome-phoneindustry-regulations) telecom companies to end
copper wire landline phone service and switch to
phone service that uses the internet. This move
affects vulnerable groups in Flagstaff, and if the
federal government fails to protect them, the state
government should take action.
The FCC Order states that landline service
is costly to maintain and is holding us back
from transitioning to the next generation of
communication technology. However, try
explaining this to 1 million seniors in Arizona
(www.communityphone.org/landline/az#landlineusage-statistics) who still rely on landline service.
Many seniors struggle with using cell phones,
and their internet connection is often unstable. It’s
unimaginable to think of relying solely on such
an unreliable source of communication. Plus, they
lose internet access if the power goes out.
The FCC’s decision prioritizes the profits of
telecom giants over the needs of rural communities,
seniors, and those with poor internet connectivity.
The Arizona state legislature must act responsibly
and speak up for those who are most likely to be
left behind in this unnecessary push for “progress.”
Simon Marsh
Letter: FCC landline shutdown disadvantages Arizona residents
I just found out that in August of last year,
the FCC authorized (www.fcc.gov/document/
fcc-grants-relief-outdated-burdensome-phoneindustry-regulations) telecom companies to end
copper wire landline phone service and switch to
phone service that uses the internet. This move
affects vulnerable groups in Flagstaff, and if the
federal government fails to protect them, the state
government should take action.
The FCC Order states that landline service
is costly to maintain and is holding us back
from transitioning to the next generation of
communication technology. However, try
explaining this to 1 million seniors in Arizona
(www.communityphone.org/landline/az#landlineusage-statistics) who still rely on landline service.
Many seniors struggle with using cell phones,
and their internet connection is often unstable. It’s
unimaginable to think of relying solely on such
an unreliable source of communication. Plus, they
lose internet access if the power goes out.
The FCC’s decision prioritizes the profits of
telecom giants over the needs of rural communities,
seniors, and those with poor internet connectivity.
The Arizona state legislature must act responsibly
and speak up for those who are most likely to be
left behind in this unnecessary push for “progress.”
Simon Marsh